Honda engines are not very "tight" on oil. When driven hard, they can burn massive amounts of oil, especially during the first 5K. Thus, considering how most drivers do not check their oil level, it does seem logical to recommend a more frequent drain interval, so the engine does not run on low oil levels for an extended period of time.
For example, we had one guy on AcuraZine who was not used to checking his oil. He happened to check his oil at 4,000 miles and found that he was 1.5-2 qts low.
This was a 2005 TL with the 3.2L V6 engine.
It seems
very common for Honda VTEC engines, even under normal driving, to burn 1 qt of oil every 5000 miles. If the oil drains are kept at 3750 or 5000 miles for 6-cyl and 4-cyls, respectively, at least the engines will not be running more than a quart low (generally) between oil changes. After all, another $30 for an extra oil change per year seems worth it instead of
possibly causing additional wear to your engine caused by low oil levels.
One thing you have to love about GM engines is that they are
generally very tight on oil. They burn little or no oil in between oil changes.
quote:
But seriously, a modern engine VTEC or not, is not supposed to burn any significant amount of oil during the regular OCI intervals.
A lot of Honda guys with the problem tend to drive their cars exceptionally hard, hitting VTEC from every stop light since it is such an intoxicating experience.
I agree with you to an extent.
It would not be unacceptable for a high-performance engine to burn 1 qt every 5K, correct? If the Maintenance Minder System recommended an oil drain every 7-8K, then the owner would be running 1.5 qts low toward the end of the drain interval.
Even the owners who drive their cars gently experience oil consumption. I know of another person who drove theirs gently, yet was 1/2 qt low at 3K.
My $0.02.
[ May 07, 2006, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: The Critic ]
