Engine Internal Memo: 500 mile oil check

BAUK · 10th April 2007, 17:11

I have been told that there is an internal memo sent out to all Honda Dealerships that Honda Civics need their oil level checked every 500 miles or the engine could fail. There have been a number of customers that have not checked their oil levels on a regular basis (as stated in the handbook) and their engines have failed! Unfortunately their were liable for the damage caused and have cost them the price of a new engine!

If this is true I am shocked that you have to check you oil every 500 miles! I would have thought that would be excessive! I don't expect to check this type of stuff on a new car!!! or am I wrong?!?

Type S Bournemouth · 10th April 2007, 17:28

i check my oil at least once a month just out of standard procedure. It only takes a few seconds and id rather be safe than sorry.

rmh999 · 10th April 2007, 17:39

I think this mostly relates to the Diesel`s as they do seem to use up the oil, especially in the early days....

They also sport several warning stickers about checking the oil each time you refill with fuel, which works out about every 400-600 miles.

I would not be happy if the engine chewed before the warning light came on though.... not much of a warning... more of a too late light...

elfa7 · 10th April 2007, 18:29

I check the oil weekly ( I know, I should get a life) but it has not used a drop up to date , 7500 miles.

christophe · 10th April 2007, 18:50

no drop at all ,now 3000 km

Ham'sCivic · 10th April 2007, 18:55

I check mine fairly regularly, prob once a month, but, on two instances of long journeys, the engine oil light has come on, i've pulled over to find low oil, so have topped up using the container I now keep in the car.

Might be my driving that uses it up on longer journeys, it's a Vtec Petrol so it's built to be used!

pcr · 10th April 2007, 19:46

I find this hard to believe, if it is true then there is something seriously wrong with the engine. The need to check the oil every 500 miles is like saying that the oil has to be at the max mark all the time.

Lozza · 10th April 2007, 20:53

Bit strange all this...its not an RX8 in disguise is it?!

Topcat · 10th April 2007, 20:53

I dont check mine, I shouldnt have to between services, never have with any other car, if the warning light did not come on in plenty of time to warn me of a problem then that is down to Honda as far as I am concerned.

My oil light came on a couple of months back and I topped up with oil only to have to have it drained out again the next day by Honda

stupid car !!

Type S Bournemouth · 10th April 2007, 23:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topcat

I dont check mine, I shouldnt have to between services, never have with any other car, if the warning light did not come on in plenty of time to warn me of a problem then that is down to Honda as far as I am concerned.

My oil light came on a couple of months back and I topped up with oil only to have to have it drained out again the next day by Honda

stupid car !!

Cant agree with you on that sorry. Whos to say that you dont have a slight leak?. Its not set in stone that the oil will last from service to service and you cant always rely on the low oil warning light coming on.

If your engine was to be damaged due to lack of oil then Honda would not take any blame for it no matter if the light came on or not.

Its a simple 1 min job to check your oil level and only needs to be done say once a month.

gray52 · 11th April 2007, 00:01

so how much is a litre of oil compared to a new engine?

Harps · 11th April 2007, 02:11

Ive checked the oil in mine a few days ago, hasn't used a drop (only done 300 miles tho

)

The dip sticks in a stupidly awkward place, got to bend it in and out

Seems strange Honda expect it to be checked every 500 miles

I normally check oil, brake, clutch, power steering fluid, rad, antifreeze, screenwash and battery monthly...

Kremmen · 11th April 2007, 07:03

I've put a small amount in mine.

I find the diamond shaped dipstick tip a tad awkward to read, especially with new clear oil.

Topcat · 11th April 2007, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type S Bournemouth

Cant agree with you on that sorry. Whos to say that you dont have a slight leak?. Its not set in stone that the oil will last from service to service and you cant always rely on the low oil warning light coming on.

If your engine was to be damaged due to lack of oil then Honda would not take any blame for it no matter if the light came on or not.

Its a simple 1 min job to check your oil level and only needs to be done say once a month.

If I had a leak than that would be a fault with the car, if the oil light doesn't come on then again that would be a fault with the car, the oil warning light is there for a reason.

I only do between 5 - 7000 miles a year if that, as I said before I have been driving for 24 years and have never had to top up my oil, I have already done it once in the civic cos the oil light did came on.

Dawson · 11th April 2007, 09:10

I check mine weekly. My diesel has used a little (sitting between minimum and maximum mark on dipstick), but hasn't moved for around 1500-2000 miles. Hopefully it should stay that way.

<rant>

Engines can consume oil. Your manual tells you to check the fuel everytime you fill up with fuel. If your engine is destroyed due to oil starvation because you haven't checked the levels and topped up as necessary, then there's only one person to blame.

</rant over>

Pottsy · 11th April 2007, 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topcat

if the oil light doesn't come on then again that would be a fault with the car, the oil warning light is there for a reason.

TC, this is a misconception held by a lot of people, and it's important!

99% of cars don't have an oil level warning light, and it's notoriously unreliable on those that do. The dispstick is the only reliable measure of oil quantity, and the manufacturer requires you to use it!

What cars do have is an oil pressure light. When there is oil in the system it is being pumped around the engine under pressure. When all the oil has fallen out of your engine, there is suddenly no oil for the pump to pump and so no pressure in the system, and the light comes on. So this light tells you that it's all too late and your engine is currently being trashed.

So, how long will your engine last with no oil pressure? It all depends, but damage could start within a second or two if the engine is under high load. Some parts may survive for tens of seconds, others minutes, others maybe an hour or two. If the oil light comes on, you should press the clutch, brake to a halt as fast as is safe, and switch the engine off. It is an emergency, all-else-has-failed light, to save your engine in some rare circumstances.

I remember working in a garage that had a petrol station attached. The driver filled up and bought some oil (old Nova). She then came in because the car wouldn't start. Had a look - and the engine had seized solid (totally destroyed). I asked her how long the oil light had been on, and she said "for a couple of days, but only about an hour of driving total". I was impressed that the little engine had lasted so long, but she was not impressed with the idea of a new engine and the fact that the light was not an oil level light.

On the plus side, it's not hard to keep abreast of oil level. I just check it every time I top up the washer fluid, and you soon get a feeling of how quickly it is used. In my Civ, it doesn't need topping up between services, but that's down to running in technique - a different subject altogether!

HTH!

Tony Fendall · 11th April 2007, 10:15

I had the oil light come on in my 1.8 ES after 2,500 miles; the first time in 45 years motoring this has happenned to me.
I kept the engine load down, stopped at the next garage and managed to put in a litre.
That means there was 2.7 litres in the sump; very unlikely to cause engine damage.
So I now check more regularly and am reassured that the oil light comes on so early.
Regards
Tony

Pottsy · 11th April 2007, 10:31

Tony, it's good to hear that the Civ oil level light works - I got caught out by the first car I had with this system (it didn't work at all). I view it as a secondary warning system, but the dipstick is still the primary indicator.

If the level is low, the important thing is to not rag it round corners hard, this may cause the reduced amount of oil to slosh away from the pickup. Remember that 2.7 litres of oil when the engine is stopped will mean much less in the sump when the engine is running.

JPDirect · 11th April 2007, 11:39

I went away for the Easter weekend and the multifunction display beeped and a warning message appeared, "Engine Oil Level Low". I have only done about 7,000 miles in it and after checking the oil, it was well beneath the minimum mark. I was very surprised as this is a new car and shouldn't need a whole litre of oil in it after just 6 MONTHS. It's a petrol engine too!

Can anyone shed any light on why my oil has gone so low? It's definately NOT a leak...!

Pottsy · 11th April 2007, 11:57

Yes. Oil escapes naturally through the piston rings, valves and a few other places. The rate of escape is normally in line with the efficiency of the piston ring seal, which is often determined by the running in method.

Your rate of oil loss is miles better than the specification, so nothing to worry about. It's true that diesels have different materials that can need more time to run in, but ultimately should use no more oil than a petrol.

10th April 2007, 17:11	#1 (permalink)
BAUK Valve Cap Join Date: 7th February 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Internal Memo: 500 mile oil check I have been told that there is an internal memo sent out to all Honda Dealerships that Honda Civics need their oil level checked every 500 miles or the engine could fail. There have been a number of customers that have not checked their oil levels on a regular basis (as stated in the handbook) and their engines have failed! Unfortunately their were liable for the damage caused and have cost them the price of a new engine! If this is true I am shocked that you have to check you oil every 500 miles! I would have thought that would be excessive! I don't expect to check this type of stuff on a new car!!! or am I wrong?!?

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This thread is about: Internal Memo: 500 mile oil check, it's in Bugs, faults and irritations at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I have been told that there is an internal memo sent out to all Honda Dealerships that Honda Civics need their oil level checked every ...

10th April 2007, 17:28	#2 (permalink)
Type S Bournemouth Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 3rd October 2006 Location: Bournemouth Posts: 977 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	i check my oil at least once a month just out of standard procedure. It only takes a few seconds and id rather be safe than sorry.

10th April 2007, 17:39	#3 (permalink)
rmh999 Supporter Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 3rd August 2006 Location: Swindon, UK Posts: 162 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I think this mostly relates to the Diesel`s as they do seem to use up the oil, especially in the early days.... They also sport several warning stickers about checking the oil each time you refill with fuel, which works out about every 400-600 miles. I would not be happy if the engine chewed before the warning light came on though.... not much of a warning... more of a too late light...

10th April 2007, 18:29	#4 (permalink)
elfa7 Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 8th May 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,699 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I check the oil weekly ( I know, I should get a life) but it has not used a drop up to date , 7500 miles.

10th April 2007, 18:50	#5 (permalink)
christophe Wheelnut Join Date: 12th February 2007 Posts: 87 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	no drop at all ,now 3000 km

10th April 2007, 18:55	#6 (permalink)
Ham'sCivic Supporter Valve Cap Join Date: 13th February 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I check mine fairly regularly, prob once a month, but, on two instances of long journeys, the engine oil light has come on, i've pulled over to find low oil, so have topped up using the container I now keep in the car. Might be my driving that uses it up on longer journeys, it's a Vtec Petrol so it's built to be used!

10th April 2007, 19:46	#7 (permalink)
pcr Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th September 2006 Location: Shropshire Posts: 847 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I find this hard to believe, if it is true then there is something seriously wrong with the engine. The need to check the oil every 500 miles is like saying that the oil has to be at the max mark all the time.

10th April 2007, 20:53	#8 (permalink)
Lozza Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 1st February 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 175 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Bit strange all this...its not an RX8 in disguise is it?!

10th April 2007, 20:53	#9 (permalink)
Topcat Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 11th May 2006 Location: Middlesex Posts: 2,744 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	I dont check mine, I shouldnt have to between services, never have with any other car, if the warning light did not come on in plenty of time to warn me of a problem then that is down to Honda as far as I am concerned. My oil light came on a couple of months back and I topped up with oil only to have to have it drained out again the next day by Honda stupid car !!

11th April 2007, 00:01	#11 (permalink)
gray52 Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 23rd November 2006 Location: peterborough Posts: 937 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader: (1)	so how much is a litre of oil compared to a new engine?

11th April 2007, 02:11	#12 (permalink)
Harps Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 31st January 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 327 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Ive checked the oil in mine a few days ago, hasn't used a drop (only done 300 miles tho ) The dip sticks in a stupidly awkward place, got to bend it in and out Seems strange Honda expect it to be checked every 500 miles I normally check oil, brake, clutch, power steering fluid, rad, antifreeze, screenwash and battery monthly...

11th April 2007, 07:03	#13 (permalink)
Kremmen Krem de la Krem Civinfo guru Join Date: 7th January 2007 Location: West London Posts: 2,873 Thanks: 14 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts iTrader: (0)	I've put a small amount in mine. I find the diamond shaped dipstick tip a tad awkward to read, especially with new clear oil.

11th April 2007, 09:10	#15 (permalink)
Dawson Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 7th December 2006 Location: Turriff Posts: 196 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I check mine weekly. My diesel has used a little (sitting between minimum and maximum mark on dipstick), but hasn't moved for around 1500-2000 miles. Hopefully it should stay that way. <rant> Engines can consume oil. Your manual tells you to check the fuel everytime you fill up with fuel. If your engine is destroyed due to oil starvation because you haven't checked the levels and topped up as necessary, then there's only one person to blame. </rant over>

11th April 2007, 10:15	#17 (permalink)
Tony Fendall Old enough to know better Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 12th August 2006 Location: Basingstoke Posts: 114 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I had the oil light come on in my 1.8 ES after 2,500 miles; the first time in 45 years motoring this has happenned to me. I kept the engine load down, stopped at the next garage and managed to put in a litre. That means there was 2.7 litres in the sump; very unlikely to cause engine damage. So I now check more regularly and am reassured that the oil light comes on so early. Regards Tony

11th April 2007, 10:31	#18 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,496 Thanks: 22 Thanked 173 Times in 102 Posts iTrader: (0)	Tony, it's good to hear that the Civ oil level light works - I got caught out by the first car I had with this system (it didn't work at all). I view it as a secondary warning system, but the dipstick is still the primary indicator. If the level is low, the important thing is to not rag it round corners hard, this may cause the reduced amount of oil to slosh away from the pickup. Remember that 2.7 litres of oil when the engine is stopped will mean much less in the sump when the engine is running.

11th April 2007, 11:39	#19 (permalink)
JPDirect Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 1st October 2006 Location: London Posts: 172 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I went away for the Easter weekend and the multifunction display beeped and a warning message appeared, "Engine Oil Level Low". I have only done about 7,000 miles in it and after checking the oil, it was well beneath the minimum mark. I was very surprised as this is a new car and shouldn't need a whole litre of oil in it after just 6 MONTHS. It's a petrol engine too! Can anyone shed any light on why my oil has gone so low? It's definately NOT a leak...!

11th April 2007, 11:57	#20 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,496 Thanks: 22 Thanked 173 Times in 102 Posts iTrader: (0)	Yes. Oil escapes naturally through the piston rings, valves and a few other places. The rate of escape is normally in line with the efficiency of the piston ring seal, which is often determined by the running in method. Your rate of oil loss is miles better than the specification, so nothing to worry about. It's true that diesels have different materials that can need more time to run in, but ultimately should use no more oil than a petrol.