Hello everyone, I've got a quick question about oil change intervals.

I have a 2007 Honda Civic, has 135,000 miles on it.

Other than my last oil change which I allowed to go a little too long, I've always always changed the oil when it hit 15%. The last time was the first time I had ever seen it go to 10%.

Anyway, I just hit 0% last night. I think the cold weather made it go down faster or something because I estimated it to be fine getting home before I needed one. I have an appointment to get the oil changed a week from today, but I'm currently out of town and my appointment is scheduled with my trusted mechanic that is back home and 500 miles away. I've heard people who let the minder go behind the 0% (and into the negative miles) before and didn't have problems, but I'm a little worried since it's going to be about 500 miles in the negative for me.

I would say that about 90% of my driving is easy highway miles. I go out of town often but I work from home, so I'm really not doing much in-town start and stop driving but the bulk of the mileage on my car is from interstate miles. I've currently gone 9,000 miles since my last oil change and I would say that at least 8,500 of that, if not more, has been on the interstate.

My question is: how dangerous is it to wait and get my oil change done a week from today with my trusted mechanic? I don't know a good mechanic out here and I really don't have the time in the next week to get it done. It would be a huge inconvenience. However if my car is going to be screwed by waiting and driving an additional 500 interstate miles, I will make the effort to find a place here.

If it helps, I avoid hard driving as much as possible. I'm light-footed and rarely go above 2,500 rpm and try to sit at 2,000 rpm as much as I can.

Thanks for any advice!

 

Are you running additives?

 

No additives. I looked into synthetic oil a while back but was told that since I had used standard oil for the first 100,000 miles that I shouldn't switch this late in the game.

 

You're not doing any damage. Manufacturers don't use 0% as the point where the oil has broken down to the point where it causes immediate failure.

Nothing wrong with going to 0. I wouldn't drive like....thousands of miles past 0 unless you're using special oils and filters and methods. But you're fine. Get the oil changed when you can. Drive normally. People behind you are trying to get to work.

 

Oh that's awesome, exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks!

 

I need help. I drive a 2015 Honda Civic EX and was wondering what oil to use. Since it takes 0w-20 I was either gonna use Mobil 1 advanced fuel economy or Mobil 1 extended performance? Could someone please tell me the difference between the two?

 

I use Mobil1 synthetic

 

The difference is written in the name. The fuel economy oil is likely as thin as a 20 grade can be. The extended performance oil has a formulation that is supposed to be able to run for extended drain intervals.

There is a Castrol sale going on at Advance auto right now. I believe Castrol's 0W20 is a german formulation...which is supposed to be a group 4 synthetic. If that kind of advantage matters to you. It shouldn't for your application. What should matter is that you can get 5qts and a filter for $29.99.

Buy what's on sale in the correct weight.

 

Couldn't said it better myself B_serious