johnpau201

Hi All,

I have a Lexus Rx350 F sport 2013 model. 98K miles.

I bought this used car in 2016. From past 3-4 years hardly driving it other than running errands.

After I bought this car, getting the synthetic oil 0W-20 change once a year ( around 10K miles).

Its now time to get another oil change. Today I checked the oil level dipstick. The level is above the two dots. Its little bit dark brown in color.

I will be going on a road trip in another 3 weeks , the trip will be around 1600 miles (round trip).

Do you recommend getting the oil change before (or) after my road trip ?

Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks for your time.

Clutchless

Change it before the trip. Fresh oil on a long drive is better for the engine and may even provide better mileage.

RX in NC

Agreed. Go ahead and do the oil & filter change now.

salimshah

Since you asked ... a little insight might settle the matter.

Oil provides lubrication for moving parts. Under gravity it collects at the bottom of the engine and an oil pump pushes the oil up through a filter and it is piped to various location at the top of the engine and then it flows down. Majority of the moving parts are not sitting in oil filled tub. The gravity based trickle down provides the needed coating. If they were in the oil tub, the oil will produce hindrance in motion. The engine oil not only lubricates it picks up solid and gas particles. Combustion by products are also picked up the oil. Unburnt fuel is release and recovered and water is heated and turned into steam and released in atmosphere through breather tube.

Take aways
1. Engines need frequent and prolonged running to lubricate and vent.
2. Since gravity slowly pulls the lubricant down, engine wear is maximum when the engine has not been run. Savvy folks prime the engine when new and on bringing out of storage.
3. The chemical balance of oil changes as the engine is run. If you intend to store the vehicle, do an oil change right before storing. Old oil in the engine will be corrosive [not a strong acid but it will be not neutral]
4. Infrequently used vehicles should still replace oil based on time. Exception would be when an engine is not run in storage.

If you want an answer with no details .. you can not go wrong with an oil change in all cases.
If it was me, if I plan to store my vehicle after the trip and the current oil is not due for a change even after the trip, I would change the oil after the trip. If the oil change would be needed during the trip, I would change it before leaving.

Salim

Clutchless

You may want to run a bottle of Techron Fuel System cleaner through the gas and use up that tank before your oil change. This will help clean out the fuel injectors etc. Get the larger size bottle. Every auto parts store has it.
And check your tire pressure before leaving. You may want to add couple of more pounds to them if carrying a full load.
Check your windshield washer fluid is full and wipers look okay.

Oro

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Are you saying it is slightly over-full? And if so, how did it get that way? Not a crisis if recently topped up and over-filled, but possibly fuel dilution? Worth clarifying.

johnpau201

I haven't topped up or over-filled

The car is in closed garage,flat service. Cooled down for about 2 hours before checking the dipstick.

gripau1

Oil and oil filters are cheap, do the oil as well as other services like brakes, transmission, coolant, tyres, wiper blades BEFORE the road trip. You want the car to be in tip top condition before any major trips. You want your trips to be safe and memorable not a nightmare.

Take it to Toyota/Lexus dealer and pay for the service if you can't do it yourself.

Madcar

I always change mine before long trips - I take the same trip each summer down to the east coast which is approx 4000 miles return. I change it before I leave and do it again shortly after returning. I get that I might not need change it on my return but I change my oil every 5K (or twice a yr).
Heading out again this summer on this same trip - but will be replacing my water pump before I go. It isn't showing wear but I'm at 120K miles and I'm going to replace it for peace of mind. I'll be doing the work myself and enjoy it so it's not all about being **** for me.
Safe trip!

salimshah

Any work before a long trip should be done a week or two before departure. This gives time to make sure everything was put back correctly and avoids panic situation ...oops need something in a hurry.

Salim