multiple break-in oil changes

[2016subbforest]

thoughts?

the video shows i think 4 -5 oil changes prior to 10000 miles and an oil analysis each time...

for lack of better terms, wear particles decrease every time and finally level out/normalize signifying completion of break-in.

i have a 2025 toyota sienna. from what i understand, the break in period is over (not verbatim) at 600 miles. the owners manual also wants me to wait until 10000 miles for oil change. i changed my oil at 800 miles (paid at dealership). but this guy did it 5 times before 10000 is ... ?

 

[CharBaby]

I bought a new '23 Toyota Venza(in my signature) with a similar hybrid system as your Sienna.
I did my first OCI myself at ~2,500 miles and the 2nd OCI again myself at ~5,000 miles. Then let the dealer do the Toyota FREE service at ~10,000 miles. Again, I have now gone to ~15,000 OCI myself and will later let the dealer do the final FREE 20,000 mile service. I will stay with the 5,000 mile OCI until we get rid of the car.

 

[Zee09]

Many here will supply their fool endorsement. I consider it a waste of time, money, and oil.

 

[MrBurns]

it will not ruin the motor, but i will not do much good either

 

[Jetronic]

I've done 1 oil change at about 1000 miles, more so to get the 10W-30 no VII in there, now I'm on the normal shedule.

I've also done a transmission change the other week, at about 8k miles, to get 75W-90 in there.

 

[Propflux01]

I have done several first oil changes at 5000 miles from brand new. I used to be one of the 1K, 2.5K etc oil changers. I have found absolutely No indications of engine longevity or performance affected by a 5K first change. Not one engine used oil because of it. YMMV.

 

[PontiacHO]

99.999% of vehicles on the road have the first oil change done at the mileage flagged by the oil change reminder etc. 100% of the vehicles serviced in this manner NEVER have an oil related issue. It’s a feel good practice for folks to do these “break in” changes…. These aren't competition engines.

 

[John105]

Many here will supply their fool endorsement. I consider it a waste of time, money, and oil.

I agree. In the old days there was a mentality to tighten nuts so hard they almost snapped off the bolts--why? Because more is better and one got to pound on one's chest when done knowing they'd snap off on the next guy. My college roommate's dad ran 100% antifreeze, because it wasn't about science (should start to freeze at about +14F), more is better. I see that here because many folks have significant resources so cost is no object, just more. But I always remember a comment here too that was absolutely hilarious saying that we've evolved into apes with less hair and simply consume and destroy everything in sight. I was literally laughing out loud

 

[John105]

99.999% of vehicles on the road have the first oil change done at the mileage flagged by the oil change reminder etc. 100% of the vehicles serviced in this manner NEVER have an oil related issue. It’s a feel good practice for folks to do these “break in” changes…. These aren't competition engines.

Imagine how many dealerships over how many decades, when a car comes in for a break-in oil change, they don't even do the work, having assumed the vehicle is leased. Before, conventional wisdom was to mark the filter. Today with so many cars having a cartridge, that's not practical.

 

[shortyb]

Knew it would be something fun to play with when I saw the little face and big glasses . I'll generally agree with dumping FF oil rather early, ie; 1K-2K, then just do your regular changes at something reasonable for your driving (5K maybe?). But what will a UOA every change accomplish other than telling you the engine is still breaking in and will level out somewhere after a few changes? Or does Mr. Speedagnostix want to go on vacation and have you supplement his drink package at the resort?

 

[Patman]

There’s nothing wrong with doing an early oil change on a new car and some manufacturers do recommend it. BMW does it for the M2, M3, M4, etc, at 1200 miles. On the C7 Corvette it called for a 500 mile change on the dry sump equipped cars.
I did my first change on my Corvette (wet sump) at 1100 miles and was glad I did because the UOA showed 2% fuel and that the oil had thinned out to a 5w20. New cars are subjected to multiple cold starts and shutdowns during the shipping process after they are built. So especially with a DI car that’s going to introduce a lot of fuel into the oil.

I would rather spend an extra $40 early in my cars life than to waste thousands of dollars doing needless 3000 mile oil changes over its lifetime

 

[John105]

There’s nothing wrong with doing an early oil change on a new car and some manufacturers do recommend it. BMW does it for the M2, M3, M4, etc, at 1200 miles. On the C7 Corvette it called for a 500 mile change on the dry sump equipped cars.
I did my first change on my Corvette (wet sump) at 1100 miles and was glad I did because the UOA showed 2% fuel and that the oil had thinned out to a 5w20. New cars are subjected to multiple cold starts and shutdowns during the shipping process after they are built. So especially with a DI car that’s going to introduce a lot of fuel into the oil.

I would rather spend an extra $40 early in my cars life than to waste thousands of dollars doing needless 3000 mile oil changes over its lifetime

One change yes. Even on a lawnmower.

But 4-5 and analyzing it each time is simply flexing and unnecessary imho.

When I bought my 2007 BMW new 12/06 the svc mgr kept it simple. He said is your car owned or leased? Maintenance is free for 4 years. If leased just do it when the cBS says to. If owned, and me? I’d do it at 1,000.

Since they got $130 back then I asked if he could discount me? He said yes. So I always paid $70 and I did that, and an interval change. Bloomfield NJ would routinely offer $59.95 (cheapest I saw back then) which at the time was even less than buying the oil and filter online since cars often take 6.8 quarts. Svc writer said that’s to lure you in so we can get other services on cars out of warranty.

 

[rijndael]

But 4-5 and analyzing it each time is simply flexing and unnecessary imho.

Flexing? Maybe it's just learning and the personal enjoyment of looking at the minutia.

 

[John105]

Flexing? Maybe it's just learning and the personal enjoyment of looking at the minutia.

Enjoyment?

 

[rijndael]

Yea, scratch that. People on a motor oil forum wouldn't enjoy oil details.

 

[Patman]

One change yes. Even on a lawnmower.

But 4-5 and analyzing it each time is simply flexing and unnecessary imho.

I agree, just one early change is enough. But in LSJs case since he’s getting free UOAs it’s interesting information to see multiple changes done early on.

 

[Glenda W.]

I always do one early change between 500-1000 miles. Sometimes you see things sometimes you don’t, especially in the filter.

 

[rijndael]

I did a 1200 and 2500 mile oil change on my Mustang, both filters showed interesting details.

 

[cptbarkey]

i changed my oil at 800 miles (paid at dealership). but this guy did it 5 times before 10000 is ... ?

1000 miles makes sense with many examples of visible metals.

In this case, this video which has been debated to the four winds already on this forum is a perfect example how LSJ is shilling his own product.
You can buy CAT analysis kits on ebay for <$20, and Wix for cheap on Rock Auto and amazon if you are patient.

 

[TiGeo]