5000mi oil changes even with synthetic?
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 34
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From: UT
5000mi oil changes even with synthetic?
Mobil 1 and Amsoil have products that are guaranteed for 20-25k. So why the heck does Lexus recommend 5k oil changes?
According to Consumer Report's chief mechanic, you should go by what the car manufacturer says, and nothing else.
My 2011 ES calls for the common 5k oil change. Lexus still stands by that, but say that engines taking 0w20 have been approved for 10k mile oil changes. Every other car I have is much older than my Lexus, and can do 10k oil changes no problem.
So why? I think part of the reason is that the only fully synthetic motor oil Toyota makes is 0w20. How could they recommend a longer oil change if they do not sell the synthetic that can last for that interval? But the flaw with this argument is that they also say "Engines that recommend 5w-20 or 5w-30 mineral oil, but allow the optional use of 0w-20 synthetic oil will CONTINUE to require 5,000-mile/6-month (whichever comes first) oil change intervals if the 0w-20 is used." WHY?????? Are certain Toyota engines more likely to contaminate and degrade oil? I can not think of any other explanation.
I think it would be interesting, if there is anyone out there that does extended interval oil changes, if they did a lab analysis like the $28 dollar Blackstone Labs test, and posted their results. This guy on youtube (
) gradually increased his oil change intervals to 35k using Amsoil in his VW, and he says he got to that interval by doing lab tests on the oil and slowly doing longer and longer intervals each time the oil was still fine. Not saying you should do 35k intervals, but 5k just seems so low for a modern car.
According to Consumer Report's chief mechanic, you should go by what the car manufacturer says, and nothing else.
My 2011 ES calls for the common 5k oil change. Lexus still stands by that, but say that engines taking 0w20 have been approved for 10k mile oil changes. Every other car I have is much older than my Lexus, and can do 10k oil changes no problem.
So why? I think part of the reason is that the only fully synthetic motor oil Toyota makes is 0w20. How could they recommend a longer oil change if they do not sell the synthetic that can last for that interval? But the flaw with this argument is that they also say "Engines that recommend 5w-20 or 5w-30 mineral oil, but allow the optional use of 0w-20 synthetic oil will CONTINUE to require 5,000-mile/6-month (whichever comes first) oil change intervals if the 0w-20 is used." WHY?????? Are certain Toyota engines more likely to contaminate and degrade oil? I can not think of any other explanation.
I think it would be interesting, if there is anyone out there that does extended interval oil changes, if they did a lab analysis like the $28 dollar Blackstone Labs test, and posted their results. This guy on youtube (
Last edited by ja1; Dec 12, 2018 at 12:14 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: NOVA
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Been using this on my wifes 2017 RX350 since hitting 10k. Now on my Ram 2500 Cummins, that's a different story. Ive been running Amsoil for years and obtained Lab / Oil Tests on for its purity (for lack of a better term) and each time I did it - the reports all come back stating its good to go at 10K Mile Oil Change Intervals. That's using an Extended Interval Oil Filter too. Wish I could lay claim to its use in the RCF, but I just don't drive the car as a Primary. I laughed when they started sending me Lexus Oil Change Reminders for the 10K Mile Service!
My suggestion would be to have an oil analysis done at varying mileages to determine how well the additive package is performing for that given interval. This will be specific for your car and driving scenario so that you can determine what is comfortable for you. I've done analysis from 4K to 14K miles and selected an interval is reasonable for ours. 5K is the safe margin though for some they may feel that it is a less effective yield for the $ at that interval. YMMV
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
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From: FL
My girl's 2011 IS250 has 158k miles on it and changes the oil every 7,500miles - 10,000miles full synthetic 10w30. The car performs flawlessly. It is all highway miles, so I would think it all really depends on driving conditions, stop/go or highway, etc.
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10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
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From: BC
Oil is cheap insurance compared to a new engine, people spend thousands on ceramic coating and what not so they won't get scratches or chips but cheap out when it comes to oil changes. Go ahead and stretch the interval to the max but I'll keep doing the 5k mile oil changes even with synthetic and my engine will last 300k miles if not more.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 207
Likes: 50
From: Oklahoma
Why is this so complicated. Mobil 1 + WIX or OEM filters Non-Turbo engine change every 8,000 miles. If it is a Turbo engine change every 5.000 miles. I care less about the recommendations of dealers. They will be glad to sell you an engine and oil is cheap.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2024
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Mobil 1 is highly overrated, Valvoline advanced is a better oil. Synthetic degrades like conventional, it just withstand heat better. I do 5k oci with synthetic.
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 208
Likes: 67
From: New York
I believe in 5,000 mile oil changes. Manufacturers changed to higher recommendations due to Govt regulations to reduce oil usage and maintenance costs, not what is best for the engine. Oil is recycled anyway, so it does not really help the environment.
I'm switching to Valvoline Restore and Protect, and WIX is one of the best filters.
I'm switching to Valvoline Restore and Protect, and WIX is one of the best filters.
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