I've only put 3500 miles on my 06 TL and my Oil Life says 60%...Should I get an oil change. I've had it for 5 months now, but don't drive it that much.

 

I guess it all depends on how compulsive you are- I also have and 06, and right now, I'm at 70% oil life with 2700 miles on the odometer. Realistically, all of the new cars' engines have incredibly tight clearances and should not make a lot of metal shavings in the oil. In the past, I would change the oil at 1000 miles, then at 7000 mile intervals after that (my 00 TL). Now, I plan on using the current oil until about 5000 miles (probably until ~ 40% oil life) before changing it. Even with what I'm doing, it's probably still overkill. But I guess it gives peace of mind. I think the only thing that must be done is an oil change every year (no mileage requirement). This is my first new car with the mileage minder, and it's all based on how you drive. My 2006 Cadillac CTS has it as well- I had the first oil change done at close to 7000 miles, and the oil life was at 47%, so I still had a lot of time before I had to get the oil changed (plus, the existing oil was still pretty clean). There is no proper answer, but after my 1st change with the Acura, I'll switch to Mobil 1 5W-20, then change the oil when the life is down to say 25%, which should give me at least 7500 miles between changes.

Enjoy the car, don't go nuts over something the car was designed to do (give you less frequent oil changes).

 

so 5-6 months with 3500 miles is no big deal. Just thought at least every 6 months no matter the miles was good....

Also, isn't 5-20 a little on the lite side for 90+ degree weather in southern california?

 

Check the owners manual- the 5-20 weight is what's recommended.

 

Acura says follow the MID and if you haven't reached sufficient mileage to require a change, do it on a yearly basis.

 

I waited until <15% around 6000 miles and my mid told me to change.

 

Since I don't drive my TL daily, this was also a concern for me . I have my oil analysis done by Blackstone Labs, and they told me to change the oil every 6months regardless of the mileage. I've been following their advice with my '04TL,6mt, navi since new. The oil analysis shows the engine is still not completly broken-in with 8000+ miles on the OD. I'm on my 3rd oil change right now using Red Line synthetic oil, but it's due for a change this summer with the MID showing 80%, but the time has expired. This is probably overkill, but peace of mind is priceless.