Lexus Rc 350 Oil Pan: Location And Maintenance Guide

The Lexus RC350 is a car that requires regular oil changes to maintain optimal performance. The oil pan in this vehicle, located at the bottom of the engine, serves as the main reservoir for engine oil. During an oil change, a technician will drain the oil from the oil pan, replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil. This process helps to protect the engine's internal components, prevent contaminants, and ensure optimal engine performance. While the oil change procedure can be performed by intermediate DIYers, it is important to follow specifications and procedures specific to the Lexus RC350 model.

How to locate the oil pan on a Lexus RC 350

To locate the oil pan on a Lexus RC 350, park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Look underneath the engine, and you will see the oil pan bolted to the engine block. It is large enough to hold all the oil in the engine, and the oil drain plug is located here.

If you are looking to drain the oil, you will need to jack up the car and position jack stands at the front sides of your car. Make sure the ground is level, and the car is secure before going underneath.

Once you have located the oil pan, position your oil drain pan to catch the oil. Use a 14mm socket to unscrew the bolt, and let the oil leak out. Clean up any mess and screw the bolt back in once the oil has drained.

Tools required to change the oil

Changing the oil in your Lexus RC 350 is a straightforward task that can be done by any DIYer. Here is a list of tools you will need to change the oil in your car:

General Tools:

• Jack Stands: These are essential for supporting your vehicle while you work underneath it. Choose jack stands with a lifting capacity greater than your car's weight.
• Oil Collection Container: Get a container that can collect the drained oil. Make sure it has a spout for easy transfer and disposal.
• Metal Drip Pan: This will catch any oil drips or spills during the process, protecting your floor.
• Portable Shop Light: A good light source will help you locate the oil plug, jack notches, and other components easily.
• Wrench or Socket Wrench: You will need this to loosen and tighten the drain plug and oil filter. Get a set with different sizes, including metric and SAE.
• Safety Gear: This includes safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to keep your hands clean.
• Rags or Shop Towels: These are useful for cleaning up any spills or messes.

Specific Oil Change Tools:

• Funnel: A funnel will help you refill the engine oil without spilling.
• Oil Filter Removal Tool: This tool provides grip and leverage to remove the old oil filter. You may need a specific tool for Lexus/Toyota vehicles.
• Oil Drain Plug Gaskets: You will need a new gasket when you reinstall the drain plug.

Step-by-step guide to changing the oil

Preparation

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

• Two tire chocks
• Two jack stands
• One jack
• Gloves
• One oil drain pan
• One socket wrench
• One breaker bar
• One 10mm socket
• One 14mm socket
• One Toyota/Lexus oil filter removal tool
• Shop towels
• One engine oil filter
• One oil drain plug gasket
• Six quarts of your preferred oil

Step 1: Jacking up the car

Chock your tires to prevent your car from rolling off the stands and engage the parking brake. Find the jacking points at the front of the car and start lifting. Once you have enough clearance, position jack stands on the front sides of your car and let the car rest on them.

Step 2: Draining the oil

Locate the drain pan. Position your oil drain pan to catch the oil. Use your 14mm socket to unscrew the bolt or use the breaker bar if it's too tight. Let the oil leak out and clean up the screws and the mess. Put on a new gasket onto the screw and screw it back in once the oil has drained completely.

Step 3: Changing the oil filter

Locate the oil filter cover, which has three screws in a triangle formation. Use your 10mm socket to remove the three screws. Position your oil pan to catch what's about to fly out of the oil filter. Use the tool to remove the oil filter. Once removed, discard the filter and the O-ring inside and clean it up from the old oil. Put in the new oil filter and the new O-ring, which will be included in the filter packaging.

Step 4: Refilling the oil

Open up the engine oil cap. Put the funnel in and funnel in six quarts of oil. Check for leaks. Make sure nothing is coming out and wait a bit. Lower the car back down and remove the jack stands. Make sure your car is levelled and check the dipstick to see your oil level.

Step 5: Resetting the maintenance indicators

Turn on the car after you've finished, making sure no lights are coming up and reset the maintenance indicators.

How often the oil should be changed

The Lexus RC 350 is a sleek and powerful car. To keep it in good condition, regular oil changes are important. But how often should the oil be changed? Well, that depends on a few factors.

Firstly, it's important to use the right type of oil for your car. The Lexus RC 350 is a high-performance vehicle, so it's recommended to use full synthetic motor oil. This type of oil provides superior protection for the engine and can improve fuel efficiency. Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil, but it offers better performance and protection for your engine in the long run.

Now, let's talk about the oil change interval. For the Lexus RC 350, it's recommended to change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you're using full synthetic motor oil. However, if you're using conventional oil, it's best to change the oil more frequently, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It's important to check your owner's manual for the exact interval recommended by the manufacturer.

In addition to the mileage interval, it's also important to consider the age of the oil. Oil breaks down over time, so it's recommended to change it at least once a year, even if you haven't reached the mileage interval. This is especially important if you don't drive your car often and your mileage is low.

Changing your oil regularly is crucial to maintaining the performance and health of your Lexus RC 350's engine. By using the right type of oil and changing it at the recommended intervals, you can ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently for many years.

Driving with a damaged oil pan

The oil pan on a Lexus RC 350 is located at the bottom of the engine. It is bolted to the engine block, and there is an oil pan gasket in between the block and pan to prevent oil leaks. The oil drain plug is also located on the oil pan.

Now, driving with a damaged oil pan is not recommended as it can cause oil leaks, which can be detrimental to your engine's health. If the oil level is low, it can lead to severe engine damage. However, if you must drive before replacing the pan, ensure you top up the oil frequently and do not exceed the 10-mile mark.

• Oil leaks underneath the engine of your car, ranging from dark brown to dark black.
• If the leak is large enough, the oil pressure or low oil level warning light will turn on.
• A puddle of oil underneath your car.
• A greasy oil pan and exhaust system after driving.
• Smoke or a burning smell coming from the engine compartment.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to get your car to a safe location off the road and, ideally, to a gas station or repair shop.

To fix a leaking oil pan, you may need to replace the oil drain plug, install a new gasket, or replace the oil pan itself. This can be a complex task, and it is recommended to consult a repair manual or seek professional help if you are not experienced with car repairs.

Frequently asked questions