For the past two years, Lexus has been selling their own brand of motor oil in the Middle East. It's bottled in the United Arab Emirates, under license from Toyota and is marketed as being "good for" 10,000 km (6,250 miles). It meets API SM specifications, but I haven't seen ACEA quoted anywhere on the bottle. Cost is about $6.60 USD per litre, which is competitive...considering mineral and semi-synthetics are within the $3.30-5 USD range. I reckon it has a Group III base stock, however, as on the label it says "100% Virgin Stock Base"...whatever that means.
That said, after my last application of Auto-Rx is complete, I plan on switching to Castrol Edge, which is priced at $10 USD per litre and is marketed as being "good for" 15,000 km (10,000 miles). In both cases I quote "good for", because no one can really tell without a used oil analysis.
Now here comes the question. I drive in a dusty environment and follow the manufacturer's severe service schedule. I change my oil every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) and I want to switch to a synthetic for extended drain intervals. The normal service schedule recommends an oil change every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) on mineral oil, with a new filter every second oil change. Most manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, General Motors) now specify a 10,000 km (6,250 mile) drain interval with synthetics...although I do not know about Porsche, VW, Audi, etc. I know many who use Castrol Edge for 15,000 km (10,000 miles) without an issue. However, they just go by what the product is marketed as, and know very little about motor oil...so I cannot take their word for it.
Given the option, would it be a wise idea to use the "Lexus" motor oil and follow a 6,250 mile drain interval, so the oil is changed more regularly? Or should I just go with Castrol Edge and a 10,000 mile drain interval as planned, and opt for a UOA at the end of it? Unfortunately, UOA facilities aren't available in my neck of the woods so I have to blindly jump into the most logical decision first, before sending off a sample abroad for analysis. Any input will be muchly appreciated. Thank you.
Note: Vehicle in question is a 2000 Mitsu Montero with 155,250 miles on the clock. I plan on keeping my vehicle for as long as possible and cost isn't my concern. Also, this is the oil in question:
Edit: Forgot to include Castrol Edge seems more impressive with its specifications. Edge meets API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B3/B4 and is VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB 229.5, BMW Longlife approved.
That said, after my last application of Auto-Rx is complete, I plan on switching to Castrol Edge, which is priced at $10 USD per litre and is marketed as being "good for" 15,000 km (10,000 miles). In both cases I quote "good for", because no one can really tell without a used oil analysis.
Now here comes the question. I drive in a dusty environment and follow the manufacturer's severe service schedule. I change my oil every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) and I want to switch to a synthetic for extended drain intervals. The normal service schedule recommends an oil change every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) on mineral oil, with a new filter every second oil change. Most manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, General Motors) now specify a 10,000 km (6,250 mile) drain interval with synthetics...although I do not know about Porsche, VW, Audi, etc. I know many who use Castrol Edge for 15,000 km (10,000 miles) without an issue. However, they just go by what the product is marketed as, and know very little about motor oil...so I cannot take their word for it.
Given the option, would it be a wise idea to use the "Lexus" motor oil and follow a 6,250 mile drain interval, so the oil is changed more regularly? Or should I just go with Castrol Edge and a 10,000 mile drain interval as planned, and opt for a UOA at the end of it? Unfortunately, UOA facilities aren't available in my neck of the woods so I have to blindly jump into the most logical decision first, before sending off a sample abroad for analysis. Any input will be muchly appreciated. Thank you.
Note: Vehicle in question is a 2000 Mitsu Montero with 155,250 miles on the clock. I plan on keeping my vehicle for as long as possible and cost isn't my concern. Also, this is the oil in question:
Edit: Forgot to include Castrol Edge seems more impressive with its specifications. Edge meets API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B3/B4 and is VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB 229.5, BMW Longlife approved.
Last edited:
