Oil Question
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 85
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Oil Question
Hey Everyone,
Stupid question, but does the 2008 RX 350 use synthetic oil or conventional grade oil? I am a former Bavarian guy so I am not sure...I am taking my new truck to Toyota for an oil change and am not sure/curious...
Thanks...
Stupid question, but does the 2008 RX 350 use synthetic oil or conventional grade oil? I am a former Bavarian guy so I am not sure...I am taking my new truck to Toyota for an oil change and am not sure/curious...
Thanks...
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
Your Toyota dealer will probably be using 5w20 or 0w20, ILSAC GF–4 engine oil. My dealer uses a synthetic on most newer vehicles and a partial synthetic on older models. I use a full synthetic 5w20 in my RX330.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Is your RX motor more peppier on the 5W20? Any unusual noises?
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
Conventional oil is standard, however, you can feel free to upgrade to synthetic if it makes you feel better. Just change every 5K and you will be fine. That is standard mileage for the Lexus as found in the Owner's Manual. Even those of us who use synthetic do not go beyond 7.5K between oil changes.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: California
• Can I use synthetic engine oil in my Lexus vehicle during its break-in period?
Synthetic oil can be used at the first scheduled oil change. Please note that the use of synthetic oil does not extend the recommended oil change intervals. Please refer to the Lexus Warranty and Services Guide for further information regarding the proper maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle. If synthetic oil is used after that time, it should be the same SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) weight specification and meet or exceed the API (American Petroleum Institute) grade specifications listed in the Owner's Manual. Even if synthetic oil is used, we do not recommend longer oil change intervals. Once synthetic oil is used, it is best not to switch back to petroleum-based oil.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I know,I saw that before. And some other company claims this as well. I personally dont think it hurts anything. Or I would be in trouble myself. Its their old school mentality. Synthetic oils (most anyway) say right on the bottle "compatable with other oils, Synthetic or Conventional"
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 668
Likes: 11
From: Ontario
Yeah, I think that knowledge centre needs to updated - case in point - they state they are not recommending longer OCI, but there is a TSB or letter from when they introduced their 0w20, claiming OCI could be extended to 10000 miles for certain vehicles and model years.
As for changing from synthetic to conventional, done it lots of times, know lots of people who do it, no problems. Most of the oil companies state it's not a problem either, and while Toyota may know how to make an engine, I bet the oil companies know a wee bit more about oil.
As for changing from synthetic to conventional, done it lots of times, know lots of people who do it, no problems. Most of the oil companies state it's not a problem either, and while Toyota may know how to make an engine, I bet the oil companies know a wee bit more about oil.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: AZ
What is partial synthetic oil.... For the most part half synthetic and half dino oil. So going back and forth is no problem. And even a "full synthetic" has dino oil in it. All the additives they put in are dino oil which is close to 20%.
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