Lexus LS400 Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(148)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(148)

Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection Service

How much does a Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Lexus LS400 Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1992 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
1994 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2000 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1999 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
1990 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
1998 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1996 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.28 - $130.25
1995 Lexus LS400V8-4.0LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.94 - $131.39
Show example Lexus LS400 Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection prices

Car engines need oil to operate smoothly and efficiently. Engine oil helps lubricate the dozens of moving and interacting parts, helps prevent rust and corrosion as well as aiding in removing the heat that an engine generates. Modern oil also helps keep an engine clean by removing sludge and build-up. An engine without oil simply will not function.

Brand new engine oil is a lovely amber color but over time it will turn black and in some cases will get gritty. Fortunately, this is usually not a problem, it is simply a result of the oil doing the job it was designed to do.

How this system works:

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the various moving parts of an engine. The constant contact between these moving parts generates both heat and wear and tear. Engine oil keeps friction to a minimum and dissipates the heat.

Engine oil is stored in the oil pan. The pan holds between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. When an engine is started, an oil pump sucks the oil from the pan through the pickup tube. The oil then travels to the oil filter, which removes any dirt and debris that has accumulated in it and then sends the oil into the engine via spurt holes. The oil moves through the engine and eventually makes it way back to the oil pan where the process starts again.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: Regardless of how often oil is changed, eventually it becomes black and slightly gritty. This simply means it is doing its job. Modern detergent engine oils which have detergent additives are designed to disperse the tiny particles or engine sludge and hold them in suspension in the oil so they do not build up on engine parts.

This will make the oil darker in color, and slightly gritty but it’s better for the build up to be trapped in the oil then building up on the vehicles engine parts. Oil can only hold so much sludge and eventually it will need to be replaced.

  • Dirty Oil Filter: An oil filter’s primary function is to filter out contaminants in the oil that it picks up while cycling through the engine. Over time an oil filter will become full and will need to be replaced. If it is unable to filter the oil the contaminants will remain in the oil and possibly damage the engine.

  • Overdue for an Oil Change: Oil needs to be changed on a regular basis. While oil turning black and getting slightly gritty is normal, extremely black oil that develops globs on the dipstick needs to be changed immediately. The interval between oil changes will vary depending on the type of oil being used but it is a good idea to follow the manufacturers recommendations.

While 3,000 miles used to be the recommendation, most modern oils, especially synthetics can go between 7,000-10,000 before an oil change is needed.

  • Oil Light Comes On: In most vehicles, if the Oil Warning light comes on, it is reason for immediate concern. In most cases this will indicate a low oil pressure situation, which could be the result of a failing oil pump or a leak. This can do severe damage to the engine. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired immediately.

  • Oil Level is Dropping: If the vehicle is consistently low on oil or the level is dropping sharply over a short period of time, there is probably an oil leak somewhere in the system. An oil leak can lead to a dangerously low amount of oil in the car and should be repaired immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the Oil is Black and Gritty issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic look for normal wear and tear of the engine oil, along with the oil filter, oil level and other indications that will help determine if any problem exists or if additional procedures are required in order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

In most cases black and gritty engine oil is normal. Engine oil should be changed on a regular basis according to the manufacturers recommendations. Going too long between oil changes can affect the performance of the engine and lead to expensive repairs.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Lexus mechanics

Real customer reviews from Lexus owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(148)

Rating Summary
139
7
1
0
1
139
7
1
0
1

Stacy

24 years of experience
366 reviews
Stacy
24 years of experience
Lexus LS400 V8-4.0L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Atlanta, Georgia
Stacy was very professional and extremely helpful and knowledgeable

Kevin

24 years of experience
537 reviews
Kevin
24 years of experience
Lexus LS400 V8-4.0L - transmission speedo inop - Duluth, Georgia
Great service as always.

Kris

12 years of experience
48 reviews
Kris
12 years of experience
Lexus LS400 V8-4.0L - Hydraulic Brake Booster - Atlanta, Georgia
Kriss was very knowledgeable and was able to ask all of my questions pertaining to my vehicle

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
Lexus LS400 V8-4.0L - Power Brake Booster - Paradise Valley, Arizona
Great work! Quick and ontime.

Excellent Rating

(148)

Rating Summary
139
7
1
0
1
139
7
1
0
1
Number of Lexus LS400 services completed
1628+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Lexus MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

The Best Used Cars to Buy for Short Commutes
If If you’re lucky enough to have a short commute to work, then you need to consider different factors when buying a used car than someone with a lengthier drive (or more time stuck in traffic). Chances are good that...
How to Buy a Good Quality Brake Wheel Cylinder
Drum Drum brakes, which are still in use today on the rear of many vehicles, operate on a hydraulic basis, using brake fluid to apply pressure to pistons in the wheel cylinder, which in turn presses the brake shoes against...
P0668 OBD-II Trouble Code: PCM/ECM/TCM Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
P0668 means there is a problematic temperature reading from the engine or transmission. This could be due to a faulty sensor or wire, or overheating.

Car not idling properly

Hi, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This is a common symptom on many cars when what is called a mass airflow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-mass-airflow-sensor-do) is not working properly. This is a unit that monitors air flow intake...

Loud humming/buzzing from new tires

If you did not have the noise before the new tires then you know the noise is from the tires. Run your hand over the surface of each tire in one direction and then go in the opposite direction. You...

Doors wont lock or unlock with fob or switch?

Hello. Further testing should be done to help solve your problem. Being that the door unlock reprogramming procedure has already been done and the fuses have been checked there's not much left it could be. When you hit the unlock...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com