So there's my answer; thank you. My old DD's filter was accessible but my old DD was 25 years old and the engine design older than that. I've only had my Fit for 7 months and the last oil changes were done by techs along with other work.

If you reread my post, i didn't disagree with you. That's why I find it interesting that when I read my Fit's manual and it explains the maintenance schedule, there are oil changes specified without filter changes. That's not how I roll but Honda apparently says it's okey-dokey, which means if you can prove the changes were done on time with the right materials, they would cover premature engine wear under warranty. *shrug*

 

Stop thinking about warranty and start thinking about the long term after warranty. Engine wear won't be noticeable for a long time and by the time you see a problem the warranty is over. Keep asking yourself the question, how long do you plan to keep your car?

 

Car jack alone? NO and NEVER ever do this, if you plan to get under the car. Always invest in jack stands or ramps if you plan to get under the car. As for ramps, your Fit is so low that you will need to improvise to drive up the regular ramps.

 

I usually use the old oil also. I get a bit on my finger from the old filter and use that.

I have seen commentors on Youtube getting agitated when someone does it that way, but like you said, that oil ain't gonna get circulated anyway.

 

You are, as they say, preaching to the choir. Read my post again. I am not endorsing oil changes without filter changes. I am saying that my 2017 US Honda Fit manual describes the Maintenance Minder codes and states right there (whether you or I or anyone else thinks it's a good idea) that there are service intervals where oil is changed but not the filter. You don't have to like that but you're not changing the words on the page. If that's what it says, it's what people will do. Your argument is with Honda, not me.

 

I wasn't trying to pick an argument with you. I wasn't actually talking to you specifically but to general readers although my manner of speaking wasn't the best.

I have no argument with Honda because that would be pointless. They don't care what their customers think.

 

HondaFit61
-good for you taking on the task of changing your own oil.
-In a 2015 Fit (I have one) it's not difficult, especially as many have noted - if the belly/splash pan plastic is long gone.

0w-20 oil is specified and comes only in synthetic.

Your once-weekly 30-mile drive is "good for the car" as it's a full heat cycle and battery charging... and engine gets warm enough to help some of the condensates of "1 or 5 mile trips" work themselves out. Even the exhaust benefits from trips being "long enough to bring everything to temperature"

I believe annual oil and filter changes are best for your car given the low annual mileage.

Typically a local "car parts" store will sell Mobil 1 or other good-quality oil and filter specials for $45 or less.

A set of ramps are my preference for chainging the oil on my 2015 fit. I have a floor jack and a lift available but select the ramps most often.

Save large cardboard boxes to place on the concrete or gravel and you can slide under your car more comfortably and stay cleaner.

A headlamp and/or a flashlight are other good tools.

The "basic oil change" is an opportunity to convene with your car's condition and also practice manual skills. Sure, it's easy to justify "having it done" despite the $10-$20 savings of DIY, but get the tools for the job and I bet you'll find that doing it yourself is actually more predictable and less hassle.

 

I made long wooden ramps out of 2" x 10" lumber when I had a Ford Expedition. They don't move around, and they're not going to collapse. I have four casters on the high end so I can wheel them in and out of the garage. Yes, they are very heavy.

I use a "baking sheet" under the can that catches the drain oil because there are always spills and drips. I use a separate pan to catch the oil when I remove the oil filter. I think it was on Amazon where I bought a bag of oil drain plug aluminum gaskets. I'll take pictures and post them some day. I also have a system set up to catch the oil from the baking sheet and drip it into a gallon jug. When it's full, I bring it to the town recycling center.