RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

DIY first oil change at 5k miles

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Old 09-07-13, 10:58 PM
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droopy128
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Default DIY first oil change at 5k miles

Just did my oil change on the RX with 5k miles, didn't like the idea that it last 10k. Process was simple just like any other car, instead of a spin-on, it a canister .

I didn't bother to remove the center cap to drain from the canister (with the small o-ring), instead I just remove the whole canister.

Oil refill takes 6.5 quarts
2x jug (5 quarts jug, Mobile1 0w-20) and a filter, saving the extra oil for next time.

Total cost $60
Old 09-08-13, 08:53 AM
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SBRJ4
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Droopy:

where is the oil filter and the drain plug? Do you have to drop the plastic cover to find it.? Actually I have a CT200h, looks like you have an RX.
Old 09-08-13, 09:20 AM
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Evitzee
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$60 spent that was not necessary but it is your money. Full synthetic oils can easily go well over 10,000 mi in normal driving. Old habits die hard, but we aren't dealing with oil formulations from 50 years ago.
Old 09-08-13, 09:36 AM
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markrivers
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Originally Posted by droopy128
Just did my oil change on the RX with 5k miles, didn't like the idea that it last 10k. Process was simple just like any other car, instead of a spin-on, it a canister .

I didn't bother to remove the center cap to drain from the canister (with the small o-ring), instead I just remove the whole canister.

Oil refill takes 6.5 quarts
2x jug (5 quarts jug, Mobile1 0w-20) and a filter, saving the extra oil for next time.

Total cost $60
what made you choose 5,000? why not 3,000? ( most jiffy lube do it every 3,000 miles)

i love these DIY on all our cars/SUVs whether it's a Lexus or a Toyota. Having said that, i also trust the engineers who put up recommendations based on tons of research.

Evitzee is right, it's your money. Just make sure you're putting the right Synthetic oil.
Now i have to go back washing my 2013 RX350. i only use Evian. it makes all the difference
Old 09-08-13, 10:31 AM
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BarrettF77
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Originally Posted by SBRJ4
Droopy:

where is the oil filter and the drain plug? Do you have to drop the plastic cover to find it.? Actually I have a CT200h, looks like you have an RX.
Oil drain plug is middle passenger area side under the engine. Plug faces rearward. Oil filter should be in a cyclindrical shaped plastic piece with a silver circular cap that you put a wrench into at the base of the cylinder just in front of the oil pan. See no reason why you'd need to remove the cover. You actually don't even need to jack the car up if it looks as easy as I think it is. The skirt cuts off before you get to the oil pan.
Old 09-08-13, 11:55 AM
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RX330inFL
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Originally Posted by markrivers
what made you choose 5,000? why not 3,000? ( most jiffy lube do it every 3,000 miles)
No, he is doing it right since he is not using a synthetic oil. Mobile1 is just hemp oil. Not to be confused with Mobil 1. Haven't you ever heard their product jingle?

I'm goin' home
And when I wanna go home
I'm goin' Mobile

Old 09-08-13, 12:36 PM
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droopy128
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I chose to change it at the FIRST 5k, you can say..old habit. To me, i consider it the break-in period, thus the oil change, and will replace it again when reach 15k.

SBRJ4 - no need to remove skid plate, all accessible.

Mobile

Old 09-08-13, 12:53 PM
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Sevn86
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I drive a lot so I change my oil every 7,500 miles. I take it to Toyota and pay $15 for labor and bring in 6.5 quarts of Mobil 1 0W-20 (Advanced Fuel Economy) and an OEM filter. I also get to stand there while they do the service so i know whats being put in my car.
Old 09-09-13, 01:03 PM
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shaolin
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when i ask local dealer they advised they're not usuing the full synthetic oil, so i think it's good that you changed it at 5k. Anyway, most people who drive RX doesn't drive that hard so I believe even without full syn it should be good for 10k. just my 2...
Old 09-09-13, 06:57 PM
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UCSB
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OP, be sure and go into your Lexus maintenance records online and add your oil change manually to your cars official maintenance record. I also have my synthetic oil changed on shorter intervals; I think it is a good practice and cheap insurance.
Old 09-09-13, 07:26 PM
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markrivers
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Originally Posted by shaolin
when i ask local dealer they advised they're not usuing the full synthetic oil, so i think it's good that you changed it at 5k. Anyway, most people who drive RX doesn't drive that hard so I believe even without full syn it should be good for 10k. just my 2...
THEY should be reported to Corporate.
Whether it's a Toyota or a Lexus, if the manual says synthetic ( 0W-20), they have no business changing it on a whim.
These recommendations are back by years of research.

if others beg to differ, then Go ahead, use Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil
Old 09-16-13, 10:07 AM
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droopy128
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Originally Posted by UCSB
OP, be sure and go into your Lexus maintenance records online and add your oil change manually to your cars official maintenance record.
Thanks.. didn't even know about this, it pretty coo cuz i bring the car in to let them fix the rear seat cup holder lid button (got stuck, wont close, kids had a field day with it) and on saw the description of work done online..
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