Engine Break-in oil change, myth or reality ?

[Purplegate]

Manufacturers do not use "Break-in" oil anyore since a while, yet, the question is still in the air : Should I plan my first oil change earlier or just follow the recommendation from the manufacturer ? If I should plan earlier, what is the target miles ?

Honda recommended me to follow the oil life meter in my I2. I am at 3000 miles and still at 80%. This mean if I follow this meter, the first oil change might be at 15,000 miles... isn't it a bit too long ?

Anyone has a real life theory about this first oil change/Break-in period ?

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by Purplegate

Manufacturers do not use "Break-in" oil anyore since a while...

I believe you may be incorrect. I have read several times that Honda does use a special break-in oil, and have never found any information to the contrary. I am eagerly looking forward to changing to Amsoil 0W-20 at my first change.

[jonniedee]

My dealer insists that Honda tells them it's a break-in oil and that it should not be changed until the Maintenance Minder tells you too for maximum benefits.,

[jonniedee]

Also can’t the higher mileage for the oil life the I2 compared to a regular ICE Honda be contributed to the amount of time that the engine (valves and fuel injection) are off while the vehicle is moving. It's the act of internal combustion that contaminates oil right?

[Roger Crier]

You also have to bear in mind that once you change the oil to a synthetic, from a mineral oil then the engine wear will be near to zero, so you need to bed engines in before the oil change otherwise the bedding in process will never fully happen.

[dewjam]

Tried to get a service done at 5K dealer service said come back when the display says 15%.
Paid $600 for 30K service on my G1 this week.:0

[jrlnc]

Originally Posted by Roger Crier

You also have to bear in mind that once you change the oil to a synthetic, from a mineral oil then the engine wear will be near to zero, so you need to bed engines in before the oil change otherwise the bedding in process will never fully happen.

I'm not too familiar with this, but can you explain. It may help several of us here.

My oil screen still says 70% so I don't have to go to the dealer yet. Also, should I tell the dealer what kind of oil to put or will they automatically know this?

I used to go to the Texaco Xpress lube, but I'm afraid they can't work on hybrids cause my salesman said something about they have to be certified.

[jraynor196]

Originally Posted by Purplegate

Manufacturers do not use "Break-in" oil anyore since a while, yet, the question is still in the air : Should I plan my first oil change earlier or just follow the recommendation from the manufacturer ? If I should plan earlier, what is the target miles ?

Honda recommended me to follow the oil life meter in my I2. I am at 3000 miles and still at 80%. This mean if I follow this meter, the first oil change might be at 15,000 miles... isn't it a bit too long ?

Anyone has a real life theory about this first oil change/Break-in period ?

I am in the same percentile as you mileage wise/oil life remaining.

I have a little sticker that say wait to 15% oil life on my windshield that the dealer put on.

Right now it is at 70% with 3500 miles, so the oil life is probably not linear.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by jrlnc

Also, should I tell the dealer what kind of oil to put or will they automatically know this?

I never assume anything about dealer knowledge or practice. My former Toyota Camry Hybrid required 0W-20 or 5W-20 oil, but my local dealer did not stock either of those weights! Their hybrid-trained manager stated to me that the heavier weight oils that they used for all Toyotas were fine for hybrids, too, and would not affect warranty, performance, or fuel economy. He was wrong on all counts, of course. He and I had a heated battle that escalated to the top of the Toyota ladder, where he finally learned a thing or two. After sharing my eye-opening experience online, I found that many other forum users reported that their Toyota dealers were equally ignorant about oil viscosities and the manufacturer requirements. So, not trusting the original dealer who gave me wrong information on the oil change, I took my car to another Toyota dealer along with my own oil. Wouldn't you know... the second dealer wrote on the ticket that I brought my own oil, but the mechanic somehow ignored the ticket and ended up using an unspecified weight of dealer-supplied oil anyway. I had to have them re-do the oil change while I watched. Keep an eye on your dealer, and don't assume they know what they're talking about regarding oil changes.

[Hitech]

Originally Posted by Roger Crier

You also have to bear in mind that once you change the oil to a synthetic, from a mineral oil then the engine wear will be near to zero, so you need to bed engines in before the oil change otherwise the bedding in process will never fully happen.

.

IMHO, This is not born out by any real world testing. Whether you choose to believe it or not "oil" is "oil” Most "dino" oils are blends anyway and the only advantage synthetic have is high temp stability, OK if you routinely run oil temps above 300 F. The real "work" in oil is done by the additive packages. It is far better to change your oil regularly (twice as often as recommended) than to run "Magic" oil for 7500 or more miles. (The recommended oil change intervals ar a part of certifying the vehicles total impact on the environment and have nothing to do with getting the longest possible life out of the engine).