Oil changes maintenance Schedule
Driver
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 136
Likes: 13
From: Japan
I was talking to my dealership service engineer (in Japan) the other day (had a 6 months checkup), and he said that even though Lexus recommends 15000km, he personally thinks 10000km is a better idea, since at 15000km the oil gets noticeably dirty. So I'll go with 10000km interval. Better spend money on oil than on fixing the engine 
In other news, it looks like ATF (transmission fluid) doesn't need any maintenance AT ALL for 4RX and basically any Toyota cars build in last 3-4 years (speaking of Japan though, so ymmv)
In other news, it looks like ATF (transmission fluid) doesn't need any maintenance AT ALL for 4RX and basically any Toyota cars build in last 3-4 years (speaking of Japan though, so ymmv)
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 4
From: AB
What Oil Change Maintenance Schedule Are You Following?
Before I am attacked with responses stating what the manufactures "recommended" maintenance schedules are, let me preface this with: "I am aware of what the manufactures recommendations are"
The question being asked is at what intervals are you actually having your oil changed at? I'm assuming most are following the schedule but I also know that some are having it done sooner.
Just curious as to how many are comfortable with the extended schedules as opposed to modifying it (keeping in mind we all live under different environmental conditions).
The question being asked is at what intervals are you actually having your oil changed at? I'm assuming most are following the schedule but I also know that some are having it done sooner.
Just curious as to how many are comfortable with the extended schedules as opposed to modifying it (keeping in mind we all live under different environmental conditions).
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: WA
As I don't drive more than 3500 or so miles every 6 months; I change the oil every 6 months. gives me piece of mind. I don't fall for the every 10k or once a year oil changes. I have seen too many slugged up engines from manufacturers extended oil change intervals.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Before I am attacked with responses stating what the manufactures "recommended" maintenance schedules are, let me preface this with: "I am aware of what the manufactures recommendations are"
The question being asked is at what intervals are you actually having your oil changed at? I'm assuming most are following the schedule but I also know that some are having it done sooner.
Just curious as to how many are comfortable with the extended schedules as opposed to modifying it (keeping in mind we all live under different environmental conditions).
The question being asked is at what intervals are you actually having your oil changed at? I'm assuming most are following the schedule but I also know that some are having it done sooner.
Just curious as to how many are comfortable with the extended schedules as opposed to modifying it (keeping in mind we all live under different environmental conditions).
mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 565
Likes: 59
From: Florichigan
In 52,000 miles in 32 months I've changed the oil with Lexus/Toyota synthetic 0w20 every 5,000 miles.
'03 RXh
While I'm sure the oil is good for the 10K intervals, I simply want to reduce the possibility of plugging any of the myriad passageways and gizmos that depend upon that oil for smooth operation.
I too want piece of mind - even if it's merely a placebo.
'03 RXh
While I'm sure the oil is good for the 10K intervals, I simply want to reduce the possibility of plugging any of the myriad passageways and gizmos that depend upon that oil for smooth operation.
I too want piece of mind - even if it's merely a placebo.
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Rookie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: WA
Remember it's xxx miles or xxx months for all service intervals. Since I don't do the mileage, I follow the time interval. One of the reasons Lexus switched to synthetic was to compensate for the various conditions we drive in.
mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.
mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
From: nc
I change the oil once a year, My wife puts around 8k a year on the car. I sent the oil to Wix lab to test the oil to make sure this drain interval was OK. The test showed all was good and I could have gone another 4000 miles on the oil. I use full Syn. oil and the OEM filter.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 235
From: SoCal
I change the oil once a year, My wife puts around 8k a year on the car. I sent the oil to Wix lab to test the oil to make sure this drain interval was OK. The test showed all was good and I could have gone another 4000 miles on the oil. I use full Syn. oil and the OEM filter.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
From: WA
mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.[/QUOTE]
I figure the extra 40-50 bucks for me its worth it. The sludge issues I have dealt with pertain to BMW's not Lexus. I just don't want to take a chance + it gives me a chance to look everything over for any other potential maintenance items like cracking belts ect...
I figure the extra 40-50 bucks for me its worth it. The sludge issues I have dealt with pertain to BMW's not Lexus. I just don't want to take a chance + it gives me a chance to look everything over for any other potential maintenance items like cracking belts ect...