OOPS!

Well it's about time for the fist oil change....service A1. I'm debating either using the Honda 5-20 or the Mobil 1 0-20. Since I intend to follow the TL's maintenance minder as to oil change intervals seems to me that using the Mobil 1 might be the better alternative.

What do you think??

 

First oil change I did on my car when it was new was switch to synthetic. Redline 5w-20 (which is what is required on the 02) and an Amsoil filter. Been using that setup since 3700 miles and love it. I go anywhere from 7500-10000 miles between changes depending on driving conditions and the oil is cleaner then regular oil at 3500 miles. If you're considering this... do it now.

 

how many miles did you car have when the maintanence minder came on

 

I've got about 6100 miles with oil at 30%. Expect to hit the A1 before too much longer.

 

I have 3800 miles and oil says <20%....

 

i have 650 or so and its at 90%

 

How accurate is the MID? How well does it read oil life?

I have never used synthetic in my cars because I wouldn't know how long I could go with it in. I always went with regular oil and changed every 3,000 miles. Is it safe to just go with the MID in the TL?

 

i am switching to synthetic on first oil change. my MID says 70% and i am at 1300 miles. so i am guessing that i will need to change at around 4500. but synthetic oil is usually better for you car. i've used it on all my cars and its been great. the engine purs like a kitten.

 

I have been lurking around here for a few weeks and finally decided to post.

I was also wondering how the TL is reading oil life. Is it somehow actually monitoring oil viscosity or is it just monitoring variables about how the car is driven (vehicle speed, RPM, duration, etc.) and doing a calculation to create an estimate of oil life? I really can't find an explanation.

If it is a calculation, then if you went to a synthetic it would probably not change the oil estimate and have you changing early. I am not sure if I would ever change to a synthetic, but it would be nice if you decided to switch that the oil life indicator would adjust to the better oil.

Great forum by the way!

 

My concern is that even after changing your oil, you still have to reset the "oil life" screen. If it actually monitors the viscosity of the oil, wouldn't it do that automatically after "sensing" the oil change. I have a fear that it is not actually a monitor of the oil but rather an estimate of the oil life based upon your driving style. I had great hopes for this system, but after figuring that out, I will be changing my oil based upon when I think it should be (at about 4k) rather than when my car estimates it might need to be.

 

My opinion on synthetic oil is that after break in it is a much more durable lubricant. I am starting with Castrol 5w20 full synthetic because it meets all the requirements specified by Honda/Acura. Also changing filter at first oil change even though not recommended in manual. I can't understand that one. I am using a new stock filter. My car is at 4500 mile so far and it says 30% oil life, so it looks like they already have extended the interval substantially. I drive 500 to 1000 miles per week and believe the extra protection of synthetic is well proven, even more so in a car with a lot of short trips. Red Line oil, while very good, is also twice the cost. I am assuming any full synthetic from a major manufacturer is going to work well if it meets or exceedes Honda/Acura recommendations.

 

Thats exactly what I was thinking. If we have to reset it manually, there really is no "sensing" done by the car.

Does anyone know how the TL's Maintenance Minder works for Oil?

 

The monitor doesn't know what kind of oil you put in. It monitors driving conditions such as stop-and-go or long trips or lots of idling, outside temperature, and I think it must have a sensor in the air filter housing that measures flow because it will know when there is less air flow and tell you to change the air filter.

Therefore, you have to apply some logic and common sense to the multi-information display. The owner’s manual specifically states to do the first oil change when recommended because of additives in the oil and the need for the engine to properly break in.

I will do the first oil change around 90% unless I look at the oil and it seems dirty, but then I think I will go with around 6,000 miles or 60%, whichever comes first.

The choice of oil is very personal since everyone has their own thoughts about what is best for their car. Any well known name brand oil that meets the specs will be good, and synthetic might be better but costlier. The decision is yours.

 

Yeah, that is what my thoughts were as well. I was hoping that I was wrong and that it actually monitored viscosity, but as said above, then you wouldn't need to reset it after an oil change.

I think Ron is right on the money. Oh well, perhaps someday.

 

how do you reset the MID, is it just like the older TLs? i looked in the manual and didnt see anything

 

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