RX - 5th Gen (2023-present) Discussion topics related to the 2023 and up RX models

"Break in" mileage

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Old 04-20-23, 09:57 AM
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brees1337
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Default "Break in" mileage

Have a new 2023 RX 350. Dealership said we should "go easy on it" till x mileage but I forget what it was, and Id like opinions here anyway.

Currently at about 2k on the odo. How much should we put on it before we can "floor it" or is that just a myth?

Thanks!
Old 04-20-23, 10:31 AM
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ggebhardt
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Today’s engines do not really require a break in period. Most manufactures say not to tow anything for the first thousand miles. I tend to drive pretty easy for the first 1000 miles but that is just me. Some say drive it off the lot like you stole it. The choice is yours!

At 2K, you are safe to floor it! Enjoy!

Last edited by ggebhardt; 04-20-23 at 10:36 AM.
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Old 04-20-23, 10:50 AM
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chuyrobles
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Your owner’s manual will have a break-in section. Regardless what it says, however, I would have changed the oil by 1K. Not the oil filter but the engine oil fer sure.
Old 04-20-23, 11:07 AM
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JohnPDX
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From page 174 of the RX Owner’s Manual:
Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 200 miles (300 km): Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 500 miles (800 km): Do not tow a trailer. (vehicles with towing package)
●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
A quick search of the PDF version is all it takes to come up with answers like this, quicker than posting on a forum.
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Old 04-20-23, 11:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JohnPDX
From page 174 of the RX Owner’s Manual:


A quick search of the PDF version is all it takes to come up with answers like this, quicker than posting on a forum.
True, and I totally admit I am guilty of not doing that.
Having said that, I did want to hear what others had to say.
Thanks everyone!
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Old 04-20-23, 11:55 AM
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brees1337
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Originally Posted by chuyrobles
Your owner’s manual will have a break-in section. Regardless what it says, however, I would have changed the oil by 1K. Not the oil filter but the engine oil fer sure.
Thanks for the advice - what is the reasoning for changing the oil so soon?
Old 04-20-23, 01:47 PM
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ggebhardt
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Originally Posted by brees1337
Thanks for the advice - what is the reasoning for changing the oil so soon?
It is old reasoning but their preference. At near 1300 miles my oil is still so clear and clean it is difficult to see on the oil stick. They want you to change per the Maint schedule which I believe is at 10K. I am a little old fashioned and will likely do my 10K at 8K miles but that is my preference.

‘’When and how often to change oil will create lots of opinions, just make sure you change at least as often as what Lexus requires, doing it much quicker is just a waste of resources and money.

Enjoy your new RX
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Old 04-20-23, 02:06 PM
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daryll40
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Originally Posted by ggebhardt
It is old reasoning but their preference. At near 1300 miles my oil is still so clear and clean it is difficult to see on the oil stick. They want you to change per the Maint schedule which I believe is at 10K. I am a little old fashioned and will likely do my 10K at 8K miles but that is my preference.

‘’When and how often to change oil will create lots of opinions, just make sure you change at least as often as what Lexus requires, doing it much quicker is just a waste of resources and money.

Enjoy your new RX

Does anyone here know of anyone who has even heard of a Lexus engine problem by only doing the bare minimum required maintenance? Unlikely. Read the manual, do what it commands and drive on.
Old 04-20-23, 03:10 PM
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tedward155
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Interesting. I've never done it before, but I think I will have the oil and filter changed at 1000 miles.
Old 04-20-23, 03:37 PM
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ggebhardt
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LOL!

I told you that you would get a lot of opinions !!!
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Old 04-20-23, 03:41 PM
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Julius071
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Originally Posted by Klamalama
This is an old-school thing that I've followed on every new car I've had. Some argue it isn't necessary but the cost of one oil change is very cheap insurance.

Why?

Engines have tight tolerances. When new, the metal parts within the engine have a lot of friction. In spite of the lubricating oil, metal is ground out and shaved. Much of it is near microscopic. It's the job of the oil filter to remove these metal particles from the oil. Most of this initial wear occurs within the first 1K miles. So, the old-school thinking is to perform a change of oil and filter (especially the filter) to get the ground up metal out of the engine. Yes, the oil is designed to hold particles in suspension but can it hold them for the 10K miles? Depends how much there is.

Oil drain plugs are often magnetic. That is to trap the metal shavings that don't get filtered and can be removed at the next oil change. If you are there to see it, check out a drain plug at an oil change. It may look like the photo below. You can also open up the replaced oil filter and find metal shavings.
Is that an STI motor in the background of the photo?!
Old 04-20-23, 03:58 PM
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Klamalama
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That's not my photo. I just picked it to demonstrate the metal on the plug.
Old 04-20-23, 04:16 PM
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Eagleboy99
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Drive it like you stole it. At least that is the advice for V8 boat engines.
Old 04-25-23, 06:13 PM
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Klamalama
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Here's the Savage Geese take:

Old 04-26-23, 01:58 AM
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ggebhardt
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Links is broken. Don’t know who he is anyway.


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