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I just got a brand new Honda Civic LX and I'm wondering how often to change the oil. I've signed up for maintenance minder, and it's the first thing on the list. I've only had this car a week. When should I change the oil for the first time? And is it really that important to go to a dealer to do this? I want to be sure I follow the maintenance schedule to the tee since I'm leasing.

 
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GENERALLY, you want to do it evey 5000 miles (anyone who changes them at 3000 miles is either has too much $$$ to blow or is an idiot who likes to waste money). oils now a days are very sophisticated, especially synthetic oils.

so just change them every 5000miles with a quality oil filter such as an OEM honda filter or Mobil 1 filter and you are good to go. your honda will last you up to 800,000 miles like that guy with the 03 hybrid with 800,000 miles..

 
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btw, i say 5000 miles change interval, but thats just AVERAGE. one will not know how good his/her oil still is UNLESS he or she sends it to an oil analysis to get it tested.

most oils that are tested (especially synthetic) last easily to 8000 miles.


oh, one more thing before i shut up, most oils will break down GREATLY around the 800mile mark. after 800 miles, the oil breakdown is slow n steady.

 
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yeah 5k is about average for normal driving. i would even say upto 7.5k wont hurt anything but you are pushing the limits of the filter. once it gets full, oil will just bypass it and continue circulating in the engine with the junk inside.

 
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since you lease the car, just follow the MM and it says change oil at 15%...just cycle through to get the oil life percentage and change at 15%...the one at the odometer...

 
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Remember the guy said he was leasing... so just go to the 15% mark on your OLM. Do not spend anything more than you have to. Honda oil, honda filter.

 
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Thanks, all, this is very helpful!