Tried searchin the forum and didnt really find what I needed. My maintenance wrench light came on yesterday (approx 3800 miles, 15% oil life). I was wondering: is this a good time to put synthetic oil in? Also, I was considering changing the transmission lubricant/oil whatever it is (I'm noob) because I read on 8th civic that it really helps with the 3rd gear and overall "feeL" of the transmission. Last question: Is it better to go to the dealership, or should I go to the person I normally take my cars to (I've never changed my own oil)? TIA.

 

I went right to synthetic oil for my change, haven't changed my transmission fluid yet i haven't really had the 3rd gear problem. as for changing the oil i changed it myself, the only prob i had was getting the tool on the OEM oil filter to get it off..after that it was a breeze

 

There's no problem with changing to synthetic on your first oil change. I'd be more concerned that you hit 15% in 3800miles. Been hitting that iVTEC a lot eh?

P.S. A wave of n00bs might come in and say to wait till 8,000 or 15,000 miles to switch but they're just n00bs like I said.