2007 Civic LX using Amsoil 0W-20

[Lyondellic]

My 8 month old 2007 Civic LX has a total of 3,500 miles. The last 6 months I have been using Amsoil 0W-20 and a EaO13 oil filter, which replaced the factory fill when the engine hit 1,500 miles. In the 6 months I have been using Amsoil, I have only put 2,000 miles on the engine. My driving consists of 5 mile trips to/from work, averaging 10-12 miles per day (Mon-Fri). These trips are in light suburban traffic, but I do pass through several stop lights and a few school zones.

Honda recommends using a 6 month OCI for the type of driving I have described above. Granted, Honda does not expect most folks to use Amsoil when making this recommendation.

I know that I will have to send a sample off for UOA testing to see how my engine is doing, but I am trying to figure out if I should bite the bullet and change the oil at the 6 month mark or wait a little longer. Should I go 9 months on this oil (~3,000 mile OCI), or go a year (~4,000 mile OCI)? I am really going back and forth on this and would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[cb450sc]

Is there not an oil life monitor on the car to help you decide when to change it? If so I would change it when it says 15% or so.

 

[98LSC32V]

I would definitely go at least 9 months (3000 miles).

 

[Lyondellic]

The oil life monitor would not hit 15% until ~5,500 miles, which would be well over one year. Amsoil states that 0W-20 should be replaced at least once per year.

 

[bmwtechguy]

Wow, Amsoil run for only 4k miles. Talk about overkill. Certainly no need to change any sooner than a year under those conditions, in your area, unless worried about keeping exactly to Honda's instructions. I would be using Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 BOGO free, changed once per year, with a less expensive filter like the STP S6607, Advance Auto 7317, PureOne, Super Tech, Bosch or even Mobil 1. Otherwise I would have to go 2 years on that EaO13 to get my money's worth.

 

[Lyondellic]

I went with the Amsoil due to my short trip driving in stop/go traffic. It gets pretty hot in Houston during the Summer too. My plan is to use 1 year OCI's, but I don't know if I should work my way up to that or start on my first run with Amsoil.

 

[Lyondellic]

A 1 year OCI with an EaO13 filter only costs ~$43, which is not too much for a one year run in my opinion.

 

[XPR]

I would use it for the 1yr OCI. Your other option would be to use Amsoil XL 5W-20. But if you don't mind spending for the 0W-20, use that.

 

[Lyondellic]

I had originally considered using Amsoil XL 5W-20, but a gallon of the 0W-20 was only ~$5 more. Plus my goal is to use one year OCI's, and the 0W-20 is rated for that.

 

[SrDriver]

How about the factory warranty??

Does it require you to change oil every 6 months regardless of low mileage?

Both of our vehicles do.

 

[XPR]

Originally Posted By: Lyondellic
I had originally considered using Amsoil XL 5W-20, but a gallon of the 0W-20 was only ~$5 more. Plus my goal is to use one year OCI's, and the 0W-20 is rated for that.


Use the 0W-20 with confidence!

 

[Lyondellic]

I guess if you strictly adhere to the Honda recommended OCI then I would be required to change the oil every 6 months due to my driving conditions. In my mind I am wondering how Honda would know that my driving required the use of the severe service schedule? I could just as easily tell Honda that I made fewer trips on an infrequent basis. This type of driving would require the normal service interval of 12 months or when the Oil Life meter indicates somewhere between 5%-15%, whichever comes first.
Again, I don't think that Honda's severe service schedule is taking into account the use of Amsoil.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

For that short of mileage, you have nothing to fear with 1 year OCIs. Though I would suggest taking the car on a 30 minute highway drive once a month.

You could probably do 2 year OCIs if you took the vehicle out on the highway once a month. But you'd need to do a UOA to determine that.

 

[harley145000]

when my 07 camary 2.4 is ready for its next oil change,iam going use amsoil 0w20 and amsoil filter,my commute is 12 miles a day round trip 5 days a week. i think that will work out well for once a year oc.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Lyondellic
I guess if you strictly adhere to the Honda recommended OCI then I would be required to change the oil every 6 months due to my driving conditions. In my mind I am wondering how Honda would know that my driving required the use of the severe service schedule? I could just as easily tell Honda that I made fewer trips on an infrequent basis. This type of driving would require the normal service interval of 12 months or when the Oil Life meter indicates somewhere between 5%-15%, whichever comes first.
Again, I don't think that Honda's severe service schedule is taking into account the use of Amsoil.

That's not true. Please read your manual.

Honda's manual states that if the oil must be changed once a year even if the Maintenance Minder does not request a service. One year, NOT six months.

There are not any separate service schedules for severe and normal service. The manual simply states that the owner should follow the Maintenance Minder or one year, whichever comes first. Aside from that, the owner should replace the brake fluid every three years regardless of mileage, as well as the engine and cabin air filters every 15k if they operate the vehicle in a dusty environment.

 

[Lyondellic]

I checked my manual and you are correct. I guess that I have heard about using 6 month OCI's for severe service so many times that I took it as fact. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Nickdfresh]

I'd go one year between oil changes, but I'd make sure you take the car out for a 20 or 30 mile drive on the highway a couple of times of month...