ryannx200t

Hi all,

I just got my NX200t in March and am coming up on 1500 miles. I know the factory says you don't need any services tik 5k (tire rotation) then 10k (synthetic oil change). With previous new cars I've changed the oil at 1500 miles to remove metal particles during the break in period. I assume the NX was shipped with full synthetic? Would it hurt to do an oil change at 1500 miles then the next at 10k?

Thanks,
Ryan

stressed

I personally don't see an issue with an oil change at 1,500. Lexus not recommending it is probably due to the extensive tests that were done prior to the launch of the vehicle.

My personal theory is I did rather go with a slightly cheaper engine oil but step up change frequency as compared to going for the best oil and having the longest oil change interval.

User 41924

I have always changed the oil at about 1000 miles for the same reason. I've read recently that this is much less of an issue now, primarily because of improved manufacturing techniques and much closer tolerances. There is a similar argument about not needing break in periods, too

That said, how about changing just the filter without changing the oil. This seems like a good compromise for people like you and me that aren't quite comfortable with the idea of "new engine contaminants" floating around inside my brand new engine for 5 or 10 thousand miles, and it would cost a lot less than a full oil change. Just an idea. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet, but no one has told me it's a bad idea.

olgzr

I normally change the oil on a new car at 1500 miles but we bought the NX with 4550 miles on it. It was a dealer demo. I did the first change at 5000 miles and had the dealer change the oil at 10K miles. I plan on doing 5K mile oil changes like I do on my other car and all previous cars.

NXNick

Since the '70s I've been using Mobil 1 in all of my cars. In new ones, my first oil change was also at 1500 miles, for the same reasons---metal shavings, contaminents, etc. I still will anyway, then regular changes every 5,000.

To each his(or her) own, but to me 10,000 miles between oil changes is too long, especially here in Arizona where it's 100° for half the year & everybody is zipping around at 80mph on the freeways. I admit it.....I baby my Baby.

Mr645

Not sure if that applies to Lexus or other cars, but my VW said in the manual "Do not change the oil prior to 5000 miles as the factory filled oil is designed for proper engine break in.

Every 10k seems about normal these days. We had a BMW that was every 15k

NXblue

I know on the Acura / RDX site this was discussed ad nauseum! I know I felt that the 10K for the first change seems like a long time for the first oil change, esp. for 0W-20 weight oil. In the RDX, w/ turbo, I just did it at 5k no matter what. However, that was 5W-20 weight oil & the Maintenance Minder was set for around 5K. After Lexus does the first oil change at 10K, I'll also do it at 5K every time there after. In hot weather like 100 degrees, I'd change it more frequently & might even use 5W-20 Mobil 1 until it cools off, then go back to 0W-20 oil. It's all up to what you feel is right, but stay to what the book says for the most part. I just don't agree to the length of time to do it. Cheap insurance for $50 (Oil & filter) rather than "toast" an engine! Quote from the book,
SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for
good fuel economy and good starting
in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE
5W-20 oil may be used. However, it
must be replaced with SAE 0W-20
at the next oil change.

Mr645

The two main factors that effect oil life are breakdown and contamination. Oil breakdown with the latest synthetics has been mostly eliminated. These oils can go 20, 25k miles and still have proper lubricating properties. The issue is fuel and other contaminants mixed in with the oil. The one that causes damage is fuel and other gasses from combustion. Small amounts of these contaminants reach the oil from blow by around the piston rings. These compounds erode bearings mostly, they also destroy the lubricating properties of the oil. However engine technology is always advancing and the tolerances are tighter and tighter, allowing less and less blow by to reach the oil. There are also additives in the oil to help combat the effect of oxidizing contaminants in the oil. That's a big reason 0-20 and 5-20 oil is typically used in most as these days. The gaps are much tighter then in older engines. materials and coatings are used for pistons, cylinders and other parts now have close thermal properties so clearances can be much tighter then years ago. The lighter weigh oil works much better in the modern engines . There are also less waste and less lubricating losses with the lighter weigh oils. So with less contaminants getting into the oil, it can be safely used longer and longer.

Tom59

40.00 for peace of mind - yup...If you leased it why bother unless you plan to buy it.

Safely use oil for 10k depending on where you live how hard you drive it. I also change the air filter early on especially with road salts , pollen and sand in the northeast.
You live on a dirt road change it.
Engines still break in hence your gas mileage improving over time. Break in's are wear in's which mean metal particles.

It won't hurt.

leslie11

In Singapore, the first service is at 1,000km and 10k km thereafter for Japanese cars.
European cars are serviced at intervals of 15k km.

It's interesting to compare the differences in approaches towards maintenance for the same cars.

NXNick

That really is strange.....I agree. Why would Lexus have such a short initial oil change only for your cars? That would REALLY be an important answer if a Lexus engineer/Lexus official could respond, please.

I have 1000 miles and may be willing to stretch that 1500 initial change to a higher amount based on solid info learned here. A really good question, thanks!

stressed

Would humidity and plentiful start/stop traffics be a factor?

NXNick

Good point. Then would Florida at least put it closer to Indonesia than the rest of NA? Or other parts of the world that are humid? I'd love to hear their reason.