Dec 22, 2023

One of the best ways to show your Honda some love is by keeping up with regular oil changes. But how often should you be doing this, and why is it so important to take time to visit the Honda dealership for an oil service?

An oil change being performed at a Honda service center near Anderson, Indiana.

The Magic Number for Oil Changes

Thanks to advances in automotive technology and high-quality lubricants, most Hondas can happily zoom around for 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing fresh oil. But here’s a pro tip: always check your Honda’s manual for specific recommendations for your model.


Why Oil Is So Important

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your Honda. It silently lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reduces friction, and even helps disperse excess heat. Over time, though, this oil gets worn out: it breaks down as it gets contaminated with dirt and debris from the engine. When this happens, it’s less effective at its job, which means your engine will work harder, get hotter, and start to wear out faster.


Signs It’s Time to Visit the Honda Dealership

The Oil Light Comes On

Modern Hondas come equipped with maintenance lights on the dashboard that tell you when it’s time to change the oil. If this light flickers on, your car is politely requesting some attention.


The Dipstick Test Reveals Dirty Oil

Old-school but effective, checking your oil with the dipstick can give you a good idea of its condition. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, dip it back in, and check the level and color of your oil. If the oil is dark, sludgy, or below the minimum mark, it’s a clear distress call from your engine.


Rumbling and Grumbling from the Engine

If your engine starts to sound like it’s complaining, with knocking, rumbling, or tapping, it might be struggling due to low or old oil. The lubrication oil provides to the engine helps it to run more quietly, so a noisy engine probably doesn’t have the oil it needs.


Oil Smell in the Cabin

If you get a whiff of oil inside your car, don’t just ignore it. It could be a sign of an oil leak or that your engine is overheating. Either way, it’s a call to action, and you should take your car for a check-up right away.

Sticking to a regular schedule helps ensure your Honda is doing well without waiting for something to go wrong first. If you’re clocking up the miles or noticing any of these signs, it might be time to book a date with the technicians at the dealership. Remember, a little bit of care goes a long way toward maintaining the joy of driving your beloved Honda. Call Ed Martin Honda to schedule your next oil service.