Alright, so I bought a new Civic 09 last August and have since put 5000 miles on it and my oil life is still at 40%. I know I'm not supposed to change it until it is <15%. I'm concerned about this as I will be driving it on a road trip 1500 miles round trip and I don't really feel comfortable driving it that long of a distance without getting an oil change. Basically, my question is: Why is it required that my first oil change be when the oil life is at <15% and should it be a big deal to drive the 1500 miles with the oil life currently at 40%? Thanks in advance.

 

No harm will come to your car if you change it sooner. That's just the manufacturers recommended change interval. I'd change it sooner, rather than latter and also recommend a full synthetic oil. Mobile 1 is pretty good.

 

It sounds like they put special additives in the oil that comes with the car to help break in the engine. They want you to keep that in for a while. After that first change, you can change oil more often than recommended if you want.

 

MK where were you 12 mins ago!?