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When should I do my first change?

Devil's Advocate

This is a question that I'd really like to get a straight answer for myself. Owner's manual shows first oil change at 7500 miles under normal driving conditions, and at 3750 miles under severe conditions.

The service guy at my dealer told me to come back at 3000 miles for the first change. When I tried to point out to him that the manual doesn't require the first oil change until 7500 miles (under normal conditions), he couldn't give me an explanation. I think they're trying to hit me up for an oil change sooner than necessary, but I can't be sure and don't want to learn the hard way...

It seems to me that most of the forum regulars are pretty shrewd, and don't believe in paying for and letting the dealerships do unnecessary work, so I'm counting on you guys to enlighten us "newbies".

DA

AcuraTL

I'd say do it every 3000 to 4000 miles.

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Devil's Advocate

AcuraTL -- 3000-4000 miles? Does this rule of thumb apply for the first oil change? Isn't there something in the factory oil that helps with break-in? I thought the first oil should not be any earlier than recommended in the manual so that the break-in oil can do its job properly.

DA

Guest

THX

WOODMAN

I AM A NEW OWNER ALSO AND HAVE 2700 ON MINE NOW. THE MANUAL DOES SAY 7500 BUT MY DEALER SAID 3750. I KNOW THAT 7500 IS A SAFE MILEAGE BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT ACURA SAYS TO DO IN THE BOOK. I THINK 3000 MILE CHANGES ARE A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY AND ALSO A WAY FOR MECHANICS AND DEALERS TO MAKE MONEY. I WILL DO MINE MYSELF AND DO THEM BETWEEN 5 AND 7000. ALSO CONSUMER REPORTS DID A STORY ON OIL CHANGES A WHILE BACK AND SAID THE SAME THING--7500 AND WHATEVER OIL AND FILTER IS ON SALE.

Gomez

What he said above...

Seriously - you gotta let the break-in oil do its job and let it stay in for the recommended time. Also, you might want to stay away from synthetic until the engine id fully broken in. FWIW, the lead service manager at my dealership agrees.

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'01 White Diamond Pearl 3.2TL
-Wing, tint, wood and Whistler

VTEC Animal

My dealer told me 7500, and they know I'm probably driving the car under what is considered severe driving conditions. When I asked them if they were sure because I was under severe conditions they said that the first oil should stay in the car for all 7500 becuase it is the breakin oil with particular additives and such. So my plan is to wait until 7500 then start off with the synthetics (Mobile 1).

Parrotdude_99

I disagree that you should stay away from synthetics until the motor is broken in. Chevrolet and Chrysler both deliver their Corvettes and Vipers with Mobil 1 in the crankcase. I have used Mobil 1 in my TL since it's first change and with almost 50K on the odo, it never burns a drop. I agree that dealers like to recommend oil changes more often because of the added income. You should however change it more often if you do severe service like towing, racing or driving short distances where the oil doesn't get a chance to warm up. Oils and filters today are much better than 10 years ago. Old habits die hard!

Acura3200

My first oil change was at 3750. That's when I was told to do it. I didn't care because all my oil changes are free. They can change it as often as they want for all I care.

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2000 Acura 3.2 TL w/ Navigation
<A HREF="http://www.adamoski.com/acura.html" TARGET=_blank> </A>

2.5TL96

I did my first oil change right after my engine break-in at 500 miles. BREAK-IN means sitting piston ring to cyclinder wall, crankshaft and camshaft to the bearing, or whatever internal engine moving parts that rubbing each other during the break-in period, and it create some fine metal partical in the engine oil, please do yourself a favor and change out the oil!

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1996 Acura 2.5TL white
*Alpine 6 disk CD changer
*Factory wood kit
*Factory burlwood shift knob
*HKS power flow

FTM

I also did not wait for 7500 miles & I will tell you the reason. I have low mileage on my 2000 TL that was a year old on 12/28/00.
If I had waited until 7,500 the car would have been 1yr old. I can't see oil being in the car for a year. I go by the 3 month or 3,000 mile rule.Last year the car got driven every weekday but only for about 10-15 miles per day or less. I have had 1 regular oil change & the 7,500 mile service.At this time I am do for an oil change now but have less than 10,000 mile on the car. I will wait a little longer because they put the BG-MOA oil additive in at the last service. I also drive the car less short distance trips & more highway now.

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2000 3.2TL Nighthawkblack/Ebony Nav
Same as FTM-1