Lexus IS 250 Oil Change
You should get a Lexus IS 250 oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles or 5,000 miles for conventional oil.
Written by Shannon Fitzgerald
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- How often does a Lexus IS 250 need an oil change?
- What kind of oil does a Lexus IS 250 need?
- How much does an oil change cost for a Lexus IS 250?
- How to change the oil in a Lexus IS 250 yourself
- What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Lexus IS 250?
- How to save money on car insurance
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A Lexus IS 250 should get its oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil and every 5,000 miles for conventional oil. Lexus recommends that you use multigrade 5W-30 or 0W-20 oil for newer models.
Your engine’s oil is responsible for lubricating all the moving parts of your engine, which helps regulate its temperature and improve fuel efficiency. It’s therefore essential that you change your oil regularly to avoid costly engine damage.
Fortunately, changing your car’s oil is a fairly straightforward task—as long as you follow the proper steps for your specific make and model. Here,
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How often does a Lexus IS 250 need an oil change?
It’s recommended that your Lexus IS 250 get synthetic oil changed every 7,500 to 10,00 miles and conventional oil every 5,000 miles.
You should also change your oil every 5,000 miles if your car meets the criteria for special operating conditions—meaning frequent off-roading, trailer towing, freezing weather conditions, or extensive idling.
Waiting longer than these amounts runs the risk of damaging your engine, which can be both expensive and dangerous. It can therefore be helpful to practice a
regular car maintenance
routine to prevent any slip ups. What kind of oil does a Lexus IS 250 need?
The Lexus IS 250 requires 5W-30 multigrade oil or 0W-20 multigrade oil. Your owner’s manual will inform you which type your vehicle needs.
This oil is designed to adapt to varying weather conditions to keep your V6 engine running smoothly. Its viscosity stays thin in winter weather to maintain a proper flow and stays thick in hotter weather to prevent over-thinning from the heat.
It’s important to only use the oil your manual suggests to maintain proper functioning of your car. You also risk voiding your warranty if you use other oil grades or viscosities, so make sure you check with your manual or a dealer before replacing the recommended oil with anything else.
How much does an oil change cost for a Lexus IS 250?
The total
cost of an oil change
for a Lexus IS 250 depends on whether or not you take your car to a mechanic or perform the oil change yourself. Professional cost
The estimated cost of a professional oil change for a Lexus IS 250 runs between $162 and $178. This price accounts for an average labor cost of $63 to $79 and an average $99 fee for the oil and oil filter.
Your oil change bill will depend on your location and model year, as taxes and other potential parts and repairs are added in.
DIY cost
If you feel comfortable, it’s much cheaper to change your car’s oil yourself. On average, a quart of 5W-30 or 0W-20 oil costs between $4 and $12 while five quarts costs between $10 and $40.
How to change the oil in a Lexus IS 250 yourself
What you’ll need
- 7 quarts of 5W-30 or 0W-20 multigrade oil
- Lexus IS 250 oil filter compatible with your model year
- Lexus IS 250 oil filter remover compatible with your model year
- Oil filter wrench—usually 24mm or 25mm depending on the remover type
- Jack and jack stands, or ramp and chocks
- 14mm wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Funnel
- Drain pan
- Gloves and protective eyewear
- Towels and rags
1. Warm the engine
Run your engine for around five minutes to heat the oil up to operating temperature. This thins the oil out to help it drain easier.
2. Secure the car
Elevate your car by using either a jack and jack stands, or driving your front wheels onto a ramp. Make sure your parking brake is engaged and place chocks behind your back wheels.
3. Drain the oil pan
Open the oil cap under the hood to relieve pressure. Then place a drain pan under the oil pan and loosen the drain plug with the 14mm wrench. Finish removing it with your fingers and allow the oil to drain.
If the gasket is stuck to the oil pan, you can use a screwdriver to pry it loose. Remember to replace the drain plug once the pan has finished draining.
4. Drain the oil filter
Remove the bolts from the panel covering the oil filter and set the panel aside. Position a drain pan under the oil filter. Place the oil filter remover on the oil filter cap and use a wrench to unscrew the oil filter housing.
Allow the oil filter to drain before removing the housing with the filter inside.
5. Install a new filter
Dispose of the old filter, then remove the housing’s O-ring—or gasket—and replace it with a new one from the oil filter kit. Apply a thin layer of oil on the new O-ring before installing it.
Push the new filter into the housing until it clicks and replace the housing to its original position. You’ll want to carefully twist it into place by hand before tightening up with the filter remover and wrench.
6. Pour in fresh oil
Place a funnel in the open oil fill cap and pour the specified quantity of 5W-30 or 0W-20 oil into your engine. Be sure to check with your owner’s manual for the type and quantity of oil your car needs. Once you’ve finished, replace the fill cap.
7. Check the oil levels
Take the car off the jack stand or ramp and run the engine for about five minutes. Turn the engine off and check under the car for leaks. Use the oil dipstick to check your oil levels—it should measure to the marked fill line. If it doesn’t, pour in more oil and check again as needed.
8. Reset your maintenance light
Turn the ignition on and press the “odometer/trip” button until the display shows “ODO” or “Trip A.” Turn the ignition off.
Press and hold the “trip meter reset” button and turn the ignition back on. Keep holding the “Trip Meter Reset” button until the maintenance light blinks, goes solid, and turns off. Restart the car to ensure the light remains off.
What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Lexus IS 250?
Your oil provides crucial lubrication to your engine and prevents debris from building up within the system. In doing so, it prevents damage from corrosion or engine knock, regulates the engine’s heat, and improves fuel efficiency.
Failing to regularly change your Lexus’ oil can result in the following issues:
- Engine corrosion and oxidation
- Overheating
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Complete engine failure
Following a
regular car maintenance schedule
can help you remember to change your oil as frequently as necessary. Though the cost of consistent oil changes seems like a pain, it will ultimately save you money on pricey repairs down the line. How to save money on car insurance
Investing in your engine’s health is just as important as investing in good car insurance.
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