Author Topic: can I skip a service  (Read 314 times)

n.jazz

  • Approved Member
  • *
  • Posts: 17
  • Country: england
  • My Honda: 2016 1.3 SE I-VTEC manual
can I skip a service
« on: Today at 01:02:02 PM »
Hello, need some advice
My 10.5 year old jazz had a Honda Dealer service (  just the 'Honda' 12 oil service, not the 12+ with brake fluid/air filter)  last Novemeber . Since then it was uesd typically once every two week on a 10 mile round trip each time plus a couple of longer trips, total mileage covered less than 400, and this use patteren is likely to repeat over the next 12 months, so two questions:
1st- can I get away without needing another oil service this November, i.e delay service till Nov 2027 , and
2nd- as the brake fluid and air filter were changed during the Honda 12+ service  in Nov 2023, so again, can I delay till Nov 2027, considering the infrequent use inbetween? Thank you
« Last Edit: Today at 02:09:39 PM by n.jazz »

CRC

  • Approved Member
  • *
  • Posts: 223
  • Country: england
  • My Honda: 2003 1.4 SE Manual
Re: can I skip a service
« Reply #1 on: Today at 02:01:12 PM »
At the end of the day, it's your choice, but if it was mine, personally, I would leave it until next year.

If you check the dipstick and it looks "clean and golden", then the oil will be fine. With modern oils (synthetic or semi synthetic) the rule of thumb seems to be "2 years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes sooner" and I would agree with that, especially in a very efficient petrol engine such as the Jazz.

There are "long life oils" which can reputably go to 25,000 miles, but I think that's a recipe for disaster, and 10-12,000 seems like a good interval. Obviously changing it sooner only does harm to your wallet.

Air filters are capable of flowing may more air than the engine needs and brake fluid only really needs changing because over time it can soak up water vapour from the air, meaning that it could boil under very heavy and repeated braking.

You'll be fine in my opinion, but others will no doubt disagree ..... :)

Lord Voltermore

  • Approved Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3258
  • Country: gb
  • Fuel economy: 66.6 mpg
  • My Honda: 2024 advance
Re: can I skip a service
« Reply #2 on: Today at 05:40:03 PM »
Engineers generally regard infrequent short journeys as 'severe driving conditions'  for engine oils.  And thus recommend oil changes based both on time ,not just mileage.

A car that may only do an occasional short journey such as  a couple of miles a week to the shops seldom fully warms up.    The air /fuel mixture will be  petrol rich even in summer, and especially so in colder weather. - as when  using an old  time 'choke'.  The surfeit of petrol can dilute the oil, reducing its lubricating  ability and additives. Even to the extent of 'washing' oil off moving parts.

There is also a lot of water vapour produced while the engine is cold. . This can mix with the oil making ,literally, Mayonnaise.  - (You can sometimes spot mayonnaise deposits inside an oil filler cap,but dont try eating it  ;D))

 A journey long enough for the engine to get fully hot can boil off any  petrol and water contamination,   but short journeys can allow it to build up.

Also with a car that is not used for a long period  any oil coating of moving parts can  drain down, leaving moving parts unlubricated.   They could even get rusty. The engine will be running unlubricated until oil pressure  circulates fresh oil.

They say 80 % of engine wear occurs in the first 5 minutes.  A car that does regular longish journeys largely takes care of  this itself,  but periodic oil changes, regardless of mileage, is intended to minimise  any contamination of oil before its changed.   Unless mileage is high enough to need it to be changed sooner.

Having said that your mileage pattern  , a 10 mile journey  every two weeks  ,is neither one or the other.  The distance is just enough to 'burn off' contaminants, and the period of inactivity not long enough to  cause drain down problems. .

I agree with CRC. Its  your choice.  I too would probably  leave it till next year in your circumstances.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. It can absorb moisture over time, which can cause problems with sticking brake pistons.  But  low annual mileage also increases the likely hood of  other brake  problems such as rusted discs. So low mileage users should pay  extra attention to brake performance, and get the brakes serviced if there is any suggestion of a problem such as uneven braking,binding brakes etc.  (But light grinding from rusty discs may clear itself after a few hard brake applications. ).     But , although you should never compromise on brake safety, a slight delay in changing fluid may not cause major problems.
My IQ test came back negative

Tags:
 

anything
Back to top