Each year, Honda vehicles are named at the top of consumer lists as having the best quality of cars in the world. Known for their long life, Hondas are built with quality engine components that last for years. As with any vehicle, however, no matter how well built a car is, if the engine is not properly protected with engine oil it can prematurely fail.
The Purpose of Engine Oil
Since the invention of the automobile, engines have required the usage of engine oil to operate properly and to protect the engine’s components. The motor on a Honda, or any other vehicle, utilizes pistons and rings in cylinders and is energized by fuel ignition to power the car. These pistons moving against the cylinder walls at a fast rate, create friction and heat.
Without the lubrication of engine oil, these all metal components will overheat and seize a car’s engine within minutes or less. Engine oil allows these moving components to power your car without overheating and protects them from wear.
More on Engine Oil
Over the years, engine oils have been developed for each type of engine in existence. Engine oils can be:
- Conventional: Oils created from base oils that are more prone to burning, less refined, and less stable than synthetic grades. They are cheaper to purchase than synthetic oils.
- Synthetic: Oils that are more refined and made from better quality base oils. Synthetic oils are less prone to damage and outlast conventional oil. They are more expensive than conventional oils.
There are also several different categories of oil, such as full synthetic, synthetic blends, high mileage engine oils, and more than all affect how long they can run within your vehicle. Different viscosities of oil are also designed to be used in specific engines. The good news is that the owner manual for your Honda shows the viscosity type of oil your car is required to run.
Why Engine Oil Changes Are Important
No matter what type of engine oil you use in your Honda, there will be a time when your engine will begin to accumulate damage. No matter how well-refined the engine oil, it will break down over time. This is due to several factors:
- Heat: Overtime, all engine oil is susceptible to heat. Little by little and due to the heat produced by your Honda’s engine, the oil will break down and stop protecting the engine’s components as its lubrication properties will vanish.
- Metal wear: No matter how well-protected the components of an engine are lubricated, microscopic metal shavings from wear will end up in the oil. Over time, these particles will begin to eat away the engine’s components.
Regardless of what is happening internally, the important thing to know is that without the proper timing of engine oil changes, your Honda’s life span will be dramatically reduced. Honda’s that have been properly maintained have been known to last upwards of 250,000 miles and more.
How Often to Change Engine Oil
As mentioned above, the type of engine oil determines how often your Honda needs an oil change. Let’s look at the recommended times for oil changes.
- Conventional Oil: Most Hondas using conventional oil should be serviced at around 3500 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
- Synthetic Oils: Synthetic engine oils allow for a longer time between services. Many models can go as long as 7500 miles or more and up to 12 months before needing an oil change.
Let the Experts Help You
Keeping these two types of oil change needs 
in mind, it is a good idea to not only follow your owner’s manual but also to discuss your Honda’s needs with a certified technician who has been trained on proper maintenance of your car. These experts will understand that there are more conditions that are important, like what environment type your vehicle is operating in and how many miles you currently have on the car.
By using Honda experts from My Dad’s Automotive, you can keep your car on the road for years to come. Our certified technicians will advise you on the best service plan for your Honda that will save you money in the end.
We are happy to provide excellent service to the communities in and around Lee’s Corner, Centreville, Oak Hill, South Riding, Schneider Crossroads, Fairfax, Reston, Arlington, and Chantilly, VA. Call us today for an appointment.