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Please help - What engine oil to replace recommended

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Old Sep 18, 2014 | 04:27 AM
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Default Please help - What engine oil to replace recommended

Hello again!

First I have to say that I read lots of threads on what engine oil is suitable for a 2004 Lexus RX330. And I know the manual says Toyota Genuine Motor Oil, 5w30. Problem is: There is no Toyota Genuine Motor Oil, 5w30 where I live.

Oil change time has arrived and I need your input on what to chose among the following options (Note that I live in a climate that is hotter than the USA and I normally do short trips, long ones once in a while and drive rather aggressively):

Lexus Genuine Oil (by Toyota), 5w40;
Galp Formula F or G 5w30 synthetic (cert by Ford, Opel and GM);
Comet 5w30 synthetic (made in South Africa);
Castrol Magnatec 5w30 synthetic (they say the one sold here is made in South Africa and not Germany)

Should I chose the oil for the brand and change from 5w30 to 5w40 or find another brand and remain with 5w30? That's the main point.

Notes:

Previous solution: used synthetic Castrol Magnatec 5w30 the first oil replacement I did on the 125000 miles car.

I really do not know what oil was there before, because I bought the car used and the previous owner just left decisions for the shops. Notice a perceptible but not to worry increase in engine noise. Did not notice any leaks.
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Old Sep 18, 2014 | 06:06 AM
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I would stick with the Castrol Magnatec synthetic....5w40 would probably be your best bet in your warmer climate. The synthetic would give you the best overall protection regardless of temperature and also prevent sludge.
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Old Sep 18, 2014 | 07:45 AM
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Thank you very much, Thomas1. I just checked and the 5w40 made by Toyota for Lexus (in United Arab Emirates) is also synthetic. Do you still think The 5w30 from Castrol is better?

Technically, or better, for may engine, what does change if I go from 5w30 to 5w40?
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Old Sep 18, 2014 | 08:00 AM
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Stick to the 5W-30, good luck.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 07:52 AM
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Honestly, any engine oil that is rated at "API Service SM" (written somewhere on the bottle) will work for your car. The oil cap specifies which grade and go from there. If I only had non-synthetic, I would shorten the oil change interval and be happy while driving.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 08:03 AM
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What type of temperatures do you see there?

You should be fine with a 30 weight.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 09:04 AM
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Most of the year it ranges from 66F to 93F. What do you think!

Originally Posted by hypervish
What type of temperatures do you see there?

You should be fine with a 30 weight.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 09:07 AM
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Thanks for you input, Grumpa!
How short would you make your interval?

Originally Posted by Grumpa72
Honestly, any engine oil that is rated at "API Service SM" (written somewhere on the bottle) will work for your car. The oil cap specifies which grade and go from there. If I only had non-synthetic, I would shorten the oil change interval and be happy while driving.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Eliaquim
Most of the year it ranges from 66F to 93F. What do you think!
Those are mild temps, a 5W-30 will serve you well! No need to move to a heavier 40 weight.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 10:07 AM
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Thank you!
I just wanted to use the oil made by the brand, but I will keep using the Castrol Magnatec.

Originally Posted by hypervish
Those are mild temps, a 5W-30 will serve you well! No need to move to a heavier 40 weight.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Eliaquim
Thanks for you input, Grumpa!
How short would you make your interval?
I have always changed my oil at 5000 mile intervals using Mobil 1 synthetic. In harsher and/or dusty environments I might be inclined to go 3-4000 using conventional oils. My BMW diesel has an 11000 mile change interval but I halve that for many reasons.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 05:31 PM
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I always use Mobil 1 5W-30 and always stick with 5-5.5K miles intervals. Also always use Toyota OEM oil filters. I buy 10 filters at a time since it fits both my 08 Avalon and my wife's 08 RX350.
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Old Sep 19, 2014 | 06:29 PM
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Another vote for Castro. I've poured over this subject at bobstheoilsguy forum and seems that Castrol motor oils is VERY good for high mileage cars.
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Old Sep 20, 2014 | 01:32 PM
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I just put in some RedLine 5w30 and the car feels amazing. It was a noticeable difference for me. I picked up 6 quarts on Ebay and bought a half quart locally.
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Old Sep 24, 2014 | 01:22 PM
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Yes, I also do 5000 even with synthetic

Originally Posted by Grumpa72
I have always changed my oil at 5000 mile intervals using Mobil 1 synthetic. In harsher and/or dusty environments I might be inclined to go 3-4000 using conventional oils. My BMW diesel has an 11000 mile change interval but I halve that for many reasons.
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