Break in oil change.

You were on the right path at about 1k miles to change it, and I don't know how a 10k interval can be universally applied. If I had a III I would change it using the factory oil and filter, at least the first time, at 1k. There is no logical reason I have heard not to, but plenty good ones to. It depends how many new cars you want to get the chance to do it on. For me it was this one I have now, and that's probably going to be it. There is no question it is better to change oil early on any new engine.

There has been no "break in oil", since probably the 1950's, in major make cars BTW.

 

Had mine done at ~1700 and then again at ~5400 (with an early transaxle flush at 5400 as well) out of my own pocket. I'll use my free maintenance coupon to get it done again around 10,400/6-month interval and switch to every ~7500/6 months thereafter.

 

That depends on what you consider a major make. I consider Honda a major make.

 

Did my Prius at 3500

 

I'm not trying to extend the argument. But would like to advise what happened to me:

I just took my car to the dealer for its first maintenance. They said to wait until 10K for the oil change. I asked what if I want to do it now (about 5K miles). They said no problem and will still do it for free under the free maintenance program. However, by getting the free oil change now, I would get 1 less fee oil change at the end. They gave no oher reson for not doing the oil change now. No problem, I chose to do the oil change, now.

The reason I did the oil change now at 5K miles was because I figured it wouldn't hurt and I'm "old shool," so doing the oil change now gave me some comfort. And if I feel I need to slide in another oil change (say at 10K), I'll just do it myself. I've never heard that doing too many oil changes can hurt (except your pocketbook).

Another issue people have been asking about is regarding the use of the coupons you got from the dealer (or at least with the dealer's name on it) for the maintenance. You've already been advised that you can take your car to whichever dealer you wish. I took mine to a different Toyota dealer and the guy said they like it if you give them the coupon because it's easier to check their computer to confirm your car is on it. But the coupon is not necessary.

Basically, they rotated my tires and did the oil change and that was it. I'm sure they did the other "checks" listed. The only thing they mentioned was that my brakes were at 90%. Is that good or bad? I figured I'd change them at about 50%, which means they will last about 2.5 years. That sure sounds rather quick.

Hope that helps.

Mike

 

Not so. New Honda vehicles quite clearly state in their owners manual that they contain special break-in additives and that the first oil change should not take place early, but held off until the oil minder shows that it is needed. My previous 2 vehicles included an Accord and Civic and I ended up performing their oil changes around the 7k mark.

Now Toyota may do things differently .... I haven't made up my mind about the timing of the first oil changes, but it will not be before 5k at the earliest.

Vic

 

May I muddy the waters just a little more please?

So if I stay with the 10k recommendation, isn't it 10k or 1 year? And should I factor in the build date? I just bought my Prius in December, but it has a 7/10 build date. So should I do the oil change after 10k miles or 7/10, whichever comes first?

Mark

 

You are in a relatively dry climate so 1 year is conservative for your case.

In any case, I don't think it's worth starting the countdown until the car has been driven more than on and off the ship. If your car sat on the dealers lot getting the occasional test drive, the start of test drives would be a reasonable time to start the 1 year count down.

 

I posted this in another similar thread.
Studies on decreased wear with used oil, read here:
The Effect of Oil Drain Interval on Valvetrain Friction and Wear
Raman Characterization of Anti-Wear Films Formed from Fresh and Aged Engine Oils
Valvetrain Friction and Wear Performance with Fresh and Used Low Phosphorous Engine Oils | Tribology & Lubrication Technology | Find Articles at BNET
UOA Used Oil Analysis and Oil Testing

In the view of those studies, engine wear is accelerated for 1000-1500 miles after new oil is filled.

 

No offense but that's very wasteful to change the brakes when they're at 50%. Seriously, they're good until probably the 20% mark at least. Prius brakes last a lot longer than those found on a regular car.

 

I haven't seen anyone here propose regular 1000 to 1500 miles oil change intervals for the life of the car.

The underlying question in this thread is "does a one time early drain of oil during break-in benefit the engine more or less than the sometimes higher wear that occurs with fresh oil". If one of those studies makes that comparison, please post it.

 

Every motorcycle manufacturer I've owned including Honda specify the first oil change in the 600-1,000 mile range.

I pulled the OM for a 2009 accord V6: Honda Accord Coupe Owner’s Manual (2009) | Owner and Service Manual Review | Support Download and read pages 297 through 309.

There is no mention of either: a) early oil changes or b) special break in oils. It does mention that special oil additives are not needed and may adversely affect the engine.

If your info is clearly stated elsewhere please let me know.

 

You will find the break-in instructions in the break-in section. Clever, those Honda folk. Try page 248 of that Honda manual

On Page 248
Break In
.....
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time.
....

 

Thanks.

No mention of special "break in" oils. In the maintenance section, they state first change is 10k or 12 months whichever comes first so anything from one mile to 10k falls in this range.

 

Sorry, no intent to be wasteful. Just trying to be safe. The problem with 20%, is that if I'm a few thousand miles late, that can get to 10% real quick.

Mike

 

Unless you are an unusual brake user, Prius brakes will last you will beyond 100k miles. 10% of that is 10k miles and there isn't a real problem until you get to 0%.

 

I just got my 2011 yesterday and plan on having mine changed at 1,000. Then, every 5,000 after that. I've used synthetic in past vehicles and still won't go over 5-6k with it. Peace of mind I guess.