NOTE: This article originally appeared in the August '96 issue of S/N. On all Hondas (except Passport), the original engine oil contains additives to protect the engine during its break-in period. Since these additives aren't in over-the-counter oils, make sure the first oil change happens at the recommended mileage/time interval, and not before.

Do not go to the 7500 mileage mark on break-in oil though. Change out by 3750 miles that Honda recommends for severe service even if highway driving. My oil analysis will show that. They simply put a lot of moly in the oil. This amount of moly in oil can be purchased by consumers from the likes of Redline.

bump....this should stay at the top!!

For the 2003+ 4-cyl. engines they're recommending oil changes every 10K miles.... or every 5K on the severe duty schedule.

I wasn't planning on going 10K or even 5K. I think every 4K miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first) is ideal.

Does that seem sensible?

i dont want to contradict whats been recommended but for what its worth, i have read many times over the years, even from car experts that a car's oil really should be good until about 5k miles(under severe conditions) or 7k miles with highway driving. they say that the car manufacturers just wanted people to bring their cars in for service more often so they can make more money.

Originally posted by 04blkpearlcoupe
i dont want to contradict whats been recommended but for what its worth, i have read many times over the years, even from car experts that a car's oil really should be good until about 5k miles(under severe conditions) or 7k miles with highway driving. they say that the car manufacturers just wanted people to bring their cars in for service more often so they can make more money.

I've also read a lot that says car manufacturers are extending the service schedules to lower maintenance costs. This explanation might be more likely, because when I pulled the oil out of my F23A1 at a 3000 mile change it was very black.

My partner the Honda tech strongly recommends changing to Mobile-1 5w30 at 3000 miles. He actually recommended changing earlier until I reminded him of the additives the factory oil has in it.

Oil discussions will continue to be the bane of forums such as this.

Reciprocating engines' oil is supposed to be black after a while. Give this a shot... change it, wait 1,000 miles, then look at it again. Heck, look at it after 500 miles. It will be dark, prolly nearly black.

The true test of an oil's capabilities comes in laboratory analysis. This will yield such things as metal content, additive breakdown, etc. Nowadays, folks are going amny miles longer on each change, just sampling the oil at different intervals.

The problem with this is that for the average consumer, the cost of multiple analyses is more than changing the oil (unless you are talking synthetic). But if you have access to free samples, say thru work or a lab friend, take advantage of it. You will be surprised at what you find out.

About 15 years ago, I met a man who was on a personal campaign to promote synthetic oil and extended usage intervals. He was using Mobil 1, changing his filter every 25,000, and the oil every 50k miles. When I talked to him, he had over 150k on the car, and it was stil going strong. His goal was 300-400k using that schedule. I wish I could have talked to him later, and see what he concluded. His oil samples were coming back fine every time, he said.

Personally, I am for extended intervals. It is cheaper, and is better for the environment. Until someone can show me where a car was properly cared for & driven, and the extended interval caused premature wear or damage, I am all for it.

Turbine engines are a different animal than recips, in that the oil never contacts the flame areas of the engine, but guess what the drain interval is on a turbine engine?

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Never.

As long as you're the guinea pig and not me.

My partner the Honda tech strongly recommends changing to Mobile-1 5w30 at 3000 miles. He actually recommended changing earlier until I reminded him of the additives the factory oil has in it.

OMG what a waste...

Our cars can easy do over 5K with dino oil, let alone synthetic.

Do not take my word for it - do an analysis. Or - see what other people that did their say - go to Forums on this site:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

PS. Ultimately it's your car of course and you should do what you are comfortable with. No point of sweating it for what someone else thinks! :thmsup:

OMG what a waste...

Our cars can easy do over 5K with dino oil, let alone synthetic.

Do not take my word for it - do an analysis. Or - see what other people that did their say - go to Forums on this site:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

PS. Ultimately it's your car of course and you should do what you are comfortable with. No point of sweating it for what someone else thinks! :thmsup:
mine gets changed every 3K miles with mobil 1. overkill, deffinately. safer rather than sorry. absolutely. stupid since I won't keep a car more than 18 months, probably. :lmao: :lmao:

according to this lab analysis, it looks like 7k miles is a good time to change oil in the accord v6:

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58368

Hi all - picked up my V6 EX sedan tonight! Love it, absoultely love it. My first 6-cyl engine!

Anyway, I specifically asked the dealership about their break-in recommendation and about first engine oil change...they said wait for 3,750 miles, which is what Honda recommends on normal oil changes (apparently; I do it every 3K regardless). What are the thoughts out there with regard to 3750 or waiting longer? the title of this thread is obviously what has me concerned...I want to break in the car properly.

Thanks!

Go read the owners manual, you'll see that the change interval is not 3750 miles. Regardless, whether the break in oil comes out at 3000 or 5000, our Hondas are not fickle...they'll still go the distance no matter when the oil comes out.

I think for the V6's, the recommended interval is 3750/7500 severe/normal.
For the 4cyl, its 5000/10,000.

Still I don't see an average consumer needing a severe schedule. At least the dealer didn't say 3000...but probably didn't bother to ask about driving habits either.

This is something that has been on my mind lately. My car has just over 3K miles on it now and I've had it for about 3 months. I always change my oil every 3 months or 3K miles. I've done a lot of reading about the first oil change and most people seem to recommend keeping the original oil in the car for 5K or 6 months.

Should I change it? If I change it before 5K or 6 months is there going to be any side effects? What do you guys think?

on a similar, yet more extreme note...my car is a year old with 3000 miles...should i change it or wait till 5000? :paranoid:

right, well we all drive the same model, so should we entitle the thread "go read the owner's manual"? :)

i'm in massachusetts and now i remember the dealer saying that mass. is considered "severe" overall, but of course it depends on where you live & how you drive...just that our roadways suck and it might be safe to go w/ the severe usage schedule.

on a similar, yet more extreme note...my car is a year old with 3000 miles...should i change it or wait till 5000? :paranoid:

Regardless of low mileage- when its been in there a year, change it along with the filter.

This is something that has been on my mind lately. My car has just over 3K miles on it now and I've had it for about 3 months. I always change my oil every 3 months or 3K miles. I've done a lot of reading about the first oil change and most people seem to recommend keeping the original oil in the car for 5K or 6 months.

Should I change it? If I change it before 5K or 6 months is there going to be any side effects? What do you guys think?

Honda is rather adamant about leaving it in for 5K or one year max for the first change. The break in oil is Exxon with high moly add pack. I couldn't stand it and changed mine over to Mobil 1 between 3-3.5K. No ill effects, no consumption. Your call on this one........

Changing oil @ 3000 miles is the longest lived oil myth ever devised. It may have been realistic in the 50's & 60's but not with today's oils and engines. Top notch dino oils like Havoline and Chevron can easily go 5-6K or longer. Save yourself some time, money, and oil.....change @ 5500 miles and your engine will outlive you.

Scheduled maintenance for oil changes call for 3750 severe and 7500 normal oil change intervals for the 7th gen V6. I changed mine out at 4000 miles since it's been in there for over 6 months. 7th gen I4 engine have a 5000/10k severe/normal oil change interval. I would change the filter every time you change the oil.

RTexasF makes a good point about changing the oil and filter at least once a year regardless of mileage. Oil breaks down over time in the crankcase and loses it's lubricating properties. Changing the oil would also get rid of the water that may have collected in the crankcase to prevent the engine from rusting from the inside out.

Here is what I do. I run synthetic. After 3 thousand miles I change the filter (Purelator One Top of the Line) and top of the oil level. Next three thousand miles I change everything. Bottom line is a new filter every three thousand mile.

Now I will be changing out the manual trans lube at 20,000 miles. Honda calls for the use of their Manual Trans Oil. Well, from passed experience with Honda Dealers, they use regular motor oil. As such, I will proably use a Royal Purple Synthetic 5W30 or XPR Xtreme Performance and Racing oil.

Now I will be changing out the manual trans lube at 20,000 miles. Honda calls for the use of their Manual Trans Oil. Well, from passed experience with Honda Dealers, they use regular motor oil. As such, I will proably use a Royal Purple Synthetic 5W30 or XPR Xtreme Performance and Racing oil.

It seems kind of stupid to take a risk with 5W30 synthetic that costs $6 a quart anyway (especially when the manual calls for 10W30...at least mine did) when the Honda synthetic MTF only cost me $7.12 a quart but its your car :lmao:

Sorry for the misqoute on the oil weight. The point being is that the Honda dealerships are substituting regular motor oil instead of using the Honda MT Fluid called for in their own manual. (But still charging you the $$$ for the dealership to service the trans) No matter, the Royal Purple is still better than regular motor oil in the trans. have used it in all my cars and have not had a problem yet.

Synthetic oil in a tranny is a big no-no.. The problem? NOT enough friction for the synchros. I'd stick with conventional oil or MTF if I were you and save your money, too.

Here is what I do. I run synthetic. After 3 thousand miles I change the filter (Purelator One Top of the Line) and top of the oil level.

Right on target. Yesterday, I was changing my oil (haven't done an oil change myself in years) and I had no oil filter wrench, I used to hand loosen my filters back in the day. Couldn't get mine off by hand, had already drained the oil. Long Story Short, I gave up, and just added 4 qts of Mobil 1 without changing the filter.

If I go and change the filter now, without emptying the oil, how much oil is going to come out when I take the filter off?

Thanks

Synthetic oil in a tranny is a big no-no.. The problem? NOT enough friction for the synchros. I'd stick with conventional oil or MTF if I were you and save your money, too.

Was just about to change mine to synthetic.

What about this stuff? http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=297

seems to be specifically designed for MT's, "Not for use in engines or wet clutch applications."

Synthetic oil in a tranny is a big no-no.. The problem? NOT enough friction for the synchros. I'd stick with conventional oil or MTF if I were you and save your money, too.

There are synthetic manual transmission fluids that work well though.

Sorry for the misqoute on the oil weight. The point being is that the Honda dealerships are substituting regular motor oil instead of using the Honda MT Fluid called for in their own manual. (But still charging you the $$$ for the dealership to service the trans) No matter, the Royal Purple is still better than regular motor oil in the trans. have used it in all my cars and have not had a problem yet.

And how do you know this to be fact? Pretty broad statement saying dealerships (meaning all) are doing this.

Was just about to change mine to synthetic.

What about this stuff? http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=297

seems to be specifically designed for MT's, "Not for use in engines or wet clutch applications."

Amsoil makes good products. I would not hesistate to use that synthetic manual tranny lube but make sure it is suited for your application. I chose Red Line MTL simply because it's a little less expensive. You'll need three quarts of whatever you decide on, it takes 2+ to change it.

Synthetic oil in a tranny is a big no-no.. The problem? NOT enough friction for the synchros. I'd stick with conventional oil or MTF if I were you and save your money, too.

So what is it about synthetic that makes you think that it doesn't have enough friction for the synchros? The friction modifiers comes from the additive pack not the base oil.

benj,

I'd never thought about that.....using synth engine oil in a tranny. My manual says XW30 (forgot the 1st number) can be used in place of genuine Honda Manual tranny fluid in an emergency. I always assumed it meant dino oil. Is synth acceptable or not?

I'll stick with Redline and go with GM's product next time but I am curious.

Got any rain yet in Bama?

synth would be acceptable; an oil w/o VII resists shearing better.

It's 40°F and rainy here today; only drizzle thus far. Not very pretty. So much for washing the car.

It only depends on what the oil change interval is on the owners manual. Also, just to let everyone know, the shop manuals such as Haynes says 3000 mile oil change. Not only that, it recommends a brake change at 30,000 miles

Ever wonder why the 3000-4500 mile oil change philosphy came about? Me thinks it is based on the fact that an reasonalby good condition engine will use about 1 quart of oil about every 4000 miles. So about that time you need to add a quart. Just changing the filter and adding oil would cheaper and adequate but if you are under there, why not do both. And most us only check the oil when we do oil changes unless the engine is leaking oil.

right, well we all drive the same model, so should we entitle the thread "go read the owner's manual"? :)

i'm in massachusetts and now i remember the dealer saying that mass. is considered "severe" overall, but of course it depends on where you live & how you drive...just that our roadways suck and it might be safe to go w/ the severe usage schedule. I searched through the owner's manual and it appears that I am supposed to put an awful lot of faith in the Maintanence Minder as I could find NO listiing for mileage only that by 5% I should get the oil changed. Nor is there a different time span for break in oil. It is deffinetly a new mindset as I too always changed my oil every 3,000 miles or 6 mos using Mobil 1 on my 92 Grand Prix. I guess it's time for this old dog to learn new tricks, but it's still hard to accept.:dunno:

FYI this is off the Honda Owners Link site:

Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?

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.

American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.

i'm at 6100 miles no oil changes and 40% oil life! should be coming soon i hope

Just bought an '09 Accord EX 4cyl. Love the car. Thinking about going with Mobil 1 at my 1st oil change. I noticed the owner's manual suggests the change at 5,000 miles. Is this the case for the break in period as well? Also, living in SC, should I go with 5w-30 or 10w? I run Mobil 1 10w-30 in my 2000 Silverado... Any word on a K&N 57 series air intake?

Just bought an '09 Accord EX 4cyl. Love the car. Thinking about going with Mobil 1 at my 1st oil change. I noticed the owner's manual suggests the change at 5,000 miles. Is this the case for the break in period as well? Also, living in SC, should I go with 5w-30 or 10w? I run Mobil 1 10w-30 in my 2000 Silverado... Any word on a K&N 57 series air intake?

as I recall, the manual suggests following the MM... where did you find 5000 miles?

We will be changing the break in oil out at 5k in out new element!

I'm pretty sure I read that in the manual for all of the other oil changes, not the 1st. Ill have to look again. I've always changed at 3k, just feels weird waiting on a light to tell me when to change it. Any thoughts on the K&N and/or Mobil 1?

If you mean K&N oil filter it's a good one although quite expensive. M1 was in my Accord (0W20) since about 3500 miles until I traded it in. It's top notch and available off the shelf but Penzoil Platinum is an equal and costs a bit less......either will serve you very well.

If you mean K&N oil filter it's a good one although quite expensive. M1 was in my Accord (0W20) since about 3500 miles until I traded it in. It's top notch and available off the shelf but Penzoil Platinum is an equal and costs a bit less......either will serve you very well.

referring to the 57 series K&N air intake

Here's a chart of which companies make the Honda fluids:

hey everyone i'm at almost 6k 40%I would like to change the break in oil this weekend is it too soon?
tom

NO! The break in oil has done it's job....it can go now.

Thanks Princess....

Came across this article today.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/979/best-ways-to-keep-your-car-running/;_ylc=X3oDMTFjMThnNmgzBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRv ZGF5BHNsawNiZXN0LXdheS1ydW5uaW5n


"Finally, if your car is new, follow the break-in recommendations in your owner's manual. Regardless of the manufacturer's recommendation, we advise changing your car's oil after your inaugural 1,000 miles."

I'm at 5600 miles on break in oil and at 30%. I was told to go to 15% by the dealer, and apparently you're supposed to before the first oil change... i'm gettin kind of nervous though as this is my FIRST brand new car!! any advice...? thanks!

I just changed mine saturday I was at 6200 miles and just clicked over to 30% also ..don't worry just change it..
Tom

Came across this article today.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/979/best-ways-to-keep-your-car-running/;_ylc=X3oDMTFjMThnNmgzBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRv ZGF5BHNsawNiZXN0LXdheS1ydW5uaW5n


"Finally, if your car is new, follow the break-in recommendations in your owner's manual. Regardless of the manufacturer's recommendation, we advise changing your car's oil after your inaugural 1,000 miles."

I would ignore the last sentence in the above quote. It makes no sense to dump oil after 1000 miles. Maufacturers recommend NOT changing out the FF until it is time to do so.

I don't agree that not driving would prolong it's life! The worst thing you can do is let a piece of machinery sit!! Cars age faster just sitting! Ever noticed tractors? The ones used look newer, longer. The ones that just get parked look old real quick!

I also don't agree that driving gently makes much difference. Modern cars are made to start & go. Hondas prefer some pep being used. Old cars, with carbs, loved to be opened up. I don't think fuel injected are really much different. I think you need to vary your pattern to get maximum life.

Changing oil at the first 1K is stupid!! It's not only a waste of money & time, but the parts need more time to get all seated in. Just dumb! I'll trust the people that made the machine.

I think the writer under emphasizes the AT fluid. If you change it more often you'll NEVER need a "flush"! 60K is too long!

I think the part about "mechanics" is sad. Why be so insulting? Home for Aged Grease Monkeys is mean. Doesn't this person realize how much education is now involved in being a tech? Cars are computer run. Would you consider a computer tech a "monkey"? Why is it OK to call a tech a "Grease Monkey"? These guys spend more time with computer components than almost anyone! Are your surgeons "saw bones"? Makes as much sense. :dunno: Anyone know a "mechanic" with a yacht?:lmao:

Then again if you're only looking for a mechanic....you'll get what you pay for! I'd prefer a technician!!:D

As far as things being over looked.... if you go to your doc with a broken arm, they generally don't run tests for heart conditions! But they'll run any tests you're willing to pay for...same with your car.

I need to shutup! This is just so stupid....the narrow mindedness.... I'm too frustrated to type what keeps racing through my head! No wonder people have no clue what their car needs! Too many will listen to this garbage! Then blame the manufacturer when the car doesn't last as long as they expect!

Rookie (above) posted URL for ‘BOB is the oil guy’. Recommend you become familiar with this web site, as I have been following it since early 2003. Former car was BMW 330i. BMW recommended oil changes at 15,000 miles, my oil changes were between 5,000 - 7,500 miles, more consistent with 5,000 oil changes with only one at 7,500. When traded in on 2009 Honda, BMW engine was clean. Changing oil at 5,000 miles it is probably more peace of mind than anything. I have seen nothing to suggest that use of synthetic oil and changing at 5,000 is improper. Whatever you decide is proper oil and mileage change for your car is purely up to you. Regards

Richard

I might add a clarification in that break in oil period is about 3,500 miles, when I hit that mark, my car will have its oil changed to Mobil 1 Synthetic, and then changed every 5,000 miles. Regards

Richard

I might add a clarification in that break in oil period is about 3,500 miles, when I hit that mark, my car will have its oil changed to Mobil 1 Synthetic, and then changed every 5,000 miles. Regards

Richard

To All:

There is a LOT of controversy/debate about "break-in" oils.

Some five (5) years ago, after rebuilding the engine in my trusty '86, I initially used Mobil One "Clean 5000," a conventional ("Dino") oil. Why? My concern was that the rings wouldn't seat, had I immediately installed a fully-synthetic oil. OEM, most Honda's use Chromium top (compression) rings and cast-Iron bottom (oil scraper) rings. As the theory goes, using a fully-synthetic oil, during the initial "break-in" period, is NOT a good idea, with the assumption that full-syn is too "slick" (inadequate friction) to allow the correct ring-to-cylinder bore seating.

One problem with this theory is that many cars, e.g., the Chevy Corvette and Acura RDX, come with a factory fill of full-syn Mobil One.

However, taking what I considered the safest method, I went with a 500/1,000/1,500 mile process...to graduate from Mobil "Dino" to Mobil full-syn.

FWIW, seems I did SOMETHING correct...as I have ZERO oil consumption...some five (5) years...and 10,000 miles....later. :thmsup: :yes: