Initial Oil Change
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oil change
Oil change on the first interval is a tuffy, arguments for both sides but here's my thought. Have built several engines and have always changed oil no more that 500 miles the for the first time. Supposidly their are breakin additives from the factory? I've owned several motorcycles(all Jap) and very rairly went over 1000 miles between oil changes. If you baby the vehicle change the oil later in the miliage to allow proper seating of the rings. If you drive it like you stole it on a regular bassis change it early and often! Besides have you ever seen the stuff that comes out of the motor on the first oil change? I'ts like changing a babies first diaper, oooooh!
Oil change on the first interval is a tuffy, arguments for both sides but here's my thought. Have built several engines and have always changed oil no more that 500 miles the for the first time. Supposidly their are breakin additives from the factory? I've owned several motorcycles(all Jap) and very rairly went over 1000 miles between oil changes. If you baby the vehicle change the oil later in the miliage to allow proper seating of the rings. If you drive it like you stole it on a regular bassis change it early and often! Besides have you ever seen the stuff that comes out of the motor on the first oil change? I'ts like changing a babies first diaper, oooooh!
Hey guys, our MDX manuals clearly state to WAIT on the 1st oil change!! I checked with dealer and got the SAME wait suggestion. MDX forum had discussion and IMHO, the concensus was to WAIT.
I believe that this has something to do with "stuff" added to the original oil to help with break-in.
By the by, our 2001 Accord had the SAME WAIT recommendation.
FWIW
I believe that this has something to do with "stuff" added to the original oil to help with break-in.
By the by, our 2001 Accord had the SAME WAIT recommendation.
FWIW
Actually, for "break-in" oil it's a matter of what they don't put in it. They leave out the detergents and anti-wear agents that you get in the stuff you buy off the shelf. This allows for the rings to seat properly in fewer miles, thus reducing your engine break-in time.
Chris
Chris
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143 Posts
I'm going to follow Honda's recommendation. 7500 first change. Every 3500-4000 thereafter.
I'm so used to 3 months 3000 miles though. It's a tough habit to break.
I'm so used to 3 months 3000 miles though. It's a tough habit to break.
Repointing out that there are 2 oil change maintenance recommendations, 1 for "normal conditions" (7500) and one for "severe conditions" (3750). It's up to you to interpret where you fall on the scale. Honda's definition of "severe" is as follows:
Follow the "severe" schedule only if you drive in one or more of these conditions most of the time:
Trips of less than 5 miles (less than 10 in freezing weather)
Extremely hot weather (over 90 degrees F)
Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving
Trailer towing, driving with a car-top carrier, or driving in the mountains
Muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads
Note the phrase "one or more of these conditions most of the time." I don't know about most of the time but I do know that I encounter these conditions fairly often when you add them all up. In the end, probably more that "normal" but less than "severe." So I am going with changes every 5000 miles and split the difference, erring on the cautious side.
Follow the "severe" schedule only if you drive in one or more of these conditions most of the time:
Trips of less than 5 miles (less than 10 in freezing weather)
Extremely hot weather (over 90 degrees F)
Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving
Trailer towing, driving with a car-top carrier, or driving in the mountains
Muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads
Note the phrase "one or more of these conditions most of the time." I don't know about most of the time but I do know that I encounter these conditions fairly often when you add them all up. In the end, probably more that "normal" but less than "severe." So I am going with changes every 5000 miles and split the difference, erring on the cautious side.
Spartanman said:
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143 Posts
It's a tough call. Most miles on mine have been expressway thus far. But I do get stuck in traffic (stop and go) and it has been about 90 f out since I bought it, so who knows.....
Hey guys ... the MAXIMUM interval is 7,500/6 mos. ... you can always elect to do it more often.
If you are leasing the vehicle and plan to return it at the end of the lease, then do "Honda recommended" [e.g. Honda required] to maintain warranty coverage. Making sure the oil is "always good" extends engine life. With Honda, we're talking big miles. If its a lease, not your problem.
If you purchased the vehicle, then do what your heart tells you. If you drive 15,000 per year, Honda requires 2 oil changes per year. Changing every 5,000 vs. 7,500 is one extra oil change a year. To me, the extra $20-25 per year is a worth while investment [e.g. a no brainer]. Changing every 4,000 miles is an extra $40-50 per year [again a non-issue to insure you get the most over the LONG RUN].
In my case, I think I am going to go synthetic every 7,500 [Mobil-1]. This won't save money [vs. conventional at 4,000] but it will decrease the "inconvenience" without compromising taking good care of the vehicle.
Just opinions ... not claiming this is gospel
If you are leasing the vehicle and plan to return it at the end of the lease, then do "Honda recommended" [e.g. Honda required] to maintain warranty coverage. Making sure the oil is "always good" extends engine life. With Honda, we're talking big miles. If its a lease, not your problem.
If you purchased the vehicle, then do what your heart tells you. If you drive 15,000 per year, Honda requires 2 oil changes per year. Changing every 5,000 vs. 7,500 is one extra oil change a year. To me, the extra $20-25 per year is a worth while investment [e.g. a no brainer]. Changing every 4,000 miles is an extra $40-50 per year [again a non-issue to insure you get the most over the LONG RUN].
In my case, I think I am going to go synthetic every 7,500 [Mobil-1]. This won't save money [vs. conventional at 4,000] but it will decrease the "inconvenience" without compromising taking good care of the vehicle.
Just opinions ... not claiming this is gospel
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