Whats the deal with the new oil change interval?

2004 accord lx..the maintenance schedule specifically states that under
normal driving conditions to change the oil only at 10k, filter at 20k, oil
again at 30k and so on.

Although I am no engineer I am going to have to pass on this piece of advice
and just change at about 7500 miles, the oil and filter.

The plugs are also to be changed at 110k. Hell even if they are platinum I
don't think they will last that long and perform properly.

CaptainKrunch

 

or just go the 10k, but use mobil1.

eh, id do it at 60k and 120k. you really dont want them seizing in the
heads.

 

the extended interval is entirely feasible - the new accords are ultra
low emissions vehicles and burn very clean. cleaner burn = lower
combustion product load for the oil = extended change interval. cng
vehicles have extended intervals up to 50k miles.

 

the extended interval is entirely feasible - the new accords are ultra

Oil change intervals have always been arbitrary. There is no "correct"
interval. But manufacturers use it as a ploy to fool morons in to believing
they're buying a superior product.




____________________________________

 

Hmmm, it seems to me that most of the combustion oil contamination happens
in the first few minutes from cold startup and that doesn't change that
much with ULEV. IOW people should be very careful about what "normal"
means for the service schedule.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

Can you elaborate more on this? I was about to post a question
regarding exactly this type of thing ("ploy to fool morons") and came
across this posting which raised another question: I have an Accord
2001 which has "nominal" oil change period every 3,750 miles. I bought
this car new 3 years ago and have been strictly following this 3,750
miles schedule at an authorized dealership. Was I fooled by Honda? If
so, what is the recommended period? A short explanation why (or links
to web articles that explain why) would be very much appreciated.

Now... My original question: Honda states that after 30,000 miles I
should perform a "30,000 miles maintenance". The authorized dealership
(from which I bought the car new and with which I do all maintenance)
asks $240 for this work. I looked at the list of what's included in
the maintenance and didn't notice any tuning, parts replacement or
anything that in my opinion takes significant amount of time and
resource that could justify this price. This ""30,000 miles
maintenance" is basically a 120-point checkup.

$240 for checkup? Is this price reasonable? I thought that when you
buy a new car, you are supposed to lower maintenance costs... Is this
one of those ploys to squeeze money of laymen like me?

I would appreciate if you could shed some light on this.

Thanks,
Lynn

 

Now... My original question: Honda states that after 30,000 miles I

The 30k service should include changing the air and cabin filters, oil
change, rotate tires and transmission fluid drain and fill. At dealer
prices, $240 doesn't sound bad. An independent shop might be cheaper.

Of course, if you're inclined, you could do it yourself for
substantially less. I did everything except the tire rotation, my back
is not what it used to be.

Norm

 

on the 04 the first transmission fluid change is at 110k miles.

spark plugs are at 110k also.. This car will never see a 30k 60 or any other
120 point checkup..I think I can do this myself and save several hundred
bucks

 

My dealer "had" me come in for my '04's first oil change at 5000 miles. I
haven't yet asked when the next one should be.

 

Huh, how do you figure that?

 

Norm, thanks for your answer. According to Honda's official
maintenance schedule, tires indeed should be rotated at 30K, as the
recommended rotation perios is every 7.5K. I don't really need this
since I change my tires (to snow and back) twice a year (paying full
price for this - $50).

However, if you read the official maintenance schedule (used by my
authorized dealer), transmission fluid drain and fill is *not*
included, although adding fluding *if necessary* is included.

See a scan of that document here:
http://linuxlover.50megs.com/photo2.html

I just realized that because of my car's low milage, I reached 30K
after 3 years, not 2 years and thus I need brake fluid replacement.
This could easily hike the price to over $300...

Coming to think of it, my family's safety is certainly worth the
price. The question now is can I get the same exact quality of service
elsewhere for significantly less $$ (half the price or even lower)?

Thanks,
Lynn

 

I guess they figure they will have replaced the transmission twice by
then anyway