How Often Should Your Honda Get an Oil Change?

If it’s been a while since your last oil change at your Honda dealership, let’s talk about how often your Honda should be getting this vital service.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

Check your owner’s manual! It’s all in there, and the intervals do depend on your car’s age, model, and even your driving habits. For Honda Accord models manufactured in 2003 and earlier, for example, it is recommended to change the engine oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. For Honda Accord models manufactured in 2004 and newer, the recommended oil change interval is every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six to twelve months, depending on driving conditions.

Basically, the tougher the conditions in which you drive, the more frequently you need a change. Most people will only need the recommended changes, but if you constantly drive in dusty or off road conditions or are otherwise hard on your engine, you might need a change more often.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Lubrication

Oil’s primary function is to create a thin film between your engine’s many moving parts. This prevents metal-on-metal contact, reducing friction, heat buildup, and wear and tear.

Cooling

Motor oil absorbs and transfers heat away from critical engine components. Without oil to act as a cooling agent, your engine temperatures would soar, potentially leading to overheating and catastrophic damage.

Cleaning

As oil circulates through your engine, it picks up contaminants like dirt, dust, and metal shavings. These harmful particles can accelerate internal wear.

Corrosion Prevention

Oil contains additives designed to form a protective layer on engine parts. This shield helps to neutralize acids that can cause corrosion, extending the lifespan of those vital components.

Fuel Efficiency

A well-lubricated engine operates more efficiently. When parts move with less friction, less energy is wasted, translating to slightly improved fuel economy over time.

Why Does It Have to Be Changed?

Unfortunately, motor oil doesn’t last forever. As your engine runs, the oil goes through a rough time. The heat and stress of your engine cause oil to break down over time. It loses its lubricating properties and becomes less effective at its job. As mentioned, oil picks up dirt and wear particles. When saturated, it morphs into sludge that can clog passages and starve vital parts of lubrication. And engines do consume some oil as they run. Over a long enough period, oil levels can drop dangerously low.

Ignoring oil changes is like ignoring your own health checkups: it’s a recipe for suffering totally preventable problems. If it’s been a while since your last change, don’t wait too long. Contact our service department at Tony Honda in Waipahu, HI today.

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