I replaced front brake pads on jack stands and decided to change oil and filter. I added 5.8 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic, drove it around the block and checked the oil the next day. Oil is streaked on the dip stick about 6" making it difficult to read. It appears to be at the max level. It is very clear so I'm sure I fully drained it. Thoughts?

 

The 3rd generation RX350 takes 6.5 quarts of oil.

 

Should I add enough to make it 6.5 regardless of what I see on the dip stick?

 

Yes. This dipstick is very difficult to read and the oil does seem to stick all over it. You are not the first person to complain about this problem.
When checking the oil let it sit for an hour and it may be easier to read the dipstick. Then after a few hundred miles the oll will be a bit darker and easier to see.

 

Been driving since 1969. This 2015 RX350 dipstick is by far the most difficult to accurately read of any vehicle I have ever owned. It always requires several pull-and-wipes to get a decent reading, and I always do it first thing in the morning before the engine has been started.

 

It's a bad one, for sure. However...

"Hold my beer".
-Nissan 350z

 

I actually add about 6.25 quarts of cold engine oil since some old oil is still left in the oil pan/engine after a quick drain and fill. If you let the old oil drip out the oil pan overnight; then you may get all 6.4 quarts out of the oil pan.

When I add only 6.25 quarts the dip stick reads about full on the dip stick.

Note: The proper oil fill amount actually is 6.4 quarts not 6.5 quarts.

 

The dipstick on mine is hard to read too, so here's what I do.

Get a length of flexible but reasonably stiff clear (oil resistant) plastic tubing, at a diameter that will fit down the dipstick hole. Hold it against the dipstick and mark where the top of the dipstick is, as well as where the low and full marks are, with a sharpie. Stick tubing down hole as far as top dipstick mark, place thumb over end of tubing and pull it out. The bottom of the tubing will fill with whatever the level of oil is and can be easily read.

 

That 5.8 qt spec sounds like it’s for the 4RX. I just did my oil the other day and recall that number

 

Thanks for the advice, I will keep it in my mind.

 

I have a 2015 RX350. I have always changed my own oil for years. it's 6.4 qts. Don't over think it. After changing the oil and running it for 3 or 4 min. pull the dipstick wipe it off. Then find something to do for 10 min then come back and recheck. If still uncomfortable check it first thing in the morning before starting the car.