How Often to Change Your Honda Vehicle’s Oil
If you own a Honda vehicle, you might wonder how often you need to change its engine oil. The frequency of oil change is often a source of never-ending debate between mechanics and car owners. In this article, we at Ike Honda have provided answers to some of your most pressing questions regarding how often to change your Honda’s oil. Ready for an oil change from trained technicians? Schedule an oil change in Marion today.
How often to change your oil
The frequency of oil change varies from one model to another. For a long time, the rule of the thumb was changing engine oil after every 3,000 miles. In recent years and with the production of technologically advanced cars and improvement in oil technology, the oil change interval has being pushed above the 3,000-mile cut line. Modern Honda cars would typically be due for an oil change after every 5,000-7,500 miles.
Still feeling confused? Here is some further clarity. Regardless of the Honda car you are driving, the car owner’s manual states the frequency of oil change. For instance, the 2016 Honda Civic requires an oil change every 7,500 miles. Regardless of the mileage, perform an oil change at least twice annually.
What factors affect how often to change your oil?
“Man pulling oil dipstick to check engine oil level” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Ivan Radic
Unlike wine, oil ages badly, making it ineffective at lubricating your engine and getting the engine warm enough. The consequences of bad oil running in your engine are a shorter engine life, high costs of engine repair or replacement, and possibly the need to budget for a new car.
Despite the mileage rule of the thumb and the owner’s manual specification, several factors can affect the frequency of engine oil change. Knowing these factors would be helpful in enabling you to assess how frequently your car needs some TLC under the hood. We outline these factors below.
Car Engine Type
Different types of car engines require different intervals of performing an oil change. Diesel or turbocharged engines come with oil change specifications, with the former known to dirty its oil quicker, therefore requiring more frequent changes. Some car engines consume more oil than others. If you are a Honda owner, please note that every Honda car model stipulates the recommended oil change interval. This interval can be expressed in the form of mileage or time period. Whichever condition is met first, it’s time for an oil change.
Type of Oil
Oil change frequency may also be determined by the type of oil you are using in your car engine. Engine oil comes in two classes: conventional and synthetic. Synthetic oil performs better in cool temperatures and also maintains its viscosity. Because of its qualities, synthetic oil is more costly but will last longer in your engine. Conventional oil performs better in moderate to hot temperatures and is less expensive, but it may need to be changed more frequently.
Driving Style
Did you know that your driving style influences the necessary oil change interval? For instance, if you are a speed junkie, your engine posts high rpm; hence, your car’s oil consumption may be higher than when in a relaxed driving mode. To lengthen the oil change interval, you may need to adopt a lighter style by applying gradual pressure on the gas pedal to allow the engine to attain the optimal working temperature.
Driving Conditions
Driving conditions can impact the oil change interval. For instance, driving in extremely hot or cold weather, in dusty areas, or in high altitude regions may reduce the interval as the oil wears out more rapidly. Driving short distances punctuated with starts and stops also affects the oil change interval, and you may need an oil change sooner than when driving continuously on the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oil Changes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about engine oil and oil changes in your Honda vehicle:
Are frequent oil changes better?
Changing your car’s engine oil more frequently is better, as it keeps your engine in top condition for longer. However, frequent oil changes will cost you more money in the long run. To get the best of both worlds, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Also, take heed of the oil-life monitor.
What is the right engine oil for my Honda?
The answer to this question lies in the owner’s manual. In newer Honda models, you can see the type of engine oil on the cap where you add oil. If your Honda is older and you’re not sure what engine oil to use, check with our in-house car experts.
How often should I check the oil level?
Monitoring the oil level is crucial as it enables you to take corrective action in good time, such as when the oil levels are low. Checking the oil level at least once a month is highly advisable. Newer cars have an electronic monitor on the console, so it’s easy. For older cars, the traditional dipstick method works just fine, but you need to ensure that you park the car on level ground.
What happens if I don’t change my oil?
Ignoring the telltale signs of needing an oil change is detrimental to your car engine. With continued usage, oil’s chemical structure disintegrates, making it ineffective at its job. If you leave your engine oil unchanged for long, the friction in the engine will lead to overheating and can eventually cause engine failure. Not changing oil as often as required also affects the car’s fuel economy, making you spend more on fuel than is necessary.
Can I add some fresh engine oil?
There is a vast difference between an oil change and adding oil. Adding oil is mostly unnecessary unless your car has a leak, which is another problem that needs checking. Changing the oil involves a total overhaul of the dirt and grime in your engine. Note the difference and give your engine what it deserves.
Need an Oil Change? Visit Ike Honda Today
If you live in Marion, Carbondale, Herrin, or another nearby city, come to Ike Honda for a professional oil change. Our technicians are highly qualified and will restore your engine’s health as you wait. We also offer a free multi-point inspection every time you bring in your vehicle for an oil change to ensure that it doesn’t develop major problems that are difficult and expensive to fix.
17 comment(s) so far on How Often to Change Your Honda Vehicle’s Oil
How often do I have to change synthetic oil on CRV Honda 2014 & CRV Honda 2007. (Regular drive). How many miles? How often?
Thank you
With synthetic oil you should change your oil every 7,500 – 10,000 miles
How many mile in my trip odometer should i make before an engine oil change in my 2003 honda civic
You should change your oil every 5,000 – 7,500 miles.
What is the good and advisable oil for honda city 1999?
How often should I change my oil if using full synthetic oil in my 2018 Accord?
I have an older model, 1994 honda accord ex. It has 271,100 miles and I use synthetic oil. I usually change oil every 5k miles. Is that too soon or just right for older engine model?
How often do I change the oil on my 1998 Honda CRV?
Sal, for a 1998 you want to change the oil every 3,000 miles.
“I am so impressed by the information provided on how often to change the oil in my Honda vehicle. Understanding the recommended oil change intervals and the specific oil requirements for my Honda model has helped me to be more proactive in maintaining my vehicle. The tips on how to check the oil level and how to properly dispose of used oil have also been very helpful. I appreciate the time and effort put into researching and providing this valuable information specific to Honda vehicles. It’s a great way for Honda car owners to keep their cars running smoothly and prolong the lifespan of the engine. Thank you for all the great advice.”
How often do I need to change the oil on my 2004 Honda Elysion (Odyssey) with 95,000 miles. The oil change place gave me a date 60 days later, which I know is too soon. Thanks.
When you use Honda genuine parts and synthetic oil you can change every 7,500 miles. If you are not using synthetic oil you would need to change between 3,000 – 5,000 miles.
Automation O’Hare Honda refused to change my oil today because their policy on vehicles 2023 and beyond is that the oil level monitor must give a warning of the oil needing to be changed in order for Honda to change it. I only put roughly 3,000 miles on my car per year and would like and have always gotten my oil changed every 6 months. I will now have to wait at least a year for that light to go on, if not longer? That does not sit well with me. Wondering if the prolonged waiting will be detrimental to my engine, or if I should take my services somewhere other than Honda.
If my Honda CRV is at 10% oil life how many more miles can I drive the car?
I found this article to be very informative and helpful in understanding the importance of oil changes. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle. The recommendations on when to change the oil based on mileage and driving habits are valuable insights. It’s a great reminder for car owners to stay on top of their maintenance routines.
How many miles between oil changes for a 2016 Honda Odyssey
For a 2016 Honda Odyssey, most recommendations suggest changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if using synthetic oil, while conventional oil may require a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.