A compact, comfortable and safe vehicle for drivers, the Lexus NX300 is a car for those who enjoy driving luxury SUVs. But if you want to keep your Lexus driving for years to come, you’re going to need to know its engine oil capacity.

On top of their higher price point, luxury vehicles can be costly to maintain and insure. While you can cut your costs by doing oil changes at home, make sure to read your owner’s manual to know your car’s oil type and capacity before breaking out your tools.

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Lexus NX300 engine oil capacity

First, you’re going to need to figure out how much oil your

Lexus

needs. A Lexus NX300 has an engine oil capacity of 5.2 quarts.

Don’t confuse your oil capacity with your engine displacement (which is 2.5 liters in a Lexus NX300). Engine displacement tells you how much space your vehicle’s cylinders take up, whereas oil capacity tells you how much oil you need to use for an oil change.

What kind of oil does a Lexus NX300 need?

Now that you know how much oil you need to buy, you’re going to need to know which brand is best for your Lexus. Not all engine oil types are suited for your engine, so don’t just pick up the first bottle you see on the shelves!

Lexus recommends drivers use 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil when doing an oil change.

You might be wondering what those numbers and letters mean. The “W” stands for winter, the “0” means that the oil has a lower viscosity (i.e., flows well) at 0°F, and the “20” tells you that the oil is thin at 212°F. Your car cycles between 0°F and 212°F, and thinner oil means that it’s easier on your Lexus’ engine.

Essentially, these ratings mean that this type of oil performs well under colder temperatures and will result in less engine damage.

You might notice that 0W-20 comes in both conventional and synthetic varieties. While conventional oil can be used, synthetic oil is the optimal choice because it’s typically higher quality, lasts longer, and is easier on your engine.

Owner's manual recommendation:

Toyota Genuine Motor Oil SAE 0W-20

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a Lexus NX300

Now that you’ve got the right oil, you’re going to need to recognize when it’s time for an

oil change

Lexus recommends an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This range might increase to every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you’re using synthetic oil or if you don’t drive often.

Since those are pretty vague numbers, it might just be easier to keep an eye on your engine and check it after every other refuel. Look for these signs as an indicator that it’s time for an oil change:

Your motor oil is noticeably dirtier (dark brown or black vs light brown when it’s clean)

The oil feels coarse or gritty between your fingers

Strange noises seem to come from your engine

Abnormal smells (e.g., oil, smoke, or burning)

Decrease in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

The most common Lexus problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

If it’s time for an oil change, gather the following: a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench you can use to remove the old filter. Make sure you have your replacement filter and six quarts of 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil handy, too.

Then, follow these steps:

Run your engine to warm up your vehicle (this should take five minutes, or longer during the winter)

Shut your engine off and pop open the hood

Take the oil fill cap off

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer (which should be under the engine) and drain the old oil out

Take out the old filter and let the oil finish draining

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Your dipstick will let you know when you’ve added enough oil to your engine. Make sure to run the engine once you’re done and check for any leaks. Your

oil pressure light

should turn off if you’ve done everything correctly.

Finally, don’t just leave the oil on the ground, make sure to clean everything up. Collect the old oil in a container, and bring it to a local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

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