0W20 Toyota Motor Oil
#16
Yes you can use a 30 weight. Either 0w or 5w will work fine. The 20 weight oils while very good (and what I would run), are likely spec'd so Toyota as a whole can meet CAFE regulations.
In fact, I just checked the online owner's manual for a 2009 RX350 and it specs 5w30 right in the manual, however, 2010 models spec 0w20. Not likely Toyota redesigned the bearings to run 20 weight, more likely the bearings are fine with either 20 or 30, and as I said, the 20 weights have more to do with fuel economy.
If you really want to dig further, go to www.bobistheoilguy.com and read till your eyes bleed.
In fact, I just checked the online owner's manual for a 2009 RX350 and it specs 5w30 right in the manual, however, 2010 models spec 0w20. Not likely Toyota redesigned the bearings to run 20 weight, more likely the bearings are fine with either 20 or 30, and as I said, the 20 weights have more to do with fuel economy.
If you really want to dig further, go to www.bobistheoilguy.com and read till your eyes bleed.
Last edited by rcy; 10-31-09 at 12:41 PM.
#17
Super Moderator
Keep in mind, too that unlike the 1st or 2nd generations, the 3rd generations RXs have better oil passages and ability for improved oil flow than the 2nd and especially the 1st generation where oil sludge problems could be more prevalent (not that it always occurred). In addition, keep in mind that a 30 weight oil will eventually over time shear down into the 20s.
#18
Lexus Champion
Keep in mind, too that unlike the 1st or 2nd generations, the 3rd generations RXs have better oil passages and ability for improved oil flow than the 2nd and especially the 1st generation where oil sludge problems could be more prevalent (not that it always occurred). In addition, keep in mind that a 30 weight oil will eventually over time shear down into the 20s.
#19
Super Moderator
Eventually it will, but keep in mind for the type of vehicle that would use a 20 it won't shear down nearly as fast as say a vehicle that requires a 30, 40, etc. or higher. The newer RX series are much better in terms of oil flow and cooling than their predecessors and engines they were based upon, so the shearing effect won't be the same.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
Just got home from my 1000 mile check. I asked the dealer how much an oil change was going to be after my 5K one so I would be prepared. I was informed that Lexus just issued a service advisory and since synthetic oil is used they (Lexus) now say10K between oil changes. So at my 5K they will rotate and do a vehicle check and at 10K they will do the first oil/ filter change. The 5K and 10K are both on Lexus. The cost after that is about $200. Considering that will be a once a year event I will more than likely use the Dealership.
#21
#22
Just changed the oil in our 2010 RX350. Bought the oil at the Lexus dealer for about $7 per quart, 7 quarts = $50, plus filter, = another $16 = $76 plus oil filter wrench at = $12. So the cost for the first oil change was about $88.
Changed at 4000 miles and 6 1/2 months. Noticed some microparticles of metal in filter, so good I changed when I did, but filter did its job.
Piece of cake to do yourself if you have the correct tools
filter wrench (14 flats & 64MM dia.) 15/16th socket for filter wrench, torque wrench and that's it. Regular sockets for the drain plug and the filter housing lower cap to drain oil from filter before removing. Torque settings for filter on box.
Do it yourself, no jacks required, Now you know it was done right and filled properly.
Rich
Changed at 4000 miles and 6 1/2 months. Noticed some microparticles of metal in filter, so good I changed when I did, but filter did its job.
Piece of cake to do yourself if you have the correct tools
filter wrench (14 flats & 64MM dia.) 15/16th socket for filter wrench, torque wrench and that's it. Regular sockets for the drain plug and the filter housing lower cap to drain oil from filter before removing. Torque settings for filter on box.
Do it yourself, no jacks required, Now you know it was done right and filled properly.
Rich
#23
Just got home from my 1000 mile check. I asked the dealer how much an oil change was going to be after my 5K one so I would be prepared. I was informed that Lexus just issued a service advisory and since synthetic oil is used they (Lexus) now say10K between oil changes. So at my 5K they will rotate and do a vehicle check and at 10K they will do the first oil/ filter change. The 5K and 10K are both on Lexus. The cost after that is about $200. Considering that will be a once a year event I will more than likely use the Dealership.
#24
Instructor
rftuck,
Is the filter just the element? All the filters I've seen for it (FRAM, Purolator etc) just show the element and not the cartridge ie screw on filter. Never changed a filter that didn't come as a screw on cartridge. THanks
Is the filter just the element? All the filters I've seen for it (FRAM, Purolator etc) just show the element and not the cartridge ie screw on filter. Never changed a filter that didn't come as a screw on cartridge. THanks
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Not @ All
It really isn't hard at all. U will lose maybe 1/2 qt. of oil at the most. After u chnage the filter run the engine to check for leaks & then turn off the motor & check the level after a few minutes or so. Add to get it back to the fill mark, usually less then 1/2 qt.
#26
Filter for RX350
It is just an acordian type element that is inserted into the cannister. You follow the directions on the filter box that you buy at the dealer. Easy if you have the correct tools and torque wrench. torque values are on the box. Make sure you buy the drain plug gasket also.
#27
Since O-20W is synthetic oil and 5,000 miles oil changes are probably overkill for synthetic, is anyone considering going to 10,000 mile oil changes. I've seen there was an unconfirmed rumor that Toyota was thinking of extending the service level to 10,000 mile levels for synthetic oil changes. But I'm sure they are getting push back from the dealers. I know there would be a risk of not following the scheduled maintenance, but it is pretty safe risk.
#28
#29
Driver School Candidate
2011 Oil and Filter Schedule
My 2011 RX manual has the oil/filter change occurring at 12 months or 10,000 miles. An oil/filter at 6 months or 5,000 miles is recommended for more-demanding driving conditions. That said, I'm uncomfortable with waiting that long for a FIRST oil change - regardless of driving conditions. I'll perform the first oil/filter change at 5K or six months.
#30
2010 RX abd 2011 Camry SE
My 2010 RX350 had both the 5k and 10k OIL change for free. SA said from now on it will 10k between oil change. However, they want me to bring it in for 15k service (without oil change) for about $230. They will rotate tires, air filters and fluid fillups....
I also own a 2011 Camry SE and at 5k they just rotate tires, no oil change. Oil change is schedule for every 10k since this is an SE and they use 0w-20 (just like the Lexus).
I have owned my 2002 4Runner SE for 8+ years and only change oil/filter twice a year using Mobil1 5w-30. Sometimes it is 7k but sometimes it is 4-5k between oil changes. I live in NE so I do it in April and in October. I believe 10k between oil change will be OK for the new engines and oils.
I also own a 2011 Camry SE and at 5k they just rotate tires, no oil change. Oil change is schedule for every 10k since this is an SE and they use 0w-20 (just like the Lexus).
I have owned my 2002 4Runner SE for 8+ years and only change oil/filter twice a year using Mobil1 5w-30. Sometimes it is 7k but sometimes it is 4-5k between oil changes. I live in NE so I do it in April and in October. I believe 10k between oil change will be OK for the new engines and oils.
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