heidihidin

i know that this is very subjective and I also know that if i search here and the famous bobis site, some will say that every brand synthetic 5w30 is exactly the same and others will analyze specs and standards
i do not understand any of the science behind these claims one way or another
so my question is this:
if you own an ES that has over 200k miles and no engine issues or leaks, what oil have you been using and how often do you change it?
did you switch with age of the car?


thanks

ESh

jagtoes

Do you know what brand/type of oil has been used in the car. If so then use the same whether it be dino or syn . If dino then change every 5000 miles and if syn then 7500 miles is OK.

heidihidin

the car has been serviced at a lexus dealership until now with m1 syn 5w30 but will no longer be serviced there
it has 96k miles
should i swich to m1 syn 5w30 ep

jagtoes

Anytime there is a question of what is the best oil or the best gas or the best tires you will always get a million answers from everyone who claims to be an expert and knows the right answer. So my recommendation is for you to use what was used or an equivalent. Pick what you want as the difference is insignificant to your application. Follow the book for oil change recommendations and you shouldn't have a problem.

chuyrobles

If you have no leaks or oil burning, stay with 5/30 synthetic - its the weight Toyota recommends for the 3.5's. I switched to M1 Extended 10/30 at about 80K because it mostly stopped the seepage from the timing cover. I use synthetic filters (Wix XP, M1, Purolator, Fram Ultra) and change oil at 10K. I've had the oil analyzed twice and this oil change interval with the Extended syn works for our ES350. Went past 200K a couple months ago. Engines runs well and doesn't burn oil. Loss from the timing cover is minimal and requires no make-up oil.

heidihidin

i've been wondering though why all toyota and lexus dealers in the us use mobil? are they under a contract?
what do lexus dealers in other countries use and how come there is toyota brand 0w20 syn but no toyota brand 5w30 syn?
and would it hurt to use toyota brand 0w20 syn?

chuyrobles

I didn't know Toyota used M1 at their service shops as I have always done my own oil changes. Our Lexus has only been to the dealer twice, when it got it there to be sold and for a warranty claim for shimming brakes. I use it because it's a proven quality oil and has fared excellent in oil analysis' - better than Valvoline Max, the only other oil our Lexus has seen. Using 0/20 may lead to leaks and oil consumption because it is thinner than 5/30 and the 3.5 V6 is not designed for it. That being said, many have used it with no reported issues. You'll get better gas mileage and may be a better choice in cold climates.

jagtoes

All dealers don't use M1 or any other specific brand. 1st they need to meet the mfg. spec. so any oil that does fits that requirement. Next they buy oil by the barrel/drum and get it at a quantity so the best price (cheapest) wins the bid. The dealer I bought my car from used 5W-30 Castrol (dino) oil for my initial oil changes and I use it today every 5K miles. As I said use what meets the spec. and don't over think this. It's only oil.

tolian21

tolian21