Follow the MM for Oil Change - Debate goes on

[rollinhonda]

I never understood what is gained by prolonged idling any engine not being used (such as service vehilces ie; diesel).
Some do it to warm up in a very cold environment, then drive off fast totally ignoring the fact the rest of the drive-train needs to warm up also. One or two minutes at idle, and then driving off moderately makes sense in very cold weather. In warmer climates very little idling is needed, if at all.

'Warm-Up' aside, as said, the engine is very inefficient at idle, and excess wear can occur over time.

[Ourfarm09]

Yeah service vehicles, Police cars. I see them sitting outside fast food places with motors running and no one inside. You find the officer inside eating.

[speedlever]

I'll bet that's a department procedure or protocol.

[rollinhonda]

It could be, it is not their personal car, plus the fuel cost is not coming out of their wallet, well indirectly maybe, since they pay taxes too.

[laserguy]

Yeah I have noticed how police officers drive those cars, accelerating hard for no good or bad reason

[Timberdog]

Originally Posted by csimo

I don't think I said not to follow the Maintenance Minder... on the contrary I believe you should follow it, BUT that means you need to use quality products. It's your obligation to find out if the oil being used API Certified and the proper viscosity, and that a quality filter is being used.

Just because you have your oil changed at a Honda dealership doesn't mean much of anything. Honda doesn't make oil but they do offer oil with their brand on it. I can't say what your dealer does, but I've been in hundreds or maybe even thousands of dealers and I'd say well over 99% use bulk oil. They're businesses just like the instant lube places and whoever buys the oil usually has no idea about any requirements other than the cheapest price they can find.

As for oil filters... Honda has one I'd use without hesitation, but they also have one that is plain junk.

Good to know.

[Jimmyglendale]

OMG, i have 5k miles on my synthetic oil, will drop it at 6k miles.

[Bethard728]

Originally Posted by Jimmyglendale

OMG, i have 5k miles on my synthetic oil, will drop it at 6k miles.

Why waste the money on synthetic if your only running it 6k?

[speedlever]

Easy. I do it for the superior cold flow characteristics of synthetic oil. I typically get around 6500 miles per OCI running it to <5% down to 0%.

[Bethard728]

I typically get around 8k my changes and do not use syn. Opinions are like, well you know, but mine is to save the money on syn oil and put it toward something useful like gas. I have never seen engine failure that could of been prevented by syn oil.

I look at it like the Honda trans/VTM fluid. Why not stick with what the factory uses. They know best.