Lexus LC 500 Lubrication Needs: Standard or Synthetic Oil?
Sure, synthetic oil lasts three times longer than standard oil, but it costs twice as much. So, do luxury cars really have to use it?
The debate over standard and synthetic oil has been raging on since the chemically modified lubricant first landed on the scene. And there are still a lot of misconceptions floating around regarding synthetic and conventional oil. Mostly because there isn’t a clear answer as to which is necessarily best. Sure, synthetic oil is undoubtedly superior in terms of form and function. It simply lasts longer and holds up better to extremely high temperatures.
The problem, of course, is price. Synthetic oil changes can cost up to twice as much as conventional oil changes. Synthetic lasts up to three times longer, however, so it really boils down to how frequently you change your oil. Most people that use synthetic oil change their oil far too frequently, which negates the potential cost savings.
The other problem with synthetic oil is the misconception that premium, luxury cars have to use it. In reality, this isn’t always the case. A perfect example of this popped up recently here in the Club Lexus forums. After hexhead picked up a brand new Lexus LC 500, he noticed that the owner’s manual didn’t specify which type of oil Lexus recommended.
“Bought a new LC 500 (not the h model). Manual says 5w30, but doesn’t say if it’s synthetic or standard. A service consultant at my dealer says it should be synthetic since all Lexus cars after 2010 use synthetic. I have reason to believe that is not true. Does anyone know? I can’t believe the manual is silent on this issue, but I’ve found Lexus manuals are not very good.”
Without delay, Ahhadanny chimes in with some helpful advice.
“For this V8, first 1k miles , then every 5k miles. One thing to note: LC 500’s engine is almost identical to RC F’s. Basically, you can refer to RC F’s manual.
Regarding the oil type, at least in the RC F’s manual, it is recommended to use non-synthetic oil. I have heard that it is because it somehow helps initial break in (helps seat the rings on the pistons etc.) As far as I know, lots of RC F owners eventually switched to good quality synthetic oil after 10k or 15k miles. That is also what my dealer told me.
My plan is to stick with conventional oil for the first two free services (1k, 5k). Then afterwards, I will switch to high quality synthetic oil.”
All of which is 100% true. Common thought is that you should indeed use conventional oil in a new engine to properly break it in. A good break-in oil is high in zinc and does not contain Molybdenum or other friction modifiers. Those additives can slow down the time it takes for rings to seat. After the initial break-in period, using synthetic oil is perfectly acceptable.
The stickler, of course, is that unless you drive your car a lot in between 6 month service intervals, using synthetic oil isn’t going to save you money. Rather, it’s going to cost you. But when you’re driving a high dollar, high performance grand touring coupe, that probably isn’t a huge concern.
The OP later confirms through his dealer’s service department that the LC 500 does indeed roll off the showroom floor with conventional oil. Which confirms what we already know. Beyond that initial break-in, however, the great lubrication decision is up to you!
