|
|
Oil and Filter Mileage Minder
by Bob DeP. AskBob@stretcher.com
Home
Home and Auto
Automobiles
Maintenance
Oil and Filter Mileage Minder
Hi Bob,
In early September, I purchased a brand new 2006 Honda Civic LX that has the above dashboard display reminder that starts out at 100% and descends down to 0%, even negative percentages if the oil and filter aren't changed. This is all new to me since I'm used to changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Since we drive about 8,000 miles a year, I'm wondering how this will work out with our type of driving. We take few long trips, with about half over 10 miles and about half under 10 miles. What are your thoughts on the Mileage Minder or is it best to go with the 3,000 to 5,000 mile changes? Do you go along with this new technology?
Robby
Robby,
Auto manufacturers have gone through a lot of testing. Essentially, their software engineers worked together with the mechanical engineers to determine how to tell when the oil needs to be changed. They came up with a formula that takes into account not only mileage, but also your driving style. Basically, they monitor oil temperature, rpm, and mileage, plug it into a formula and it spits out an oil life value.
In the early days of this type of device, it was just a mileage tracker. Nowadays, it is much more sophisticated. The only thing that it doesn't seem to do well with are short trip cars. You see, it's not the life of the oil or the dirt that becomes a problem, but moisture. If you don't run the car long enough, you wont boil off any accumulated moisture that gets into the oil. And this, in turn, creates acid.
Based on your driving habits, the oil minder might not tell you to change the oil but once a year and that is far too long. At a minimum, I would change the oil every six months or take the car out for a nice long drive at least once a month.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
If you have a question for Bob send it to: . He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
Take the Next Step
- Reduce the cost of your gasoline with a 'gas card'. You can compare them here.
Subscribe to TDS Newsletters
Join over 250,000 other subscribers!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
View the TDS privacy policy.
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Get free money-saving articles in your inbox!
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a
Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
