Oil Change Interval
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
From: TX
Oil Change Interval
Lexus recommends service every 5K or 7500 miles on the RX330. But I do mine every 5K but I put only 3000 miles every 6 months.
So my question is should I wait for every 5K miles to reach to do oil change or should I still change oil every 6 months even if I drove only 3K miles in 6 months? I would really appreciate some opinions on this. Thanks!!
So my question is should I wait for every 5K miles to reach to do oil change or should I still change oil every 6 months even if I drove only 3K miles in 6 months? I would really appreciate some opinions on this. Thanks!!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
In your example you need to service your Lexus every 6 months. Consult the OM supplement for basic maintenance for what items are needed when. There are several other items besides oil that are required at specific intervals and you can see them on the chart.
I just posted this quote from my 2004 RX 330 manual in another thread.
First determine whether your driving conditions warrant the 5,000 mile or the 7,500 mile oil change intervals. Next, consult the appropriate OM suppliment for the service needed. In either case you should change your oil at least every 6 months and sooner of you reach the mileage targets (5,000 or 7,500) before 6 months has elapsed.
This distinction is not just about oil change intervals but some other maintenance items as well.
I just posted this quote from my 2004 RX 330 manual in another thread.
First determine whether your driving conditions warrant the 5,000 mile or the 7,500 mile oil change intervals. Next, consult the appropriate OM suppliment for the service needed. In either case you should change your oil at least every 6 months and sooner of you reach the mileage targets (5,000 or 7,500) before 6 months has elapsed.
This distinction is not just about oil change intervals but some other maintenance items as well.
Determining the Proper Maintenance Interval
Follow these guidelines to determine which interval to use.
5,000-Mile Intervals
Use 5,000-mile intervals if you primarily operate your vehicle under any of the following conditions:
•Extensive driving on unpaved or dusty roads.
•Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier.
•Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below freezing.
7,500-Mile Intervals
Use 7,500-mile intervals if you primarily operate your vehicle under conditions other than those listed above.
Your vehicle is equipped with a dashboard light to remind you when the engine oil needs to be replaced. The light is amber and labeled “MAINT REQD.” When you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, the light will illuminate for about three seconds to indicate that the reminder system is working properly.
After you have driven 5,000 miles since the vehicle’s last oil change, the light will illuminate for about three seconds and then flash for another 12 seconds when you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. If you use 5,000-mile maintenance intervals, you should replace the engine oil at your earliest opportunity once the light starts flashing.
After you have driven 7,500 miles since the vehicle’s last oil change, the light will remain illuminated when you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. When this occurs, you should replace the engine oil as soon
as possible, regardless of which maintenance interval you use.
Follow these guidelines to determine which interval to use.
5,000-Mile Intervals
Use 5,000-mile intervals if you primarily operate your vehicle under any of the following conditions:
•Extensive driving on unpaved or dusty roads.
•Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier.
•Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below freezing.
7,500-Mile Intervals
Use 7,500-mile intervals if you primarily operate your vehicle under conditions other than those listed above.
Your vehicle is equipped with a dashboard light to remind you when the engine oil needs to be replaced. The light is amber and labeled “MAINT REQD.” When you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, the light will illuminate for about three seconds to indicate that the reminder system is working properly.
After you have driven 5,000 miles since the vehicle’s last oil change, the light will illuminate for about three seconds and then flash for another 12 seconds when you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. If you use 5,000-mile maintenance intervals, you should replace the engine oil at your earliest opportunity once the light starts flashing.
After you have driven 7,500 miles since the vehicle’s last oil change, the light will remain illuminated when you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. When this occurs, you should replace the engine oil as soon
as possible, regardless of which maintenance interval you use.
Last edited by jfelbab; Jan 28, 2008 at 01:56 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 4
From: Lou-Evil KY
the reason why you may want to change the oil at 6 months even if you're not at 5k miles, is that you obviously aren't driving very much, or are just doing short distances. this does not allow the oil to get to full operating temp, which burns off moisture and other contaminants which always collect in the oil.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nowstime
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
10
Sep 11, 2008 05:47 PM
