Oil change intervals vary for every Honda model, depending on the type of oil your vehicle needs and the conditions where and how you drive. Each Honda model has a factory-recommended Maintenance Schedule to keep your Honda running in optimal condition including, how often you should be changing the vehicle’s oil. However, there are some general guidelines that you can apply to any Honda vehicle and be safe as well! In general, you should be changing the oil in your Honda between every 5,000 and 7,500 miles.

The oil in your Honda is constantly working to improve the performance and efficiency of your vehicle while keeping the metal parts clean and free from debris. Over time, the oil picks up enough debris that its brown color eventually turns black and becomes thicker. In this state, it’s no longer effective at performing its lubrication, cooling, and cleaning functions. After enough time, you will need to replace the oil in your Honda with fresh oil.

American Honda recommends using Honda Genuine Motor Oil, sold and available at Elk Grove Honda. Honda Genuine Motor Oil is specifically formulated for your Honda vehicle as it meets Honda's exacting engineering standards. These standards meet or exceed the typical industry performance specifications found in many conventional fluids. Tested and approved by American Honda’s Research and Development team, Honda Genuine Motor Oil helps maintain the factory specifications of your Honda. However, if Honda Genuine Motor Oil is not used, conventional motor oil of a premium-grade or an ultimate full synthetic blend may be used and must contain the specified viscosity grade indicated in your Owner’s Manual.

It’s best to follow your regular maintenance schedule. But here are some ways your car might tell you it’s ready for an oil and filter change:

• Your dashboard oil reminder: In newer vehicles, this light or text message takes your actual driving conditions into account.
• Dark oil on your dipstick: Fresh engine oil is transparent and light brown or amber. Dirty oil is dark brown or black -- and too opaque to see through.
• Overheating: Poor lubrication also makes your engine work harder, which can generate excess heat.
• Grinding or tapping noises– these may be the dreaded “metal on metal” sounds, warning you that your oil level is too low to protect your engine.