When to get first oil change?
07-16-2001, 06:05 PM
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When to get first oil change?
When have you guys got your first oil change or plan to get it? manual says that about 3750 miles/6000 kms for poor conditions but I've heard tonnes of ppl say that the best time is to get it right after the break-in period. However, I have also heard ppl say that right after the break-in period is not too good becuz it's way too early and that oil would have to last an extra 3000 miles/5000km or so which supposedly is not good for the car. any thought?
Oh, I also heard that fuel economy is supposed to improve after the first oil change becuz of the type of oil they put in after the first oil change. True? Fiction?
Thanks ppl
Oh, I also heard that fuel economy is supposed to improve after the first oil change becuz of the type of oil they put in after the first oil change. True? Fiction?
Thanks ppl
07-16-2001, 06:20 PM
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All I know is that I was at the dealer to get my tailpipes aligned and asked for an oil change at the same time. I had about 2,900 miles on the car, and they refused to change the oil. They told me to wait a minimum of 3750 to "let the break-in oil do its job". So anyways, I had my first one done at 4,200.
07-16-2001, 07:21 PM
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Originally posted by cjscott
All I know is that I was at the dealer to get my tailpipes aligned and asked for an oil change at the same time. I had about 2,900 miles on the car, and they refused to change the oil. They told me to wait a minimum of 3750 to "let the break-in oil do its job". So anyways, I had my first one done at 4,200.
All I know is that I was at the dealer to get my tailpipes aligned and asked for an oil change at the same time. I had about 2,900 miles on the car, and they refused to change the oil. They told me to wait a minimum of 3750 to "let the break-in oil do its job". So anyways, I had my first one done at 4,200.
He said that the oil in it is certainly not break-in oil. Apparently, when you build a new engine (or remanufacture one) in the shop, you put in break-in oil, run it for 500 miles, change the oil for more break-in, run it for 500 more miles, then change it for regular oil. He said leaving the break-in oil for longer than that would cause damage.
Don't know if he's right, but in general, he's a strong advocate for changing about every 6000 miles -- more than that in regular use is just free money for oil companies.
You can read his philosophies on the subject at www.autoworks.com.
07-16-2001, 08:42 PM
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I don't know why people so get so freeked out about this.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
07-16-2001, 08:46 PM
#6
Suzuka Master
Originally posted by Xorg
I don't know why people so get so freeked out about this.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
I don't know why people so get so freeked out about this.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
1. People forget about all of the junk that collects in the oil.
2. People forget about T-I-M-E
Every engine I ever built or rebuilt used non-detergent as break-in oil for 500-1000 miles. After that it was good to go..
I hope someone doesn't have a low mileage car and wait 18 months for their first oil-change due to low miles!
07-16-2001, 10:56 PM
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yeah not just that but my dad told me today that his collegues at work say that a lot of dirty deposits end up in the first oil change becuz of all the little loose ends and scraps of metal in the newly made engine that gets flushed out into the oil or something...
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07-16-2001, 11:17 PM
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Originally posted by Xorg
I don't know why people so get so freeked out about this.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
I don't know why people so get so freeked out about this.
First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
Second, I have no clue why you shouldn't change the oil earlier than 3,750 - sure you should always follow the manual, but common sense dictates that having CLEANER oil isn't going to harm anything.
I have yet to hear any logical reason why oil shouldn't be changed earlier than what the manual says. Oil doesn't undergo some kind of molecular change at 3,000 miles after all :-)
Third, 6,000 miles is too long, and I could care less about the $10-15 it costs me to change my oil every 3,500 miles. IMHO, this is the cheapest insurance you could buy for your engine and your car. Every engine I've ever seen that has made it to 150,000 miles and beyond has had it oil changed like clockwork.
Finally, I changed my oil at 3,200 miles and used 5W30 Mobil 1. I averaged 26.1 mpg with the original oil, am tracking and will report back my results with the new oil when I have a few tankfuls behind me. This car is having its oil changed every 3,500 like every other vehicle I've owned.
Yup, I second that! Common sense to me, tells me to change the oil sooner, ever since I heard this "break in oil" I've been saying b.s... b.s.... B.S!!!! It can't possibly hurt the engine to run on cleaner oil. Just my 2cents
07-17-2001, 12:48 AM
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Originally posted by bbjones
regular oil. He said leaving the break-in oil for longer than that would cause damage.
regular oil. He said leaving the break-in oil for longer than that would cause damage.
07-18-2001, 04:18 PM
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First off, as far as I'm aware there is no such as "break in oil" anymore. This is as old as "keep it under 50mph during the first 1,000 miles." Engines simply aren't made like this anymore - this stuff applied to old 1970s hand made big block V-8s, not modern high tech engines with incredible tolerances made by robots.
I respectfully disagree with you on the break-in oil subject. I too was skeptical, but have read in many car mags and heard from other sources that Honda does in fact use a "special oil" initially and you should wait until 3,750 miles for your first oil change.
I do though agree with you on changing the oil WAY before 7,500 miles. I religously do it every 3K miles. I currently have 2,900 miles on mine. I'll get it changed near the 3,500 mile mark and will then go to my 3K schedule.
The extra $20 is well worth it.
I respectfully disagree with you on the break-in oil subject. I too was skeptical, but have read in many car mags and heard from other sources that Honda does in fact use a "special oil" initially and you should wait until 3,750 miles for your first oil change.
I do though agree with you on changing the oil WAY before 7,500 miles. I religously do it every 3K miles. I currently have 2,900 miles on mine. I'll get it changed near the 3,500 mile mark and will then go to my 3K schedule.
The extra $20 is well worth it.
07-19-2001, 08:37 PM
#14
Drifting
There seems to be a lot of differing opinions here. I have 2400 kilometers on my 2002 TL and the dealer calls for the first oil change @ 3000 kilometers (1800 miles). What the hell is going on. For the cost (first 2 oil changes are free) I will get it done as recommended.
07-20-2001, 12:01 AM
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I'd be interested in seeing the mag articles, not because I don't believe you, I'm just curious :-)
Xorg,
I couldn't find anything in an electronic format. I could search through a huge box that contains over ten years worth of Motor Trend and Car and Driver, but I don't think so.
I did find the link below. In the interest of objectivity, I included it here. Patrick Bedard questioned the necessity of the 3K mile oil change since the oil quality has dramatically improved over the years. He consulted with an "oil engineer", and was told what many of us have already said. "It depends on driving conditions". What was interesting is that this engineer stated that even with the improvements, he follows the 3K rule. Why? Cause oil is cheap and it's your not hurting the car.
The article does a good job of explaining chemical aspect of oil change necessities.
Car and Driver May 1998
Xorg,
I couldn't find anything in an electronic format. I could search through a huge box that contains over ten years worth of Motor Trend and Car and Driver, but I don't think so.
I did find the link below. In the interest of objectivity, I included it here. Patrick Bedard questioned the necessity of the 3K mile oil change since the oil quality has dramatically improved over the years. He consulted with an "oil engineer", and was told what many of us have already said. "It depends on driving conditions". What was interesting is that this engineer stated that even with the improvements, he follows the 3K rule. Why? Cause oil is cheap and it's your not hurting the car.
The article does a good job of explaining chemical aspect of oil change necessities.
Car and Driver May 1998
07-20-2001, 02:33 AM
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What the owner's manual says
pg. 164 Do not change the oil until the recommended time or mileage interval shown in the maintenance schedule.
pg. 214 Replace [oil] every 7,500 miles.
That's what it has for normal driving conditions. I dunno. I don't think I'll wait that long. Probably go with 3,000 mi. like I always have.
pg. 214 Replace [oil] every 7,500 miles.
That's what it has for normal driving conditions. I dunno. I don't think I'll wait that long. Probably go with 3,000 mi. like I always have.
07-20-2001, 07:11 AM
#17
Not to stir up trouble here, but I have a 1978 Toyota Celica with almost 300K original miles on it, and I only change the oil every 7,000-8,000 miles (and always have). Not one single engine related problem. None. Never been rebuilt, etc.
disclaimers:
(1) I change the oil myself, so it gets fully drained everytime.
(2) I change the oil filter everytime.
(3) I don't use cheapie oil.
I am definitely going to go by the recommended 7.5K schedule on my TL-S. In my experience that interval is well within the range needed to properly maintain a well-built engine.
disclaimers:
(1) I change the oil myself, so it gets fully drained everytime.
(2) I change the oil filter everytime.
(3) I don't use cheapie oil.
I am definitely going to go by the recommended 7.5K schedule on my TL-S. In my experience that interval is well within the range needed to properly maintain a well-built engine.
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