Suggest an oil change strategy for my new vehicle

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Critic:
My step mom's 07' oddy has had 2 replacement transmissions it has 66k One was replaced by dad as it was "just" outside the warranty. I'll see if I can post the bill....EEEEKKKK it wasn't cheap.. Honda's still do have trans issues or hers would still be on the #1. TAKE CARE OF THE TRANS early OR IT WILL FAIL! Period...
Dusty


At only 6k out of warranty he probably had a good shot at goodwill assistance, especially with a prior history of transmission issues. Did he look into that?

 

[JOD]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Critic:
My step mom's 07' oddy has had 2 replacement transmissions it has 66k One was replaced by dad as it was "just" outside the warranty. I'll see if I can post the bill....EEEEKKKK it wasn't cheap.. Honda's still do have trans issues or hers would still be on the #1. TAKE CARE OF THE TRANS early OR IT WILL FAIL! Period...
Dusty


ALL cars are going to have a certain number of failures...period.

Making definitive, inflammatory statements in absence of any real data really isn't constructive, even in spite of personal anecdotes. While the internet is a great source of information, it seems to become a great source of misinformation as well.

I'll go with the data:

 

[moto94536]

1.follow the MM.
2. any API Approve 0w20 or 5w20
3. I recommend HONDA OEM OIL FIlTER
4. Special Break-in Oil. Lets it run to 15%. then you you will see A1. then take it to the dealer or DIY.
5. MM will tell you when to change the transmission oil. It is depend on the types of driving..

It is very important that you have to monitor the engine oil level.

 

[johnsmellsalot]

Go by the Maintenance Minder. It tells you when to change all fluids such as transmission fluid and coolant.

"Always change the oil and filter according to the maintenance messages shown on the information display. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can damage your engine if they are not removed regularly." -2010 Honda Civic Owner's Manual

"Based on the engine operating conditions and accumulated engine revolutions, the onboard computer in your vehicle calculates the remaining engine oil life and displays it as a percentage." -2010 Honda Civic Owner's Manual

Both of my parents have a Honda Civic. My dad's has 30,000 miles and my mom's has 10,000. Both cars have never had any kind of repairs what-so-ever.

If you have the proper tools and know-how, you can change your oil yourself. If you have anykind of doubt, take it to a professional.

From what I've researched, Honda filters use paper end caps. In other words, they are no different from Fram filters.

Use any major brand of motor oil with the API Certification Seal. You can use any brand of oil filters, but I recommend Wix.

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: devnull
I just purchased a new 2011 Honda Odyssey. This vehicle is equipped with a "maintenance minder" that (supposedly) displays the engine oil's remaining useful life. On the Ford Duratec-equipped vehicle that the Odyssey replaced, I changed the oil every 5K miles using Motorcraft synthetic blend oil and filters. When I bought the Odyssey, I was advised by the Honda dealership that the maintenance minder will sometimes go well beyond 5K miles before reporting that an oil change is necessary, and that it was up to me to decide whether to stick with 5K mile OCIs or trust the computer.

So I have a few questions for the BITOG experts. Assuming severe duty on this vehicle, meaning mostly short trips combined with mountain driving:

(1) Would you change the oil every 5K miles, or would you do what the maintenance minder recommends?

(2) Would you stick with Ford Motorcraft oil on a non-Ford engine, or use something else? Honda says to use a 0W-20 oil, which I've never used before.

(3) Would you go with Honda's OEM oil filter, or use something else?

(4) The owner's manual says not to change the oil for the first time until the maintenance minder says to do it. Can you tell me why this is the case?

(5) I've recently heard it said that the first transmission fluid drain and fill is the most important one. Is this true, and if so, would you recommend changing the transmission fluid sooner than 30K miles?

Thanks in advance for your help.


1. Follow the MM. It can be agressive depending on your application. Change it out at 10-20% left if you want to be a little more conservative.

2. Use any full synthetic 0w20. Honda makes a good oil, and can be had for a decent price at the dealer. Ask for a discount by the case, and they typically find you some savings.

3. Honda's OEM while under warranty. It's a good filter.

4. Yeah, I know Honda likes to do this. I would change it out around 30 - 40% on the MM (if it's past 5k miles). Nothing wrong with being a little more conservative on the initial fill. But long enough to let that ultra special honda break in oil to do it's job

5. Transmissions, diffs, etc, I change (or drain and fill AT's) early always and more often than the manual states. I don't believe the marketing lies of 'unlimited' or 'lifetime'.

I dumped my FF tranny and diffs at 10k miles, and again at 30k miles. I now do it every 2 years or 30k miles.

 

[JustinC25]

My thoughts are 5k with a quality syn 0w20 like M1 or Honda 0w20
and a good filter like a Wix, or a P1.
You can't change the oil too much.
As for the trans, I'd change it at 10-15k, and then every 30k there after.
I never got comfortable with the idea of going more than 5k on any oil, no matter how good the filter is, or what kind of botique oil you use. (No offense to the Amsoil users, it's a fine product, but it's just not for me.)