Will my Lexus tell me when I need an oil change?

Yes. Most modern Lexus models use Toyota’s Maintenance Minder to alert you when an oil change is due, using an oil-life percentage and on-screen messages rather than relying on a fixed mileage. The system estimates remaining oil life based on how you drive and engine conditions.

How the Maintenance Minder works

The Maintenance Minder (MM) is Lexus/Toyota’s built-in reminder system for routine service, including oil changes. It calculates oil life by monitoring engine temperature, RPMs, trip length, driving style, climate, and other factors. The results appear on the instrument cluster or the vehicle’s display, and you may access them under Vehicle or Maintenance Minder menus. Model year and trim can affect exactly where and how the information is shown.

Here is what the MM system covers and how it communicates with you:

• Oil Life percentage is displayed on the gauge cluster or center screen, showing how much life remains in the oil.


• Messages such as “Oil Change Due,” “Oil Life X%,” or “Maintenance Required” appear when service is recommended or imminent.


• The system also tracks other maintenance items (filters, tires, system checks) and may remind you of those as well.


• The oil-life estimate adapts to driving conditions, so it’s not a fixed distance-based schedule; severe use can shorten intervals.

In short, the MM provides a dynamic readout of when an oil change is likely needed, but it’s still wise to consider regular checks and the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model and year.

What you will see and what it means

When the MM is active, you’ll typically see an oil-life percentage and a related message on the dash or infotainment screen. The thresholds can vary by model year, but you’ll usually be prompted as the oil life nears depletion and when it becomes due. After an oil change, the system resets and begins recalculating from a full 100% life.

What to expect:

• Oil Life percentage displayed (e.g., 50%, 15%, 0%).


• On-screen alerts such as “Oil Change Due Soon” or “Oil Change Required.”


• Automatic recalculation after service and a reset to 100% in most cases.


• Influence from driving conditions, which can shorten or extend intervals.

These indicators guide you toward scheduling maintenance, but they are not a substitute for regular checks, especially if you notice oil consumption, leaks, or unusual engine noise.

What to do when you see the reminder

When the Maintenance Minder indicates service is due or soon, plan a service appointment with a Lexus dealership or a qualified shop. Consider using the recommended oil type for your engine (often synthetic 0W-20 or similar, depending on the model) and have the oil filter changed as well. If you’re unsure about oil level, you can check it with the dipstick (when the engine is cool or as instructed in the manual) and top up if necessary.

Before scheduling, you may also want to confirm:

• Oil type and viscosity recommended for your engine.


• Whether there are any other due maintenance items (air filter, cabin filter, tires, brakes).


• Whether you should perform any additional checks for leaks or oil consumption.


• How the reset procedure works after service for your exact model/year.

After the oil change is completed, the MM should reset to indicate a full oil life again; if it doesn’t reset automatically, consult the owner’s manual or your dealer for the proper reset steps.

Resetting the Maintenance Minder after an oil change

To keep the Maintenance Minder accurate after an oil change, follow the reset procedure specified for your model year. The steps can vary, but a common approach includes using the vehicle’s controls to access the Maintenance Minder screen and confirming an oil-life reset to 100%.

• Turn the ignition to ON (do not start the engine).


• Navigate to the Maintenance Minder or Oil Life screen using the dash/menu controls.


• Select the option to reset the Oil Life or Maintenance Minder.


• Confirm the reset and ensure the display shows Oil Life at 100%.


• If the screen does not reset, consult the owner’s manual or a dealership to perform the reset.

Note: Exact buttons and menu paths differ by model year and trim. When in doubt, refer to the owner’s manual or ask a Lexus service advisor to perform the reset.

Beyond the reminder: maintaining oil health

Even with a Maintenance Minder, it’s wise to stay proactive about oil health. Use the prescribed oil type, adhere to service intervals for your driving conditions, and monitor oil level and leaks between scheduled changes. Regularly checking oil quality and staying aware of any unusual engine noises or warning lights helps prevent unexpected issues.

Summary

In today’s Lexuses, the answer is yes: the car will tell you when an oil change is likely due through the Maintenance Minder, using an oil-life percentage and on-screen alerts rather than a fixed mileage. The system adapts to your driving and engine data, but it should be complemented by regular checks and adherence to your model’s guidelines. After changing the oil, reset the Maintenance Minder according to your model’s procedure to keep the readout accurate, and always schedule service when prompted to maintain engine health.

Does your car warn you when you need an oil change?

Yes, most modern cars will tell you when an oil change is needed through a dashboard light or a message on the dashboard that indicates the oil life is low. Some cars use a wrench symbol, while others may display a percentage of remaining oil life. 
How your car will notify you:

• Oil life monitoring system: Many new cars have a system that tracks your driving habits to estimate when an oil change is necessary, and will display a message like "Service Soon" or a specific oil life percentage. 
• Dashboard lights: A light shaped like an oil can or a wrench will illuminate when it's time for service. 
• Check engine light: In some cases, the check engine light may come on due to an overdue oil change or other oil-related issues. 

Other signs your car may need an oil change:

• Engine noise: You may hear knocking or ticking sounds from the engine. 
• Burning smell: A burning smell inside the car can indicate that the oil is not properly cooling the engine. 
• Smoke from exhaust: Dirty or old oil can cause smoke to come from the exhaust pipe. 
• Dark, dirty oil: The oil on the dipstick appears dark and dirty, unlike the fresh, amber color of new oil. 

What to do if you see a warning light:

• Don't ignore it: It's important to take your car's warning lights seriously to avoid potential engine damage. 
• Check your owner's manual: Your car's owner's manual will have specific information about the warning lights and what to do when they come on. 
• Schedule a service: If a light comes on or you notice any of these other signs, schedule an oil change and have a mechanic check your car. 

How do you know if your Lexus needs an oil change?

5 SIGNS THAT IT'S TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE

1. DARK AND DIRTY OIL. When your engine oil is clean, it'll have a light, amber quality to its color.
2. LOUD ENGINE NOISES AND KNOCKING.
3. OIL CHANGE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
4. EXHAUST SMOKE.
5. OILY SMELL IN CABIN.

How to check oil percentage in Lexus RX 350?

You check oil level in a Lexus RX 350 using the dipstick or the electronic monitor, not an "oil percentage". To use the dipstick, park on a level surface, wait for the engine to cool, find the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out to check that the oil level is between the two marks. If you have an electronic monitor, it will provide a reading on your dashboard.
 
Using the dipstick
This video demonstrates how to check the engine oil level using the dipstick: 52sYOUCANICYouTube · Jul 2, 2024

1. Park on a level surface. Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and ensure the engine is cool to avoid burns. 
2. Locate the dipstick. Open the hood and find the oil dipstick, which is typically a brightly colored ring or handle. 
3. Wipe the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel. There is no need to reinsert it at this point. 
4. Reinsert the dipstick. Push the dipstick all the way back into its tube until it is fully seated. 
5. Check the oil level. Pull the dipstick out again and look at both sides to see where the oil level is. 
6. Read the level. The oil level should be between the two marks or within the cross-hatched area on the end of the dipstick. 
7. Add oil if needed. If the level is below the marks, add one quart of oil to bring it to the full level, then recheck. Avoid overfilling. 
8. Check oil condition. Look at the oil's color. If it's dark, thick, or has debris, it's time for an oil change. 

Using the electronic monitor

1. Turn on the vehicle. With the engine running or in the "on" position, look for the oil level indicator on your dashboard. 
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. The car's display will show the current oil level. 
3. Consult your owner's manual. For specific instructions, refer to your owner's manual. 

How to see what maintenance is required for a Lexus?

When the Lexus Maintenance Required light appears on your dashboard, it means that your vehicle is due for an oil change, tire rotation, or other routine maintenance task. This usually occurs every 3,500 to 5,000 miles, depending on your Lexus model. Find out more about Lexus maintenance with Rallye Lexus!