[MIKEinTN]

I am new to the boards as well as a new MDX owner.

I am reading the owners manual and notice that the first recommended oil change is at 7500 miles.

A friend of mine who is an engineer in the automotive industry (steering systems) tells me I should do the first oil change between 1000 and 1200 miles. He says the reason for this is that when a new engine begins, small metal shavings are released into the oil stream and only after changing the oil and filter do I rid the system of these particles.

This makes good sense to me, but I am not sure if it is necessary. I plan on using Mobil One, as it has helped my previous vehicles work very well and I see no reason to change.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

MIKEinTN

 

[ardvarkus]

Mike-

Welcome!

I personally believe that modern cars have much better tolerances and finishes, along with filtration systems, so that circulating 'stuff' is less of a concern.

I WILL tell you that the VTM-4 MUST be left alone for the first 7500 miles. There is special fulid in it from the factory, and the 7500 mile period is required for proper breakin. (Actually, I believe there was a TSB that stated 6 months OR 7500, whichever comes first)

To my knowledge, there is no similar issue with 'early' engine oil changes. I did mine at 5k.

Ard

PS I do recall the first oil change on the old VW bug motors (no oil filters, mexico/brazil parts).. made you wonder how they'd last even 10k miles.

 

[msu79gt82]

Follow the manual

Acura built the car - I would recommend doing what the book says; no less and no more!

Houston heat dictates that I follow the extreme conditions, so I change oil every 3750.

By the way the search feature works great. This question has come up many time before. A search will take you to extensive commentary regarding this. Good luck.

 

[ardvarkus]

"Acura built the car - I would recommend doing what the book says; no less and no more!"

I'll respectfully disagree- auto manufacturers are in the game to get the car to last to the end of the warranty period. Certainly there are many cars that last much longer, but there are some vehicles where additional maintenance would save big $$ at later dates (specifically transmission flushes every 30-40k, for example).

A little more frequent service, based on sound analysis and not the service writer 'guilting' you into agreement, can be useful and wise.

Ard

 

[frostyra]

FWIW, I use the Severe Service schedule for the MDX and our '99 Accord V6, as both are normally driven for very short commutes. The Acura dealer recommended changing oil only when scheduled (3750 for Severe), while the Honda dealer told us "Do NOT change the factory-oil before 3750 miles; it's a special oil." Both dealerships are part of the same corporation.

 

[Pauls MDX]

I AGREE

I DID MY FIRST AT 1000 MILES THE SECOND AT 3500 MILES AND GOING FORWARD EVERY 3000 MILES OR 3 MONTHS IS MY PLAN. MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE THE REAR AXLE FLUID AT 7500 MILES AND USE THE ACURA FLUID. A FRIEND TOLD ME IT IS VERY IMPORTANT ON THIS VEHICLE. IF YOU CHANGE THE AXLE FLUID YOURSELF BE SURE TO GET ALL OF IT OUT WITH A SUCTION DEVICE TRY TO CHANGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. MY2CENTS

 

[kpt_1]

I've been reading a lot about synthetic vs plain old crude since my 7500 mile service is coming up and was wondering what kind of oil is in the engine when we're breaking it in - synthetic or plain old crude with some extra Acura "moly" in it to help with the breakin.

 

[deltajetfixer]

Oil Changes

I don't think anyone in this forum knows what comes in the MDX crankcase from the factory. Porsche and Corvette both advertise their vehicles are factory-filled with Mobil 1.

As to whether to go synthetic or conventional, I would say it's a matter of personal preference.

I get my 5W-30 Mobil 1 from Target for $2.94 a quart and change it (and rotate the tires) every 7500 miles. I've had great luck with the stuff over the years with no engine repairs required on my vehicles that have used it.

Maybe when the world runs out of oil, I'll tear the "'ol VTEC" down and mic everything to see whether it stayed within "New" limits...

 

[JLee]

i asked my dealers service dept and he will let me bring in Mobil 1 and put they will use it as part of the oil change

now whether or not he will discount the bill for the oil they would otherwise use, i don't know

jeff

 

[DaleB]

Get an itemized statement before they start the work. Stay away from dealer specials, and only do what's required in the owner's manual for the mileage given.

Do all that, and there is no reason he should charge you for oil he does not use.
If they do, it better show up on your receipt and ask it to be taken off. Assuming they didn't screw up and leave your Mobil 1 on the front seat and did a fill with their oil.

Then you got to get them on the next one. Get it all in writing!

I've been doing this with Ford dealers for years, no reason an Acura dealer should be trying to stiff you for a lousy 5 qts. of oil.