Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Lexus vehicle is imperative to keep it running well so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. Luckily, the days of the standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end.
Smart technology, like the Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system, automatically monitors the oil life in your vehicle using an advanced algorithm, on board computer system that alerts owners when it’s time for an oil change, so they can address the issue promptly and without hassle. When the dashboard light is triggered, indicating “OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED,” all the owner has to do is schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the vehicle in for servicing, and a mechanic will take care of the rest; it’s that simple.
How the Lexus Oil Life Monitor system works and what to expect
The Lexus Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system is not a simple oil quality sensor, but a software based, algorithm driven device that takes into account various operating conditions of the engine to determine when the oil needs changing. The system measures the engine oil life by three criteria: crankcase temperature, combustion chamber conditions (how the engine performs), and moisture (internal/external environment). The algorithm is able to adjust the oil change interval given these variables and will give the owner an accurate reading of engine oil life within a five percent margin of error.
Certain driving habits can affect the life of the oil, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and driving terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperature will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to see how the OLM system can determine oil life:
- Note: Engine oil life is dependent not only on the factors listed above, but also on your specific vehicle model, year, and what type of oil is recommended. Some Lexus vehicles are not equipped with an oil life monitor. Check the owner’s manual for more information about your vehicle, including what oil is best for your model and year, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced professionals for advice.
When the “OIL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Lexus recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order, and can help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine, depending on your driving habits and conditions. Lexus has very model- and year-specific routine maintenance schedules for your vehicle. Click here and enter your model, year and mileage to see what service package suits your vehicle now, or consult the owner’s manual.
While the Lexus Oil Life Monitor system can be used as a reminder to the driver to have the vehicle serviced, it should be only be a guideline based on how the vehicle is driven and under what driving conditions. This does not mean Lexus drivers should ignore such alerts. Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and it can also provide a greater resale value.
Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Lexus maintenance system means or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
If your Lexus Oil Life Monitor system is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.
