McMuffin

Hi guys, I was wondering what the Oil Change interval for a 1998 ES300 is. I believe it's 5000 miles if you take it to the Lexus dealer, but I just took my ES300 to a independent auto place, and they wrote on the sticker to come back in 3500 miles.

What gives?

Matador

Usually its 3-5k miles, however your generation ES300 is prone to sludge if you arent meticulous with oil changes. Id recommend sooner rather than later.

Lexusfreak

Also, if you haven't already.....consider using synthetics.

LXMN

They can make more money off of you if you come back sooner.

NICES300

i need to do oil change right now too and I want to switch to synthetic. I always ran Castrol on my teg.

BadViper22

With synthetics such as Mobile1 you can reach 7k while still being safe. I don't recommend going that long without a change, but 3.5k is too early.

Lexucan

+1 .....exactly

Choas

I always did for 3k-4k but I've never paid for it.

3000

So, you took the oil for free? J/k.

llcoolpass

to answer the original question, it's because A) your car gets looked at sooner and they spot problems sooner than you may [general public] be ignorant too
B) the 3,000 mile oil change - "myth"
C) it's anyone'se guess when you REALLY have t ochange the oil -- unless or until you have the oil analysed [no joke, you can send in a sample and have it analysed] after "x" number of miles. sample is around 25 bucks.
D) they make a lot more money - the more money they make, the worse the world gets [think of it, people using twice as much oil...and dont argue, there's some waste here, even if waste oil can be recycled a little], but who cares about the global environment.

Choas

My dad runs a small car dealship. So I just go in and change my oil.

McMuffin

So basically, regular oil is regular oil right? There's really no difference, it's just that the independent shop wants me to visit more frequently than the Lexus dealer?

I can go 5000 miles either way right? Unless I drive it hard...

92ES5sp

When you look at the dipstick and the oil looks dark brown, you should change it. At least thats what I do. Usually takes about 5000 miles with Castrol Syntec 5-30 year round. 3500 miles is a joke (unless the oil looks crappy) And 3000 miles is even more rediculous. Its not like its an american car. Just changed the oil in the old girl last week actually.

swifty562

when the going gets going. if it black change it.

recomend is 3-5000 miles.

if you drive hard, check it frequently

llcoolpass

even if dark, it might still be very good. that's not an acceptable measure [unless that's something ancient; on modern cars with modern oil what I'm saying applies].
I'ts not an american car at all. But, this engine has been known to throw some sludge fits. Make sure you're using API SL [or API SM, but SL is kinda better] motor oil, 10w30 or if below 0 deg fahrenheit, 5w30 or ..... and make sure you use purolator or toyota or lexus oil filter. dont use fram. dont use mobil1 filter. my 2 cents