[plefloch]

We are owners of 3 cars: 2018 Accord 1.5, 2019 Forester and 2013 Outback.

Oil change interval is respectively 1-when indicator says so (apprx 8000miles and skip filter every other time), 2- 6000 miles (change filter every time) and 3- 7500 miles (change filter every time). Oil spec is 0W20 for all.

Why such a discrepancy? What do motor engineers consider when they come up with these numbers. Perhaps they don't give it much though and grab a number they've grabbed for >10 years without consideration for the evolution of engines?

Lastly, what inputs and calculations go into the 2018 Accord's service indicator? Is it simply mileage, or is there time & mileage, or some other input (revs? temp?).

 

[Fired00d]

….Lastly, what inputs and calculations go into the 2018 Accord's service indicator? Is it simply mileage, or is there time & mileage, or some other input (revs? temp?).

You may want to take a look at this link - Honda Maintenance Minder System regarding the system. To answer your question the following is from that link...

Q: How many Miles can I expect to go between oil changes when using the Maintenance Minder System?

A: The maintenance minder varies by driver because each drivers driving habit are unique. The Honda Maintenance Minder adjusts the maintenance intervals based on engine operating habits, driving habits and the climate where the vehicle is operated in. For most people who combine city and highway driving will need maintenance at approximately 6,000 miles. If you maintain constant driving habits you can expect your mileage between services will stay consistent.

 

[Vegashybrid]

Never ever change oil without changing the filter! It costs $8.

 

[Fired00d]

Never ever change oil without changing the filter! It costs $8.

Exactly... To me that would be like taking a shower and putting on the sweaty boxers you just took off after working out.

 

[plefloch]

Never ever change oil without changing the filter! It costs $8.

I was surprise to read that too, but I'd like to believe the Honda engineers know more about filters than we do. Was this an omission or are we living in the past?

 

[StormX2]

Where is Captain NvousCustoms, need that inside knowledge.

 

[Vegashybrid]

I was surprise to read that too, but I'd like to believe the Honda engineers know more about filters than we do. Was this an omission or are we living in the past?

Honestly could care less either way for the extra cost of the filter.

 

[Fired00d]

I was surprise to read that too, but I'd like to believe the Honda engineers know more about filters than we do. Was this an omission or are we living in the past?

When I take mine in I specifically state I want an oil & filter change and tire rotation. Never been told that filter wasn't called for and would think most dealerships/shops have the same mindset as those of us that think it should be changed. Think about it... when you get an oil change not all of the oil is drained anyway, now you add what is still left in the filter that's just more to contaminate the new oil and less new (clean) oil recieved during the change.

 

[NvousCustoms]

when we perform a oil change it includes replacing the filter. Every dealership is different and a lot of express service advisors/techs just put 15% on the reminder sticker cause that’s when your minder light will illuminate to get your attention service is due soon. We at my dealership recommend oil service every 3750 miles. Based off my own personal car and going off the minder light and 3750 there have been times I’ve changed my oil at 3750 and still was around 30% oil and sometimes at 20%. Like fired00d mentioned before the minder light bases your driving conditions to determine the percentage. I do a lot of stop and go traffic living in California. Best practice is to just make sure your changing your oil and filter at regular intervals. There’s nothing wrong with just going by your minder light as well.

 

[[email protected]]

Never ever change oil without changing the filter! It costs $8.

VERY GOOD ADVICE!!

 

[MrTireExpert]

Never ever change oil without changing the filter! It costs $8.

I agree with Vegashybrid.

 

[PhilipS]

The oil filter is the key to clean oil.

Save money, reuse your coffee filters for a bolder taste

I used to only change oil based on the oil piss testing results (spectral analysis). Changed it once a year or 25, 000 miles. Now, on the Gen1 Insight, I do a full oil change when the car says so. After 300K, it just can't hurt to do it.

Be sure to sniff the oil cap for fuel dilution, foam, and always look for glitter on the dip stick. Check level when the car is cold.

 

[gn842]

I change the oil 2x a year and I sent it out to be tested. The reason being that having oil test results can blow through a lot of dealer resistance on issues such as fuel dilution, how often you changed the oil, and so on. Greg N

 

[gregs1027]

I'm at 7000 miles and my 2020 Accord hybrid hasn't shown a oil change notification. The oil looks decent. Is this right? That seems like a long time even for a hybrid.

 

[Fired00d]

I'm at 7000 miles and my 2020 Accord hybrid hasn't shown a oil change notification. The oil looks decent. Is this right? That seems like a long time even for a hybrid.

What is your Maintenance Minder (MM) percentage? Mileage is not the only determining factor of when the oil needs changing... length of time between changes, type of driving (city vs highway), driving style (aggressive/passive), etc. are all taken into consideration by the MM to determine when an oil change is required.

 

[gregs1027]

I want to say it is like 50% but I'll have to look. I don't drive aggressively and the mix is probably mostly highway. I do go 80 mph on the highway.

 

[Fired00d]

I want to say it is like 50% but I'll have to look. I don't drive aggressively and the mix is probably mostly highway. I do go 80 mph on the highway.

Go by the MM to determine when to change it, it will let you know when it's time. The fact that most of your miles are highway and you not driving aggressively definitely impact how soon an oil change would be required.

 

[gregs1027]

It's at 40%. Do you change it at 0 or before?

 

[Vegashybrid]

As the manual states you change it when the mm gets around 15%. It should be fairly obvious because a reminder/warning starts popping up every time you start the car.

 

[Fired00d]

It's at 40%. Do you change it at 0 or before?

As @Vegashybrid stated you will start receiving a reminder at 15% to have the service done. Anytime between that and it getting to 5% would be best (sooner the better)... letting it get to 0% could give Honda the ability/incentive to deny any warranty issue that could be related back to oil loosing it's ability to do its job.