Silverman1

I have a 2010 ES350 with 58,000 miles on it that's in very good mechanical condition. The paint job has faded -- it's black on black and was neglected -- and I'm about to spend about $5,000 to have the car repainted.

I live in South Florida. There's a local shop called the J.A.P. Shop (Japanese Auto Professionals) with a good reputation. I had them do an oil change. I specified to them quite emphatically that the car calls for "a synthetic blend of 5W-30". I reminded them that last time I picked some up and brought it to them. But this time they assured me that wasn't necessary because they had that there and would use it.

But when I picked up the car and asked what they put in, they showed me a large tank that said Chevron Supreme Motor Oil SAE 5W-20 (PC: 220135, PK: 981).

I'm no expert but when I look up 5W-20 vs 5W-30 it seems that in the very hot summer weather in South Florida one does not want a 5W-20 motor oil in their ES350 (let alone that I have no idea if that was a synthetic blend they put in it).

How much should I care about this? Should I go bring them a synthetic blend of 5W-30 and have them change it? I'm not into having a battle with them. They only charged me $30 -- it's their chance to tell me all the work it will need, none of which is pressing. I don't mind paying them to change it. Is it worth my time, though?

Thanks so much!

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

It shouldn’t hurt anything. Change it to 5w30 in 6 months or 5000 miles.

tolian21

I would change it now to 5w30. Thinner oils are not good, especially in hot climate, and also owner manual states 5w-30

Silverman1

I just called JM Lexus, the largest Lexus dealer in the world AFAIK (it's been that for many years so I assume it still is), where I originally bought the car.

I made it clear I was dealing with an independent shop, and wanted to know if I should take it back to the same shop with my own oil to have it changed.

A tech at Lexus said, "With it being 11 years old, drain it and put in the 5W-30 immediately. You don't want to play games with your engine."

Wilson2000

The only reason I would change the oil to 5W-30 before it is due for its next change would be if the engine was making excessive valve train noise upon first starting in the morning. Too, their are oil thickening additives, like STP, that would raise the viscosity if you are really concerned about this.

w84me

Hey Silverman - have you tried to "correct" your paint? Its possible some professional buffing could be done to bring back the luster. I wouldn't advise spending 5K on a paint job, it would be hard to recover that money on a resale.

ESh

TGMO 5W30;
Amsoil SS 5W30;
M1 EP 5W30;


In that order.
OCI 5000 miles.