Poll: When should I change the oil next?

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: fitz4521
i would say about every 5k/6 months

hyundai has free lifetime oil changes...mmm free

That's so they can fix loose bolts and stuff before it becomes a warranty claim.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

BTW on all my cars I changed the oil every 3.5K miles. In highschool I knew a chick that drove a new car for 30K before the engine siezed. The first thing I asked was where did you have your last oil change? I was thinking they didn't put the drain plug back in, and she said,"You have to change the oil"

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Jzero

That's the Civic manual? I'm checking when I get out to my car

Anyway, I live 1.5 miles from my office, so I drive in short spurts all week long, so I do qualify for the "harsh" conditions, and even then 5000 seems a bit too long. I usually shoot for 3000 and by the time I get it done it's closer to 4000 (3800 for my first change).

I will clairify page 164 a bit (I have trouble with posts getting too long and often leave out information). The specific warning not to change earlier is for new cars; cars with new, overhauled, or replaced engines; and whenever the brakes are relined. The reason is that they use special oil that needs to be in the engine while it adjusts. This adjustment period creates small metal pieces that will damage the engine unless you have special oil (which comes with the car and in my case came with the free 3000 mile change). After 5000 miles the engine should have adjusted throughly and you can use regular oil. But anytime you have significant changes to the engine, it again needs 5000 miles of special oil - which you won't have if you change oil at a regular car shop during that period.

Other than in those conditions, you can change it more frequently although Honda makes it clear that they want you to follow the schedule - so I see no reason to differ.

I think I'm going to go in this sequence: 3000, 6500, 10000, 15000, 20000, 25000, 30000. That second oil change will be at an odd mileage since I'd like to get back on schedule.

 

[toph99]

don't forget both the oil companies and the dealer have things to gain...

if you change every 3000, the oil companies sell you more oil

if you change every 7500 or 10000, the dealer gets to sell you a new engine when it dies prematurely

 

[morkinva]

Originally posted by: fitz4521
i would say about every 5k/6 months hyundai has free lifetime oil changes...mmm free

Since when?

 

[zephyrprime]

I read on usenet that car companies recommend different oil change intervals in different nations for the same car! The oil change interval in Europe is commonly ~6000miles for severe service. (which is actually regular service the way that car companies define it. Don't ask.)