So my car runs better after first oil change
#1
So my car runs better after first oil change
I purchased my car about 8 months ago and my oil finally reached 15% and the service reminder light came on. So I changed the oil at the Honda service center and now my car runs much better. Is this just a perception or does a new oil help the car accelerate and run better?
#3
#5
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St Peter, mn, us
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When people come into our dealer when we check their oil level at 15% most of the time they are low a quart or two...which is never a good idea..just add when needed.
#7
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
Ok now I'm confused. I hear that new cars don't need oil changes every 3000 miles. I thought you had to go by the reminder on your dash and the oil light. I guess I'm gonna start doing it manually.
Trending Topics
#8
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
The maintenance minder "calculates" oil life based on engine operating conditions (both normal and severe). If the engine runs at higher temperatures and rpm, or at low temperatures during short trips, the oil life will deplete faster than an engine running under more normal conditions. The oil life indicator varies from owner to owner. Keep in mind, the oil life is calculated based on engine operating conditions, etc.; it does not actually analyze the oil quality or the level. For example, some people drive longer trips, some shorter trips, some people in traffic a lot, some drive it hard and rev it up, etc. -- You still need to check the actual oil level with the dipstick.
#9
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
The maintenance minder "calculates" oil life based on engine operating conditions (both normal and severe). If the engine runs at higher temperatures and rpm, or at low temperatures during short trips, the oil life will deplete faster than an engine running under more normal conditions. The oil life indicator varies from owner to owner. Keep in mind, the oil life is calculated based on engine operating conditions, etc.; it does not actually analyze the oil quality or the level. For example, some people drive longer trips, some shorter trips, some people in traffic a lot, some drive it hard and rev it up, etc. -- You still need to check the actual oil level with the dipstick.
#10
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St Peter, mn, us
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some people say check it every or every other gas fill up. I typically start doing that after the oil change has about 3000 miles on it since that's about the time your engine starts using it. We've seen lots of accords come in with 5-10% on their maintance minder and check the oil and they are 2.5-3 qts low.... Some times the oil light will flicker around corners, sometimes you'll hear the timing chain rattle... All due to lack of oil. If the oil light comes on it's too late.. Always check the oil and add when needed or you will damage the engine.
#11
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
Thanks! I don't think what you described was the case in my situation. The car was running well but it just runs better now. Also, the mechanics at Honda didn't tell me it was too low.
I did get a reminder to change my cabin filter soon.
I did get a reminder to change my cabin filter soon.
#12
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St Peter, mn, us
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mechanics are rarely if ever going to tell you it's lie if they are just changing oil with no other complaints. We just change the oil as there is really no reason to check the level prior to changing it unless there is a drivability concern. Just something to think about. Check oil and add when needed...
#13
longest project ever
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: on the south side of dixie, 1986 Accord Hatch
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
if this is a brand new car, you might be perceiving it running better as the engine just went through it's break in period,
#14
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
Try this, for the next month or so, periodically check the oil level (on a level surface, etc.) to see how much the oil level drops. Do this especially if the car has been driven hard, etc.
While is it normal for cars to burn some oil, there were some 8th generation Accord (4 and 6 cylinders) that may burn more oil due to the oil control rings.
While is it normal for cars to burn some oil, there were some 8th generation Accord (4 and 6 cylinders) that may burn more oil due to the oil control rings.
#15
My Name is Nobody
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
some of the other J32 guys say that an ECU reset make the car more lively... perhaps the dealer did that for you during your oil change?
#16
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
It is a certified used car I purchased back in September of last year. It should of been broken in.
Mechanics are rarely if ever going to tell you it's lie if they are just changing oil with no other complaints. We just change the oil as there is really no reason to check the level prior to changing it unless there is a drivability concern. Just something to think about. Check oil and add when needed...
Try this, for the next month or so, periodically check the oil level (on a level surface, etc.) to see how much the oil level drops. Do this especially if the car has been driven hard, etc.
While is it normal for cars to burn some oil, there were some 8th generation Accord (4 and 6 cylinders) that may burn more oil due to the oil control rings.
While is it normal for cars to burn some oil, there were some 8th generation Accord (4 and 6 cylinders) that may burn more oil due to the oil control rings.
Maybe, but shouldn't they tell me this?
#17
Honda-Tech Member
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
Thing is, there shouldn't be any noticeable change in engine performance, from simply changing the oil. That is why we are trying to come up with other reasons why the performance would be better now.
#18
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
ok. Must of then been driving on insufficient oil since I've purchased the car. The car has been driving the same way from the time I drove it off the car lot. Once the oil change was made, driving is noticeably better. Perhaps a ECU reset was made unbeknownst to me. Mystery.
#19
Honda-Tech Member
Re: So my car runs better after first oil change
Whatever you do, check your oil. The oil change intervals get longer and longer, and more and more oil is consumed between them.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
njfastlife
Honda Accord & Crosstour (2003 - 2012)
12
11-28-2015 05:54 PM