Oil Life Question - Not what you're thinking.

[sdc]

I was just thinking about something...










Mobil 1 synthetic isn't supposed to be changed until something like 10,000+ miles, right? If that's the case then 5,000-6,000 miles is fine between oil changes. The oil life gauge is calibrated for about 3,000 miles between changes. So why am I stressing about changing my oil (Mobil 1 synth) when I just had it done 3,000 miles ago?

I was getting really nervous because I'm at 5% right now, and I usually changed the oil in my old car every 4,000-5,000 miles. But unless I'm mistaken, I'm at less than 1/2 the recommended life of my oil.

Any problems with just resetting the minder and ? On that note, what're the positive/negative sides to changing my oil earlier than recommended (5,000-10,000 miles)?

[JeShUa]

nope it basically tracks miles.. and reminds you to change your oil :].. feel free to reset it

[Vince]

The minder oil life thingy takes several factors into consideration, like operating temps, among other things and does not operate on miles alone. I will respectfully disagree with 1) changing any oil @ 10K miles, and 2) paying any attention to that minder thing.
But alas, many, many, opinions out there on oil and changes. Go with whatever you feel comfortable with!

[drexp2000]

I have 3500 miles in the car and my oil life indicator is at 40%... I don't think it is set to track 3000 miles. And I think you are due for an oil change. hahahha.

[8thCivicNut]

Dealer told me not to worry bout mileage, just wait for the wrench light to take my car in for oil changes or service.

[max500]

I didnt get my first oil change until 6500 miles.

[dREsTrUcTiON]

When to change the oil depends on how hard you drive the car each day/weekend, if you go on any roadtrips, etc. I don't go past 5000 miles just to be on the safe side. It's not too expensive to change compared to the cost of a whole new motor!

[new06Civic]

Honda Engineer use oil life sensor to estimate the viscosity of a fluid and detect the changes that occur in the viscosity when a lubricant breaks down. For 2006 Civic and Ody applications, the device can indicate when an oil change is needed. Based on the engine operating conditions and accumulated engine revolutions, the onboard computer in engine oil life and displays it as a percentage.

I drove 5600 miles at 15% before the last oil change. I use the recommended oil. If you REV your Si very hard, you will not get a lot of miles in between oil change.

Honda Owner Manual

Originally Posted by sdc

I was just thinking about something...










Mobil 1 synthetic isn't supposed to be changed until something like 10,000+ miles, right? If that's the case then 5,000-6,000 miles is fine between oil changes. The oil life gauge is calibrated for about 3,000 miles between changes. So why am I stressing about changing my oil (Mobil 1 synth) when I just had it done 3,000 miles ago?

I was getting really nervous because I'm at 5% right now, and I usually changed the oil in my old car every 4,000-5,000 miles. But unless I'm mistaken, I'm at less than 1/2 the recommended life of my oil.

Any problems with just resetting the minder and ? On that note, what're the positive/negative sides to changing my oil earlier than recommended (5,000-10,000 miles)?

[mhobby]

I just changed my oil for the first time Tuesday and had 15% on the minder and 6440 on the odometer.