Have you guys noticed that the maintenance schedule only recommends oil change every 16000km?

 

Yup, that the new oil change internal for new Toyota engines, even in Canada.

I think it was 10,000 miles in USA before, but now also in the sometimes colder north.

 

I was talking to my dealership service engineer (in Japan) the other day (had a 6 months checkup), and he said that even though Lexus recommends 15000km, he personally thinks 10000km is a better idea, since at 15000km the oil gets noticeably dirty. So I'll go with 10000km interval. Better spend money on oil than on fixing the engine

In other news, it looks like ATF (transmission fluid) doesn't need any maintenance AT ALL for 4RX and basically any Toyota cars build in last 3-4 years (speaking of Japan though, so ymmv)

 

Before I am attacked with responses stating what the manufactures "recommended" maintenance schedules are, let me preface this with: "I am aware of what the manufactures recommendations are"

The question being asked is at what intervals are you actually having your oil changed at? I'm assuming most are following the schedule but I also know that some are having it done sooner.

Just curious as to how many are comfortable with the extended schedules as opposed to modifying it (keeping in mind we all live under different environmental conditions).

 

As I don't drive more than 3500 or so miles every 6 months; I change the oil every 6 months. gives me piece of mind. I don't fall for the every 10k or once a year oil changes. I have seen too many slugged up engines from manufacturers extended oil change intervals.

 

I drive 2500 miles per month, so I change the oil every 15998km or 9999 miles.

 

Remember it's xxx miles or xxx months for all service intervals. Since I don't do the mileage, I follow the time interval. One of the reasons Lexus switched to synthetic was to compensate for the various conditions we drive in.

mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.

 

In 52,000 miles in 32 months I've changed the oil with Lexus/Toyota synthetic 0w20 every 5,000 miles.

'03 RXh

While I'm sure the oil is good for the 10K intervals, I simply want to reduce the possibility of plugging any of the myriad passageways and gizmos that depend upon that oil for smooth operation.

I too want piece of mind - even if it's merely a placebo.

 

I wasn't going by lexus vehicles as much as the german competition that follows the extended oil change intervals. Another reason I change the oil more frequently is the fact I live in a wet climate and drive fairly short distances that doesn't see the oil getting really hot to burn off all the moisture in the oil.

 

I do yearly oil changes..I only put about 1200 miles in 1 year on my 15 RX and I expect to do the same on the 16...

 

well 16,000 KM is 10,000 miles so that's the same as it always was

 

I change the oil once a year, My wife puts around 8k a year on the car. I sent the oil to Wix lab to test the oil to make sure this drain interval was OK. The test showed all was good and I could have gone another 4000 miles on the oil. I use full Syn. oil and the OEM filter.

 

Well the oil and filter interval is 10K miles / 1 year.

 

mx5mike, the 10K synthetic oil change interval has been around for the past 6+ years on the RX. I can't recall anyone mentioning an oil sludge problem. And a few 3RX owners had their oil tested too. Nothing abnormal was found. The sludge problem goes back to the 1RX. Some argue it's because people weren't following the intervals. I didn't have the issue on mine. But it's your choice and money.[/QUOTE]

I figure the extra 40-50 bucks for me its worth it. The sludge issues I have dealt with pertain to BMW's not Lexus. I just don't want to take a chance + it gives me a chance to look everything over for any other potential maintenance items like cracking belts ect...

 

that's new for Canada. It used to be 8000 km or 5000 miles until this year.