I will remain neutral in the debate, RR, since I don't know enough about modern mineral oils to get involved in the comparison. Years ago, there was no discussion at all because viscosity breakdown was demonstrable and not really refuted. Today, I only know what Honda says, and I didn't want to mess with their recommendations.

Best wishes! I agree it's probably much ado about nothing.

 

having working in an industry where oil is the lifeblood of machinery (gas turbines) i am well aware of the need to keep good oil in your engines... to keep the debate going, i have two questions about when to change your oil...

1. i have read many on this board who claim to follow honda's recommendation and keep the oil in place up until the first scheduled change-out period: 3,750 for extreme conditions; and, 7,500 for normal conditions. who has a good definition of extreme versus normal driving conditions?

2. with all the focus on the oil itself during break-in periods... who has focused on the oil filter? couldn't there be a better filter being used that is able to clear out more of the damaging particulates that may be present in a new engine?

not trying to be overly critical of anyone's desire to change out their oil... i would just like to determine what would be considered a prudent interval - break in period or not. let those who wish to change their oil out before the first recommended interval if they want... however, if one's main concern is to keep the warranty in tact and keep their engine in tip top shape, being more conservative than honda's recommendations may just be "new-car-itis" / overkill.

 

I don't believe anyone needs to "come up" with a good definition. This is spelled out quite well in the owner's manual.

 

hi xviper... by your post i assume you are in the "follow the manual" camp. so why do many always want to do their own thing?

i would say 90% of all drivers fall into the normal driving condition, as severe driving conditions according to honda are as follows:

1. driving less than 5 miles per trip, or in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles per trip.
2. driving in extrememly hot (over 90 degrees F) conditions.
3. used primarily as a delivery vehicle or taxi that is driven mostly in stop-n-go traffic and/or parked with the engine idling.
4. driving in mountainous conditions.
5. driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

CANADIAN OWNERS - follow the maintenance schedule for sever conditions.

therefore, i answer my own question... xviper (severe), RR (normal)

insanediego... maybe severe due to the high ash/dust content in the air after the october fires. i still get crap all over my car every day during santa ana weather. maybe after a few months of rain our conditions will get back to normal. probably normal

 

insanediego, You are right in that many of us don't always follow what the manual says. I'm one of those "guilty" of this (eg. diff fluid changes). I made the assumption that you asked because you really didn't know. Now that I understand that you are asking for our "opinions", then this is what I can tell you.
(Remember, this is only my opinion). I think that your estimate of 90% of all owners fall under "normal" scheduling might be grossly unrealistic. In the North American "driving style", I think it's the other way around. How often have we seen the "average" car owner simply get into his car to go down to the corner store, shut it off, then start it back up to go home? How often have we seen the "average" owner go out to the garage, start up the car, move it onto the driveway, shut it off, and wash it? Or just drive it to the nearby gas station to get fuel and then go home? Those who drive in urban surroundings in stop and go traffic or even in non stop and go traffic on freeways that don't move so fast during the morning or late afternoon commutes, guess what their engines are injesting? Other vehicles' exhaust fumes!
My opinion is that short of being owned by a travelling salesman, most cars can be considered being driven under "severe" conditions. Sure, you can say that if this is a bit ambiguous, then which one should you pick? On the one hand, you "could" go with "severe", possibly doing maintenance that is too soon or unnecessary. OR, you could go "normal" and possibly go closer to the outer limits (or accidentally beyond them) of what the car needs. Now, if you were to make a mistake (or a misinterpretation) with either, which one is more dangerous to the health of your car? I err on the side of caution (nevermind that I live in a winter climate). What the heck, it's my time and my money. How each owner governs his own car's maintenance is purely up to him/her. If that person judges that his/her driving environment is "normal", then by all means, do what the conscience dictates. However, keep in mind that if the "inappropriate" schedule is chosen, it is most likely that any shortcomings will not be realized till long after any warranty is in effect (even an extended one).
Also consider that we can't just be talking about fluid changes. We must consider the rest of what is required for maintenance that, if left unattended, could lead to grief later on.

 

thanks for sharing your thoughts xviper! i'm still on the fence with regards to my own driving conditions, and may end up splitting the difference. we'll see what happens in another 2,000 miles when i reach the 3,500 mile interval. with 1,500 miles of very limited vtec driving, the dipstick still says "full" and this dipstick is still on the fence

 

Congrats...............good luck with keeping your cool until 600 miles !!!!

 

At how many miles will you change your synthetic oil? or how many months? whichever comes first...

 

Congrats! Good color choice/combo.

 

hah