just checked my oil today for the first time (1 month old, 2200km, can't remember in miles ~1400 or so??) and it was noticeably low... on the 3rd notch above "L". i haven't driven it that hard, and probably only hit vtec a few times (have never taken it over 7k rpm)...

after doing a search on here, most people stated that they'd change the oil at 3750 miles, some even said 4500 miles.. and then there's a few from australia that suggest changing at 1000 km (~600 miles)

if the oil's already this low, should i be adding more to it? or would that screw anything up? (by this, i'm referring to the quote from honda's site):

"Your Honda engine was delivered with an
oil that is specially formulated for new
engines that have not yet developed their
"natural" wear patterns and may contain
minute particles from the manufacturing
process. "

3750 miles just seems like a long time to wait.. any input??

 

yf69 - what you have noticed is a fairly routine occurence on most new s2ks. Most cars (including mine) will end up burning several quarts of oil until the piston rings get a chance to properly seat themselves. It is generally recommended on this forum that you check your oil frequently and top off with any reliable brand SAE 10w-30 non synthetic oil.

Topping off with fresh oil will not hinder or harm the break in process. There is still continuing debate as to whether the "special" break in oil Honda claims to have added really consists of a special additive or not. I wouldnt worry too much about it. If you are a city driver - I would recommend first oil change at just about 4k miles.

Remember to keep checking your oil though and top off when required. There have been several incidents of the #4 cylinder failing due to oil starvation - so watching the oil is very important. Most people notice that the oil consumption tapers off by 5-6k miles when the rings have seated themselves.

Good luck

 

thanks guess i'll just throw in a quart or two until i hit that 4500 mark.. appreciate the tip

 

You should check your oil more frequently -- at every fill up at the least. This is important when the car is new, because some tend to burn a bit in the beginning while the engine breaks in.

 

I just changed my oil @ 4062 miles.. I was going to change it @ 4500 miles but it has been 6 months since I owned the car.. The oil was quite dark.. I feel better now that I have changed it.. btw I put in 10w 30 Mobil One

 

Called the dealer and talked to someone who identified himself as a tech.
Oil: 10W30 regular or synthetic... "absolutley does NOT matter"
Except Quaker State which is"wax or parafin based."
The vanilla wrapper P.O.S. owners manual page 157 recomends using Honda Motor oil for as long as you own it... huh? What the HELL! Is Honda refining oil these days?
page 158 Synthetic oil OK and additives do nothing but increase the cost of operating your car...
No mention of oil usage during break in, No oil filter part number.
Why bother, it's just a hopped up Civic right?

 

yup civic with a body kit... and they turned the engine sideways.