Service Intervals/Requirements
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 177
From: WA
Oil can easily go past 10k miles, but it depends on your driving habits. Short, dusty trips will require oil changes more often. Since you're all freeway, you can probably go past 10k, but why risk it for something so cheap and easy to do yourself. I have a 2010 RX350 that just crossed 100k miles and I change every 10k only with Mobil 1 full synthetic. Still smooth as butter.
Also consider that you can get your service done at any Toyota. Less expensive and same mechanical systems.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 10
From: MN
I chewed through a Honda CRV which had oil change every 10k. I now own an Acura, again, - oil change and tire replacement every 10k. But the Lexus has always puzzled me why it needs a service at 5K. My wife had a 2013 Rx 350 and she bought a 2017 350 Rx. But we will continue to do the recommended service. I have never had a problem rotating tires at 10k miles on any of my SUV's so far.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 1,213
From: IL
Brake Master Cylinder reservoirs are not completely sealed, they vent to allow the fluid to adjust
to the brake pad wear. Thinner pads cause the brake pistons to extend further and more fluid
is behind them so the level drops. You should NOT "top off" the fluid, when the pads are replaced
the pistons will be pressed back into the calipers... Brake fluid does attract moisture and will work
its way down the brake lines. Before ABS systems the lines were quite large and did not typically
cause trouble. ABS systems have many smaller passages that can freeze/rust/bind up and the
old condition of moisture all the way down at the wheel reacting to the high heat created there.
While I fondly recall pressing and holding the brake pedal for my Dad to bleed the brakes on
various family cars there are now master cylinder pressurized fluid machines that do it better.
to the brake pad wear. Thinner pads cause the brake pistons to extend further and more fluid
is behind them so the level drops. You should NOT "top off" the fluid, when the pads are replaced
the pistons will be pressed back into the calipers... Brake fluid does attract moisture and will work
its way down the brake lines. Before ABS systems the lines were quite large and did not typically
cause trouble. ABS systems have many smaller passages that can freeze/rust/bind up and the
old condition of moisture all the way down at the wheel reacting to the high heat created there.
While I fondly recall pressing and holding the brake pedal for my Dad to bleed the brakes on
various family cars there are now master cylinder pressurized fluid machines that do it better.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 857
Likes: 47
From: Oregon
Surprised that any contemporary car would have brake fluid exposed to the air. I can recall working on my old 1969 Corvette dual master cylinder and noting the heavy accordion-rubber bellows inside the metal lid that kept outside air away from the reservoirs. I have seen many times where a repair shop will recommend services that are absolutely not needed. I guess they are under a lot of pressure to make easy money in a business where competition is fierce. Still, your Lexus service guide is your bible--do only what it recommends.
As for oil changes, your RX specifies synthetic 0W-20, which is a far cry from previous-generation motor oils. Once every 10K is frequent enough. Change more often if you wish, but the engine won't care.
As for oil changes, your RX specifies synthetic 0W-20, which is a far cry from previous-generation motor oils. Once every 10K is frequent enough. Change more often if you wish, but the engine won't care.
Last edited by riredale; Oct 11, 2017 at 10:49 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
Surprised that any contemporary car would have brake fluid exposed to the air. I can recall working on my old 1969 Corvette dual master cylinder and noting the heavy accordion-rubber bellows inside the metal lid that kept outside air away from the reservoirs. I have seen many times where a repair shop will recommend services that are absolutely not needed. I guess they are under a lot of pressure to make easy money in a business where competition is fierce. Still, your Lexus service guide is your bible--do only what it recommends.
As for oil changes, your RX specifies synthetic 0W-20, which is a far cry from previous-generation motor oils. Once every 10K is frequent enough. Change more often if you wish, but the engine won't care.
As for oil changes, your RX specifies synthetic 0W-20, which is a far cry from previous-generation motor oils. Once every 10K is frequent enough. Change more often if you wish, but the engine won't care.
Pit Crew
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 190
Likes: 55
From: WA
Good Info
This routine has got me through over one million care free miles with not one problem. Every 10,000 miles an oil change and tire rotation is needed. At the Lexus dealership this should be less than $100. Every 30,000 miles the brake fluid needs to be changed and again about $100. Every 20,000 miles change the air and cabin filters. This combined takes five minutes and the air filter can be bought on line at Lexus Parts World for $18. The cabin air filter can be bought at Walmart for $18, It is the Fram Fresh Breeze #10285 with carbon and baking soda to filter the air. Wiper blade inserts again can be bought at Lexus Parts World for $20 for both refills and takes five minutes to replace. You are done until 100,000 miles. At Lexus Parts World use cl5 in the promo code for 10% discount. If you go in and ask for the 10,000, 20,000 30,000 maintenance you will be paying big bucks for a lot more items you do not need checked and inspected. Once a year replace the key fob battery cr2032. Keep receipts for everything. I take my oil filter and 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 purchased at Walmart for $24 to my local Toyota dealer and they charge me $20 labor.
The transmission fluid does not need to be changed. Posters will tell you different. I listen to my local Lexus Service Manager who wants my $$$. He aid it never needs changing to the point that could cause more harm than good my changing.
The transmission fluid does not need to be changed. Posters will tell you different. I listen to my local Lexus Service Manager who wants my $$$. He aid it never needs changing to the point that could cause more harm than good my changing.
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 22
From: AK
I chewed through a Honda CRV which had oil change every 10k. I now own an Acura, again, - oil change and tire replacement every 10k. But the Lexus has always puzzled me why it needs a service at 5K. My wife had a 2013 Rx 350 and she bought a 2017 350 Rx. But we will continue to do the recommended service. I have never had a problem rotating tires at 10k miles on any of my SUV's so far.
The Acura system is very economical; the maintenance minder system only asks for maintenance based on driving habits, mileage, and time.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: CA
My wife's RX 350 got the service light reminder for the 15,000 miles/18 months service, along with the dealer reminder call. Essentially going to skip this literally the only thing this service does is rotate tires, and then visual inspections and replacement of car key battery. There is nothing in the service manual that recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles - its every 10,000 miles. Obviously if you believe you drive a significant amount in the city you can change more frequently, but it sounded like some people thought the recommended was every 5,000. These mid service recommendations (5,000, 15,000, 25,000 etc.) are more for piece of mind in case anything is amiss.
With that said, are most of you really rotating your tires every 5,000?
With that said, are most of you really rotating your tires every 5,000?
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
My wife's RX 350 got the service light reminder for the 15,000 miles/18 months service, along with the dealer reminder call. Essentially going to skip this literally the only thing this service does is rotate tires, and then visual inspections and replacement of car key battery. There is nothing in the service manual that recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles - its every 10,000 miles. Obviously if you believe you drive a significant amount in the city you can change more frequently, but it sounded like some people thought the recommended was every 5,000. These mid service recommendations (5,000, 15,000, 25,000 etc.) are more for piece of mind in case anything is amiss.
With that said, are most of you really rotating your tires every 5,000?
With that said, are most of you really rotating your tires every 5,000?
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 58
Likes: 4
From: CA
there's no reason to be concerned, and riredale hits it on the nail. Doing an oil change with synthetic oil at every 5k is a waste of money. I did oil changes every 8,500-10k on my Infiniti G35 and drove that car well beyond 200,000 miles.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
Good to hear. I guess I'll get comfortable with the 10k intervals.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,147
Likes: 1,705
From: NC
Our manual states every 30,000 miles the same manual that states lifetime transmission fluid unless towing.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,147
Likes: 1,705
From: NC
You have to keep us updated on how clean your cabin air is. Must smell like a lilac field for $174.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
Lexus uses fully synthetic oil compared to semi the past few years. Almost all Toyota's have moved to a 10K interval.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,560
Likes: 3,398
From: NJ
I think you will be unhappy to learn that all Toyota equivalents such as the Highlander, LC, or Avalon compared to their Lexus do not have this requirement so early. Neither do they have the key fob battery replacement.
Lexus uses fully synthetic oil compared to semi the past few years. Almost all Toyota's have moved to a 10K interval.
Lexus uses fully synthetic oil compared to semi the past few years. Almost all Toyota's have moved to a 10K interval.