veleno

iTrader: (3)

As long as you're doing oil changes every 3k then either should work fine.

Scottydog

So if they changed recommended oil to 5w-20 since 06 why does my 09 manual state 5w30?

jfelbab

Does anyone still change their oil at 3k? This is a waste of oil and money, especially with the quality of todays grades of oil and synthetics.

I would encourage those who doubt this to try Blackstone Labs oil analysis. <http://www.blackstone-labs.com/> For about the price of the oil (currently $22.50) you can have your oil analyzed and likely you will find that you can safely extend your oil change interval. In the case of my RX, I was able to extend to the maximum miles allowed by Lexus for my engine (7,500 miles) and still maintain the Lexus warranty. I could have safely gone further but I wanted to maintain the warranty. I now change the oil in my RX twice a year at or before 7,500 miles.

A Blackstone analysis will give you the facts to make a smart decision. I believe you will find, as I did, that changing your oil at 3k or 5k, even with dyno oil, was a waste of money and oil.

cdnewton

5K oil changes using Pennzoil Platinum with a 10K oil filter change using a Mobil-1 filter. After a couple of Blackstone lab reports, this has worked great for me. They said I could go 7.5K, but it is easier to remember the 5K interval, because I get my tires rotated at the same time. YMMV.

mandyfig

I was doing 5K on the dino. Never 3K. On my other cars.

Doing 7.5K~8.0K on the syn on the RX.

Might extend to 10K easy.

But if oil is nearly free (for those who have purchased synthetics with rebates)...will do 8K on the syn for at least 2 years...I only do 15K miles per year.

Scottydog

So the way I read the tsb it seems the point is recommending GF-4 rated oils. the actual viscosity grade varies according to the engine and model.

"The recommended viscosity grade for this oil differs according to vehicle model. Use the recommended grade specified on the oil filler cap or in the Repair Manual or Owner’s Manual for each vehicle."

I'm not sure why dealers would not follow their own TSB and use 5w-30 when called for by the owner's manual.

Pennzoil Conventional and Platinum synthetic are GF-4 rated. I'm sure most other good quality oil is the same.

I'm sticking with 5w30 Pennzoil Platinum in my 09.

mandyfig

5W-30 Pennzoil Platinum for my 04 RX330. I have plenty of them.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I don't use 5w30 or 5w20.I use Amsoil 0w30 and change it every 7500-8000 miles.

mandyfig

Just did my oil, PP 5W-20. Good for another 7k.