First oil change schedule my dealership

[ghostman]

I'm a complete car newb, so bear with me.

I bought a Honda CRV last month. It came with one complimentary oil change at the dealership. Today, I unexpected get this email:

"Thank you for taking the time to schedule your appointment in advance. Your service appointment for 08/22/2012 09:45 AM has been created.
Your 2012 HONDA CR-V with estimated mileage 16 has the following service(s) scheduled:
Maintenance Services:
Complimentary Express Lube, Oil, Filter Change "

Is this normal? First, I didn't schedule an appointment, since I know I'll be out of the city at the end of August. Is it typical for them to schedule maintenance for me without asking me for my availability first? Second, is the first oil change meant to come so soon? I only have about 300 miles on it (I live in the city and usually take public transportation) and will probably have less than 700 miles by end of Aug.

From what I read, the first oil change is usually early to account for the junk that make deposit from the break-in period. At the same time, I hear that the first oil change shouldn't be too soon, because they use special break-in oil (which may just mean it's not synthetic). I would refer to my manual first, but I left it at my friend's place and she's on vacation. And how often do you change the oil/filters thereafter?

 

[NutBucket]

Change the oil when the maintenance minder tells you. Just ignore the dealership's bullshit.

 

[desy]

Yes you will get lots of friendly reminders now to follow their maintenance schedules cause thats where the money is, not the original purchase of the car

 

[NutBucket]

On the other hand, if it is complimentary just call and tell them you will schedule it when necessary.

 

[Pens1566]

Honda does that with all new cars purchased at their dealers. Ignore it. Go by the manual or the service reminder built in.

 

[alkalinetaupehat]

Do be sure to change it when you're supposed to for the break-in period since that's important to how well the engine will age. After that, go every 4-6k or the oil life monitor in your car (if applicable).

 

[LTC8K6]

IIRC Honda likes you to leave the factory oil in there for a while.

 

[ghostman]

Wow. I have no clue what happened with my title. I was going for "First oil change scheduled by my dealership". That's what happens when I post immediately after lunch.

Got to my manual. My manual doesn't mention anything about the first oil change. It just says to change the oil whenever the Maintenance Minder thing comes on. Some say to dump out the first oil early at 1000 miles. Others say to leave the break-in oil in longer. Seems like there's no real consensus.

I'm going to see if there is a time limit to claim my complimentary oil/filter change. If there isn't, I'll postpone it to winter, when I'll be back. If there is a expiration date, maybe I'll just claim it early August just to have it changed. Feels like a waste though. Is there anything bad about changing it early?

I feel pretty stupid having to ask these basic questions and bring everything to the dealership like a sucker. I got into computers by taking it apart. I got into bikes by taking it apart. But I'm scared shitless about this car, thinking that I'll void the warranty or damage this (relatively) expensive beast.

 

[LTC8K6]

Wow. I have no clue what happened with my title. I was going for "First oil change scheduled by my dealership". That's what happens when I post immediately after lunch.

Got to my manual. My manual doesn't mention anything about the first oil change. It just says to change the oil whenever the Maintenance Minder thing comes on. Some say to dump out the first oil early at 1000 miles. Others say to leave the break-in oil in longer. Seems like there's no real consensus.

I'm going to see if there is a time limit to claim my complimentary oil/filter change. If there isn't, I'll postpone it to winter, when I'll be back. If there is a expiration date, maybe I'll just claim it early August just to have it changed. Feels like a waste though. Is there anything bad about changing it early?

I feel pretty stupid having to ask these basic questions and bring everything to the dealership like a sucker. I got into computers by taking it apart. I got into bikes by taking it apart. But I'm scared shitless about this car, thinking that I'll void the warranty or damage this (relatively) expensive beast.

IIRC, the first maintenance minder will not be for a while because Honda wants you to leave the break in oil in there.

 

[LTC8K6]

IIRC, Honda uses a break-in oil that shouldn't be changed early.

 

[NutBucket]

First oil change in my CR-Z came it at about 8k miles. Second one is on track for about the same number of miles. Granted, totally different beast being a hybrid and all but the point is I would just follow what the manual says.

 

[brianmanahan]

i always change oil at 10K miles, using full synth

civic has made it to 260K so far so its obviously not hurting it

 

[tbike06]

i always change oil at 10K miles, using full synth

civic has made it to 260K so far so its obviously not hurting it

Do you change the filter earlier?

 

[jr521960kr]

Change the oil when the maintenance minder tells you. Just ignore the dealership's bullshit.

^this.

 

[MovingTarget]

Check the owner's manual to see when it is time. Reschedule accordingly.