Just replaced the air filter on our '09 RX @ 20K.

Looks like it was time as the filter was very dirty. Is this about how long they last? Someone mentioned to me about Lexus being a life time-filter, never heard of that though.

 

Doubt the OEM is lifetime. Only "lifetime" I am aware of is K&N with a "million mile life" and that's only with regular cleaning and reoiling of the filter element every 20-30K. Should be able to get one for the RX for $40-50 plus $20-$25 for the reconditioning kit. I plan to switch when its time to change my OEM for the first time.

If your speaking about the cabin air filter - doubt that as well.

Owners manual calls for replacement of both at 30K service - pg49 Scheduled Maint

 

Thanks, I forgot about the cabin filter completely. I'll have to get one of those before winter for sure.

 

lifetime filter, huh? I believe someone is having you on.

You can get a reusable K&N, like mentioned. But you have to clean it often, and cleaning it is a pain in the neck (need solvent, oil, etc). Far easier to just drop in a good paper filter every few months!

 

Filters are easy to evaluate, if they are dirty, replace. What is DIRTY? That's the hard part.

So others just rely on a prescribed frequency. 15K or 30K.

But I do both, 1) periodically I check them. If they are dirty and have passed my mileage marker, I replace. If it is so-so and have not hit my prescribed mileage...I put it back on. Then check again. If you make it a routine, saves you a lot in aggravation.

I use a checklist. But that's just me.

 

It's actually pretty easy if you make sure to always have one on hand. Take the old out, and compare with the new. If it's a little darker, put it back in. A lot darker, throw it away. Then go buy another new one and put it in the cabinet for the next time you want to check.

You'd be amazed at what you'd let pass for clean if you don't have a truly clean one to compare it to.

 

I agree, if it's dirty change it out, Filters are not that expensive in the first place

 

Good point on comparing a new to an old. I always keep a spare filter. Theu do not cost too much. I usually purchase them bulk, like 3 at a time, for all my cars, I save a bunch on shipping. I stack them in a corner and I glance at them to find out if I need to re-order. That's what you call visual control. Or you can use a kanban card.

 

cleaned my K&N every 6 months regardless of miles. Just dont douse k&N oil or you will be sorry. But the K&N pays for itself after 3 filters.

 

Dirty air filters generally do a better job of filtering than new and clean air filters. Problem is at some point they start to restrict air flow. When to replace is subjective, kind of like brakes or a clutch replacement interval depends on conditions.

 

I really advise against using K&N filters. If you look at one, it's just a thin sheet of filter material with some wire mesh around it. If you were to run one for 20k miles and then look at your intake tubing behind it, you'd find it covered in dust. They don't filter well at all. On top of that, the oil that they put on it is well known to destroy instrumentation in the intake system.

There's really no such thing as a lifetime filter. Unless the car lasts only a few thousand miles. I recommend taking it out every time you change the oil and inspecting the "dirty" side to see just how dirty it is. There's no standard of when to replace them - it depends on how and where you drive. If you spend a lot of time on the freeway through desert areas, you'll have to replace it much more often.

 

All this filter talks got me wanting to switch out to a new clean air and cabin filter

Can someone please provide part # and links to get it cheap and in bulk ? Is the air filter on a highlander identical to the RX ?Thanks

 

I used a WIX filter. Just went on line to get right numbers.