Hey Fit freaks, planning to do my oil change before this winter. I only have 1,200 miles. Your opinions will be much appreciated

 

everyone has their own opinion, but imho, it is too soon. when did you get the car? what is the production date?

i did my first one at 5k, second one at 10k, now i am doing them every 10k. for my driving habits, that is every 3 months or so and about 20% left on the maintenance minder.

 

I just got the 15% wrench the other day, the same day my odometer flipped to 7K and a few weeks after I hit the 6-month anniversary. I'm going to trust the technology at least until the warranty is up.

 

Make sure you read the owner's manual on this. Many think they're doing good changing it early but they are not.The break-in oil is a different type of oil. Leave the break-in oil in the car and change it when the owner's manual states (dash indicator).

 

Those that change the oil early don't have any engine issues later.

Those that change the oil when the dashboard indicator comes on (as Honda recommends) don't have any engine issues later, either.


Hmmmmmm.......

 

According to the book, change the oil at 15% on the maintenance minder or at 1 year, whichever comes first.


Some go by the technology, some change the oil more often and spend more money. Your choice.

 

If you think you know more about your engine than the engineers who designed it, by all means, do what you want. It's your car.

I'll follow the advice of the manufacturer.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to quote you on that

 

That's OK jhn, you confirmed my point.



I'll admit, 15 years ago I used to be a change-it-early guy. I also liked the thicker oils 'cause I thought they protected better.

Now, I spend my money on MORE BEER.

<HIC>

 

my opinion is dat its a waste to change oil at only 1200miles. just follow the obc.

 

I got the 2015 EX 6 speed last October. I bet doing the first oil change at 5k miles would be wise.

 

one year or when the obc shows oil life below 15% is a good time to change it.

 

Mine was at 6800mi when it hit 15%. I have a heavy foot and it was hot. Some will do better, some will do worse. Waiting 'til 15% is your best bet, especially the first oil change. Leave the break-in oil in there.

 

What is break-in oil?

 

From Honda:

"Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.
American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions."

http://m.owners.honda.com/faqs/motor-oil

 

No one has ever hurt an engine by changing oil too often. I do 5k on Mobil 1. Your car. Your choice.

 

I read the link and learned about replacing the "crush washer" after every oil change. Is this item unique to Honda or do other cars have "crush washers"?

 

There is also a video on changing oil for the 2015 Fit. The procedure is well explained. He changes the crush washer. He also goes over resetting the maintenance reminder. He also has a nice video on the 5" non-touch radio.


There is also the discussion about the splash shield, the piece of plastic that you need to remove for the oil change. This shield is held on with 6 screws and 2 pop connectors. These 8 connectors seem to magically loosen after an oil change, then you lose the splash shield. There is discussion that one should replace the pop connectors and zip tie the splash shield to the car, guaranteeing you don't lose or damage the frail plastic.

Some people have had the splash shield get damaged or fall off shortly after a dealer oil change. That would really make me mad. They should know better.

 

Crush washers are common. I admit I probably went 5 oil changes on my 11 yr old '05 Element (still have it) without changing the crush washer. No leaks, no issues, but I still change it at every recent oil change and I use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt.

As for changing the oil early, no harm there ( except possibly the first one). It seems a bit wasteful though. It adds to the maintenance cost, which to me defeats the "spirit" of the ecobox nature of the car. Let's face it, we all bought a Fit because it is practical and affordable, yes?

 

I always have spare aluminum crush washers on hand (different sizes for engine, trans, and CRV rear diff). BUT, I only replace them if I notice a drip under them.

This picture shows the difference between a new crush washer and one with 12 oil changes on it: (10 years)

The old one is on the right, if you can't tell.