jasone36

Friends,

I am wondering how often I should change the synthetic oil and filter in my high mileage (100K+) 2002 SC430? I was told by dealers that synthetic is not required, but I prefer to use it.

Please share your thoughts, thanks!

Jabberwock

Every 5 K. I use OEM Toyota filter and whatever full syn oil that is on sale (usually at Wa-lmart) when I need it. Been running Pezoil Platinum Ultra lately.

mandyfig

Ditto, 5K Synthetic.

Wallyworld has specials on 5 Qt Jugs Synthetics. Go get them. I have Pennzoil Platinums, Synpower and G-Oil, 5W-30's.

Filters, I use Toyota, Lexus and Purolators. replace them with every oli change.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

not that you needed a third, but I concur with the other doctors on the diagnosis...5k

If you have a garage queen then 2x per year is what I do. 3k miles in two years on Ebony

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

If you don't go more than 5k between changes then why do you use synthetic? No independent data suggests that synthetic has any benefit other than extended intervals. The only benefit I see is the environmental benefit of fewer changes means less dirty oil to process.

deathstar

if its a daily driver
conventional = every 3 months
synthetic = every 6 months
synthetic is superior in cold climate, excellent choice
my favs castrol edge and purolator pure 1 oil filter

warminwisc

Really depends on the driving. I go 6500 some times if its all HWY. In my opinion the synthetic stays clearer looking longer. No science there just common sense. At 6500 she is still golden clear.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

No science? then what is the point. Common sense means nothing here. My conventional is clear at 5000 miles. I still change it. Even Jiffy Lube has backed off the 3 month 3000 mile routine. Please, somebody give me an independent data source and I will gladly switch. But you can't. The only independent data shows that the only benefit is longer change interval. I really need to stop getting into these discussions. This will be my last.

jasone36

In my case, the car is a daily driver, with quite a few miles every day being put on it.

momssc

Only real way is to test it.

Jabberwock

I use synthetic oil because it provides superior lubrication and typically has a better additive "package" than conventional dino oil. I don't drive much, so oil change is only twice a year. Lots of folks run full synthetic at extended change intervals of 7.5-10k miles or more but that does not interest me in the slightest.

I personally don't feel comfortable leaving oil in the car for greater than 5 k miles or more than 6 months - in fact being old school, I am a little uncomfortable not changing at 3k intervals like I did for the last 35 years with my other cars.

jzwu

Old school should really die now after so many decades. It is ridiculous to change perfectly good synthetic oil after only 5k miles. Even regular oil can go for 7.5k miles. Look at your owners manual.

I do 10k miles oil change with mobil 1.

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Finally , the voice of reason.

talwang

iTrader: (4)

My sc is driven less than 4k miles per year, so I only do an engine oil change once per year (sometimes a little longer than an year).
I mostly use synthetic as they seem have a special deal somewhere everytime my sc needs an oil change.

I believe the newer model of Lexus like my 2010 RX has a longer interval for oil change (12 months or 10K miles).

Freds430

I change Mobil1 every 5,000 miles. I do it at intervals of 50,000, 55,000 & 60,000 miles etc. It is easy to remember. I have always used Mobil1 in all my cars. I bought a quart of oil for a friend at Walmart the other day and could not believe the price of conventional oil. The point can be argued about synthetic vs. conventional but I believe my cars deserve synthetic. I will stock up on Mobil1 at Walmart when it goes on sale. The price difference for an oil change comes down to less than $10.