[br`lorance]

So since I just bought my first new car I am trying to break it in correctly. If I read nothing else I would have changed the oil at least by 500 miles the first time, then again at 3000...then go out to 7500 or so.

Well I have a 2008 Civic and it has this maintenance minder system, with pretty much no milage or figures attached to any of the maintenance other than some severe conditions and those are mostly very spread out.

From the forums I looked at the system doesn't tell you to change the oil the first time for well over 5000 miles (like 60% remaining at 5000!).

Then the manual states specifically not to change it until the system says to, and then this from their site: http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Mainten...qs.asp#breakin

Some sort of special oil?

The one part I am doing now which I would have anyway is taking it easy for the first 600 miles, which the manual does state.

And yes I am that type of an obsessive person who will research things like this, and over analyze to death (perfect for my job as a reliability and test engineer).

One thing I did note is that this stuff is ALL over the map between manufacturers. I can't figure what is there for EPA reasons to cut down on wasted used oil pollution, what is completely legit. I plan to keep the car for probably 200k baring issues or magical new technology.

[mikapoq]

Well some may say that it doesn't matter with new cars, but going easy on it for the first few thousand miles won't hurt it at all and is probably good.

One recommendation, if you plan on switching to synthetic oil, do it now. Otherwise, it's a Honda. Should be good for some time.

[Gosxjqum]

yeah the car comes with special break in oil you aren't supose to change it till it says. plus you don't need to change it even until the system says to, thats what it's there for

[lungumnentibe]

yeah the car comes with special break in oil you aren't supose to change it till it says. plus you don't need to change it even until the system says to, thats what it's there for

I'd agree with this comment. The manufacturer has done all the testing and understands exactly what has to be done to the car. Honda have obviously developed a system to make it easy as possible so you don't have to remember if it was 500 or 1000 or 3000 or was it 5000 km.

Just book the car in when the car tells you.

[vypusknye]

I'd change the oil first at around 1000km as there might be some small metal shavings in the oil after assembly and what not. I'd also use semi-synthetic until the first offical service as fully-synth is too slick at start.

[23InetrySypekek]

how about phone honda and ask them.....

[Qrhzbadu]

One recommendation, if you plan on switching to synthetic oil, do it now. Otherwise, it's a Honda. Should be good for some time.

No no no! [surrender]
Synthetic is too slick, it's not good for the break in process.

Now I realize this is still a... well, it's hard to argue for or against this. Many people will claim the engine is already broken in well enough from the manufacturer, but you won't really benefit from switching to synthetic right off the bat.

What does Honda recommend? Synthetic or dino oil? Go with what they suggest.

[XangadsX]

Do whatever Honda tell you to.

Its under warranty with them so dont worry about it, just take it easy for a while.

[Sarbrienna]

im an advocate of aggressive break in. i dont mean redlining it everywhere but dont just put around at 2000rpm all the time. break it in a little, load it up a bit and use the revs. one of the worst things you can do is stay at a constant rpm for extended periods so while taking long highway trips vary speed or downshift now and then.

im going to do my first oil change at 3000km, refill with dino juice, change again at 6000km and fill with synthetic. then 6000km intervals.

[posimoka]

Well this one dude swears by breaking in a car. But he said the first 20 miles are the most important. After 20 miles you should change your oil and filter because the first few miles is all it takes to smooth out the cylinder and any metal burr's or debris floating around inside. you can find a link to this here http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

I doubt this really makes much difference in a new car. Just drive it like you stole it

[br`lorance]

Well the problem is that Honda goes against the conventional wisdom of early oil changes and even go so far as to say it is due to special oil from the factory meant for break in. But this is countered with the "take it easy, no hard acceleration" for 600 miles.

The hardest part is knowing that the car manufacturers suggestions have a lot to do with CAFE standards and forced fleet economy needs as well. Also the warranties are for far shorter than it would ever matter for engine wear. Something would have to be all kinds of wrong to get your car needing anything close to warranty work for engine wear. Wear issues like this won't show up for over 100k miles, that is what I care about.

That is what bugs me...they are about forced by the EPA to do some things...like 5W20 oil. Now it does seem to be better for some things but it is nearly all due to the slight increase in mileage it gives. Can't be too sure because some engines will actually benefit under normal use for light oil.

I will probably keep the factory oil in for 5k or when I hit 30% remaining on the life indicator, the go to 0w30 synth.

[vipluka]

0w30 synth.

I hope you mean 10w30. [surrender]

[posimoka]

I will probably keep the factory oil in for 5k or when I hit 30% remaining on the life indicator, the go to 0w30 synth.

Naw just use quality or Honda OEM 5W-20 forever and you will be good. Pretty much overkill to use synth on a civic (unless you really like to dog it) imo

[br`lorance]

I hope you mean 10w30. [surrender]

nope 0w30

http://www.synthetic-motor-oil-chang...t-code-tso.php

Seriously though...probably won't, it is probably the best stuff though

[Doctor-CTAC]

The best you can do is go by the owners manual or dealerships recommendation. Personally, I wouldn't get to fancy for a Civic. I went nuts with my last new car from day one, I only replaced it due to rust (gotta love how much salt they use here in the winter). When I pick up my new one tomorrow, it's gonna get some driving as well. (This one has rust protection though. )

[vipluka]

nope 0w30

http://www.synthetic-motor-oil-chang...t-code-tso.php

Seriously though...probably won't, it is probably the best stuff though

I would use whatever the manufacturer recommends. If they say 10w30, use that. If they say 5w30...I think you get the point. If only to keep your warranty around...
If you're using a modern synthetic oil like Mobil 1, it'll be fine at stupidly cold temperatures, so you don't really need 0w30.

[TamreuddyRada]

I changed mine at 1000km first, then 6000km. Going to change it at 11000km again, then every 10k intervals. The manual says to go with 15% oil life, but I know that all those metal shavings need to come out pretty early. Also, don't baby it too much. If you don't redline it time to time, your engine will not be used to it when a situation comes that you need to redline it.

I really wouldn't use 0w oil, stick with what the manual says. There was a lengthy discussion about what type of oil is best on one of the civic forums I visit, and it basically concluded it's best to follow the type of oil the manual states.

[vipluka]

I really wouldn't use 0w oil, stick with what the manual says. There was a lengthy discussion about what type of oil is best on one of the civic forums I visit, and it basically concluded it's best to follow the type of oil the manual states.

Could it be that the manufacturer knows what's needed better than some kook on the internet? [rofl]

[br`lorance]

Could it be that the manufacturer knows what's needed better than some kook on the internet? [rofl]

I would always agree with that statement....except that the manuf is under pressure to meet EPA requirements and is all but forced to use 5W20 oil. Now that doesn't mean it is bad, but what the engineers who designed the engine would say is ideal, and what has to come from corporate may be different...

[vipluka]

I would always agree with that statement....except that the manuf is under pressure to meet EPA requirements and is all but forced to use 5W20 oil. Now that doesn't mean it is bad, but what the engineers who designed the engine would say is ideal, and what has to come from corporate may be different...

5w20 does seem a little strange and maybe a little thin. Both my old Pontiac and my current Sentra both use 5w30. In fact, I think that all of the cars currently in our driveway use 5w30.