I bought my new civic on Saturday and read through some info on oil changes. My question: Is it recommended to change the oil after the first 1500 miles to eliminate 'bits and grit' found in a new engine?

My last car I didn't change the oil every 3,000 miles and regret it. . .now I understand the civic is supposed to now 'tell' you when it is time, but I need this car to last a very long time (my friend's 1992 civic is at 250,000 miles and counting and she always changes it every 3,000 miles).

So, comments on the first oil change at 1500 miles and if anyone cares to add to the multitude of opinions out there on when to change for the life of the car. I live in the north georgia mountains and commute approximately 100 miles a day, 40 miles of which are pure curve and grade changes (I have a manual civic lx).

Thanks!

 

It's in my opinion that the very best thing you can do for your car is to change the oil and the oil filter often and regularly. Now I'm not sure if you're supposed to change the oil on a new engine after the first 1500. But for like 20 bucks, and ease of mind. Just do it. Can't do anything but good. So I would change your oil after the 1500 point, then on every suggested amount of miles or time.

 

if it's brand new get an oil change at 3k miles, then run synthetic it in for as long as you own it. With that you can change at 7-10k miles intervals, it's perfectly safe and synthetic runs better. I have a 00 civic and have been running synthetic for 2 years since I've owned it. Just like premium gas, I'll never go back to the basics.

 

is your 00 an si?

 

I'd wear/break in the rings by loading them the first few minutes I owned the car. Then I'd change the oil right away. Run it to 500 miles and change it again. 1500 miles is way too many miles before the initial flush...IMO. After that, change it every 3-6 Kmiles/months, depending on your operating conditions.