I purchased a new Civic a few months ago and have since driven 3500 miles on it. With the new computerized maintenance system, the display still reads that I have 60% oil life left. Since I'm used to getting an oil change every 3-5000 miles, could there be something wrong with my computer system?

Are you using synthetic oil? I believe it lasts longer in between oil changes.

I'm not sure what kind of oil it is, it was the stuff they put in at either the manufacturer or the dealership. I mean, if the oil is lasting longer than normal, then that's cool, I just don't want to trust the computer and have it be wrong.

The oil doesn't last longer - not really. You want to keep the oil clean to get the best result, so continue in your good oil changing habits.

Read your owners manual. It has the right info. You don't need to change your oil until you have less than 5% oil life remaining. And there is probably a good safety margin built into that calculation.

The on-board computer uses sensors and an algorithm to calculate oil life base on the way the car is driven.

Trust the oil life message on your car. The 3k mile oil change interval is pretty much a myth today. It may have been true back in the days when tires only lasted 6000 miles, but engines are built to last much longer and engine oils last much longer as well. If you are worried about the oil you can use a synthetic. I used the cheap stuff on my last Honda (1989 Accord LXi). It only lasted 15 years and 336,000 miles before it started using oil and I donated it to charity. I changed the oil every 7,500-10,000 miles. Most owners manuals today recommend 7,500 mile oil change intervals, but the quick lube industry would probably go bust if everyone stopped getting their 3k oil changes.

European drivers typically change their oil every 10k miles (16k km). American drivers think 3k mile oil changes are "cheap insurance" for their engines. But based on the European data we spend $1 billion per year extra on oil changes we don't need. How cheap is that?

The city of Troy, Michigan (where I work) changes the oil on their police cars every 18k miles (using synthetic oil). They have not had a lubrication related engine failure in the 10 years they have been doing this.

I second that; you really don't need your oil changed that often, especially in new cars. If the display reads you have 60% oil life left, then you you do. If you want to be really safe, you could change your oil when when it's down to 15-20%, but even that shouldn't be necessary.

I would refer to the manual as well. I usually get mine done every 4-5000 miles and it does fine.

My owners manual (02 civic hx) says to change the oil at 7,000 or 7,500 miles - I can't remember. I change it around 5000 when it then just starts to look dirty. I have 122,000 on it and I never have to add any oil between changes. I do it myself using any name brand oil & filter that I get a good price on at that time. It only costs about $11.00.

In my old 89 Civic, I change it based on mileage or how long it's been since I had a change even when I'm not driving the car that much.

hi - did you try searching forum dig? it might be useful: honda civic oil change

I always change mine about every 4,000 to 5,000 also. I just figure it is better to be safe than sorry. My husband does ours though so I don't have to pay someone to do it.

I would recommend to consult with the seller and loking it up in your maintenance guide. Isn't there anything in the car's book?

I would ask a local honda dealer. But in those newer cars i wouldnt worry about changing them at least 5000k and the most 9k.

most new cars you can adjust how many miles you want to put on the car before it tells you you need to change it its often programable there wouldnt be anything wrong with ur computer system.

Why wouldnt yous want to change it every 3000 or evan 2500 miles. Oil is like blood for yous car. If its contaminated then it hurt yous car. If you could keep putting new oil in, then do that!

oil takes a bit to get dirty it may look dirty but when it is you can tell the icky brown black. oil doesnt kust help lubricate the motor it also clean it so might as well get your money out of the oil and let it do its job 5k or 9k sounds too high unless you are using a synthetic oil but i wouldnt really go over 3500 with regular 5 or10 30 in that case

The oil monitor considers engine operating conditions and is not just a mileage based "timer." These systems work well and are programmed with a big safety margin. If it says 10% you can be sure you have not exhausted the oil yet. Changing the oil way before it tells you to is wasteful and unnecessary.

I agree about the oil change when you need it. I was taught a certain routine of oil change. The synthetic oil is what I have in the van. I didn't know about the milegae needs being higher. In the Honda you have an oil reading that tells you where it is at, and when to change it.