The 2001 Lexus RX300 comes with a 3.0L six-cylinder engine. Lexus produces high-quality machines geared for performance and luxury. The RX300 is one of the many vehicles in the Lexus lineup. Routine maintenance on a Lexus includes oil changes every 3,000 miles or three months. Doing an oil change on your own requires using the proper oil and weights, appropriate torque and filters and checking the additional fluids and systems.
Most luxury vehicle manufacturers recommend using synthetic oils in the engine. The specifications for the RX300 call for using 5 quarts, with a filter change, of synthetic SAE 5W30 engine oil. You can opt for a semi-synthetic or high-mileage oil of the same weight. Engine additives that go into the oil chamber are helpful with older model vehicles. Choose an additive that specializes in repairing and maintaining the engine seals and add the chemical at each oil change to prolong the life of the vehicle.
The oil filter is a Fram PH3614 or other manufacturer's equivalent. The filter is an external, screw-on filter located on the rear of the engine. Always make sure the old gasket is removed with the original filter. Apply some fresh oil to the new gasket and turn the filter until it is hand-tight. Turn the filter one-quarter turn further to properly seat the filter on the engine. The oil drain plug is located on the lower corner of the oil pan. Torque the plug to 33 foot pounds of torque when installing. Always inspect the threads of the plug and the condition of the plug gasket. Replace either if there are any signs of damage.
Check and fill the fluids for the power steering reservoir, brake fluid, and transmission. Check the transmission fluid with the vehicle running. The steering and brake fluids can be checked with a glance at the reservoirs. Fill as necessary. Use synthetic multi-vehicle ATF with the transmission, torque-drive synthetic transmission fluid for the power steering, and DOT-3 brake fluid for the brakes. Inspect and replace the air filter as necessary during the oil change.
