I have been hearing some conflicting information, so I figured I would post this to set the record straight for myself and others.

First, I go to Honda to get my oil changes (only one so far), and they use the "synthetic blend" oil. How often should I be going? I told a buddy of mine I plan on going every 3,000 miles, and he said even with the synth blend, you can wait 5-6k miles and be completely fine. If anyone can please provide some info, as well as facts on using different kinds of oils (normal, blend, full synthetic) I'm sure it would be helpful to myself and other members of the board.

Appreciate it guys!

 

Before my switch to Amsoil, I ran full synthetic Mobil 1 until the oil change light came on. Now I run Amsoil for at least 9-10K miles. Granted I don't have UOA report, but it's my daily and I figured it should be alright.

 

Also, one other thing I have noticed, which would also be good for discussion. Last time I took my car in for an oil change, the digital oil life read 60% both before and after the oil change. I am positive they changed the oil by checking with the dipstick for increased levels of oil. Is there a way to reset this meter? My logic tells me the oil life should read 100% after a fresh oil change

 

I try to change oil on the 5000 mile range - it is easier to remember - ends in a 0 or a 5.

 

Is this with regular, blended, or full synthetic?

 

How long do you guys wait between oil changes? It's been 3 months/2000 miles since my last change, and I was planning on doing it tomorrow.

I run conventional oil btw.

 

Today, IMO, 3k mile oil changes are over kill and a waste of money. Unless of course you drive in the dust bowls of the west, or the extreme cold of Nome, Alaska!

Synthetics allow for a longer time between oil changes. I go 5 - 6k, maybe 7k with Mobil 1.

Check out the search, there's a ton of info on when to chnage, Syn v Dino, my oil's better than your oil an so on!

 

The honda manual calls for 7500. You may call it overkill but I run mobil 1 and Honda filters and change it between 3500-4500

 

3k-3.5k mile oil change is overkill. Modern oils have better detergents in them and can last longer than the usual old-school 3k intervals. My Benz gets Mobil 1 and it gets its oil change at 10k. I do my own oil analysis (i'm a chemist) and so far I have yet to see significant changes on my engine metal values. So, my s2k gets to change its oil at 5-6k using regular dino oil (regular driving), but I change oil after every track and autox sessions.

 

Off topic here, but do any of you prefer synthetic over conventional or vice-versa? I have an early AP1 and I'm running Castrol Edge. It's probably been 4k since my last oil change, but I've lost about 2 quarts since then. I'm thinking of switching to conventional or some other brand to help minimize the burning oil, but I'm not sure what route to go.