NO Oil change in more than 9 months..
07-05-07, 03:15 PM
#31
Thanks a lot. I will start with my routine 5K changes. And then I will try the 4k with filter change, then the 8k. Total 3 submissions and we'll see the results.
07-05-07, 03:20 PM
#32
Well, as suggested, the replies are all over the map. Without trying to offend anyone, I would ask the question of whether these are opinions based on fact, old wives tales, or "lore". I can make a valid arguement (at least in my mind 
) for changing the oil right now since oil and filters are cheap compared to an engine replacement. I can also make a valid arguement (I think) that today's quality oils are so good that yearly changes are acceptable. For instance, I have a classic Corvette that is only driven 2000-2500 miles per year. I change the oil and filter yearly. Trust me, I baby this car and would do NOTHING to endanger it. I am quite comfortable with my annual changes. Here is the point at which I get off of the fence. With the tolerances of today's engines and the potential and history (at least for the older engines) for SOME Toyota/Lexus engines to be sludge prone, I would change the oil at six month intervals for low mileage cars. Even if you go to Jiffy lube or something, it is only $20-25.
If all else fails, what does your owners manual say? Also, because I own a classic muscle car, I have been to some of the oil manufacturers webs sites and read what they post about oil and it lubricating qualities.
Gary
'05 330
ps, just my opinion.
) for changing the oil right now since oil and filters are cheap compared to an engine replacement. I can also make a valid arguement (I think) that today's quality oils are so good that yearly changes are acceptable. For instance, I have a classic Corvette that is only driven 2000-2500 miles per year. I change the oil and filter yearly. Trust me, I baby this car and would do NOTHING to endanger it. I am quite comfortable with my annual changes. Here is the point at which I get off of the fence. With the tolerances of today's engines and the potential and history (at least for the older engines) for SOME Toyota/Lexus engines to be sludge prone, I would change the oil at six month intervals for low mileage cars. Even if you go to Jiffy lube or something, it is only $20-25. If all else fails, what does your owners manual say? Also, because I own a classic muscle car, I have been to some of the oil manufacturers webs sites and read what they post about oil and it lubricating qualities.
Gary
'05 330
ps, just my opinion.
07-05-07, 04:41 PM
#33
Gary, you have a valid and well balanced opinion. I just want to fully understand howthe topping off and filter replacement is better than the traditional oil change method. Perhaps it is something that the manufacturers do not want us to discover and know. So, they perpetually claim that they are the wizards. Or perhaps, to make sure that engines fail reasonably within the predicted life....otherwise, they can not sell more.
07-05-07, 05:06 PM
#34
Super Moderator
With high quality oil (I use Amsoil Group IV synthetic exclusively, no "wannabe" Group IIIs here) in the right vehicle (BMWs have a deep sump--mine takes 7L for a 2.5L I-6), a 25k interval is very attainable.I'm being quite a bit more conservative on the RX, since it only takes 6L for a 3.5L V-6 and is a decedent of an engine with known sludge problems. My goal is 10k, but I won't know until I do a few UOAs at intermediate intervals whether that's safe. If it'll only go to 7500, I'm ok with that; I won't push it beyond what's safe for the motor, but I'm not going to change early "just because".
Last edited by geko29; 07-05-07 at 05:09 PM.
07-05-07, 08:11 PM
#35
I will stick to my 4.5K miles, oil and filter change, dino oil. I will be covered with protection. This thread can go on and on and on....
07-06-07, 06:39 AM
#37
07-06-07, 07:09 AM
#38
Guys, have you heard about TSB regarding the new Oil recommended: ILSAC GF-4 SAE 5W-20? That all 2006 and up are with this oil?
It says the new oil can be used for: GR-JZ-MZ-UZ-VZ Series engines.
Lexus says this oil is better than what has been specified before.
It says the new oil can be used for: GR-JZ-MZ-UZ-VZ Series engines.
Lexus says this oil is better than what has been specified before.
07-06-07, 07:40 AM
#40
Super Moderator
GF-4 is exclusively targeted at lowering emissions and improving efficiency. It has nothing to do with better protection (early on, numerous tests concluded that it offered less protection than similar GF-3 oils). They have improved since the standard was introduced in 2004, but I wouldn't choose an oil exclusively based on GF-4 certification, as it is meaningless. There are good oils that meet the spec, and awful ones.
07-06-07, 07:42 AM
#41
Thanks for the clarification. Where do you see this certification on the oil label?
07-06-07, 07:43 AM
#42
5W20 is thinner-lighter than 5W30 right? Easier start on winters?
07-06-07, 09:17 AM
#44
How are these priced? Higher than traditional 5-30's? I started hearing about these (5-20's) years ago.
07-06-07, 10:02 AM
#45
5w-20 oils have same price as 5w-30. I agree with geko29, I like SL version of Mobil 1 better than its SM rated oil, which basically have low phosphorous to make catalytic converter last longer but have cheaper base stock and additives package.