Change the oil right now or can it wait?

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Jun 18, 2003
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Edmonton, AB., Canada
I have an '08 Acura MDX and a few days ago, I got this "A1 service due soon" reminder and showing 15% oil life. I have more or less about 5,400mi/8,700KM on the odometer and this would be the first ever oil change on our X. Normally, I think the first oil change for this car's supposed to be done at around the 6,000mi/10,000KM or so. The A1 service is just a simple oil change.

Now, normally, I think I'd wait until about 5% oil life remaining before I went in for the very first oil change, but my wife and I are leaving on a 3 1/2 week overseas trip in a few days and our car will be left to sit in our garage during that time.

What I'm concerned about are whatever dirt, particles, sediments or impurities that may have accumulated in the oil thus far with the oil change coming up soon, perhaps some of that will be settling or forming deposits in the engine from not driving the car for close to a month.

Is this a legitimate concern? What would you guys do if you were in my position? Just go in and get it done before we leave? Thanks for your time and courtesy.

[FYI, my car's manual doesn't have a specifically set mileage intervals for the scheduled maintenance schedule. I'm just supposed to follow the on-board maintenance minder, which is supposed to tell me when and what type of service I'll need.]
 
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I don't think your engine has a as much dirt, particles and sediments as you might think since the oil filter is very efficient at removing anything floating around, however I would just get the oil change done and out of the way so that when I get back from the trip there is one less thing to take care of. :-)
 
Congrats on the MDX... Honda actually recommends not changing the factory oil prior to the OLM hitting 1-5%. (See page 322 of your owners manual.)

Enjoy your trip and don't even worry about it until you get back.
 
Put it this way, you're going to Europe (or I assume that) and while you're walking on the nude beaches you need your mind on other things besides should I have changed my oil. Just change it and have fun on your trip.
 
Originally Posted By: spyghost
if its a budget concern, just get a cheaper oil then change to something which you prefer when budget permits


Spending almost an entire month overseas with your wife probably rules out any budget concerns here.
 
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