Service Questions

[guest334]

Most of your questions should be answered via this website-
http://www.hondafitjazz.com/manual.htm
the diagrams work best with IE

[guest4288]

I wonder if it might not be possible to tell the condition of the engine oil by placing a drop from the dipstick on a piece of kitchen towel and examining the patter of the diffusion as it creeps though the absorbent paper.

[guest1521]

...the condition of the engine oil by placing a drop from the dipstick on a piece of ... absorbent paper.

I think some tests do exactly that at their most basic level. And then 'measure' it against a 'standard' - possibly by electronic eye. But that's pure conjecture. Beyond that, I don't know what more they do to 'analyse' it.

A 'cost-effective' analysis of the condition of the oil, as you proposed, before deciding to change it makes great sense. Rather than arbitrary oil-change intervals which may well be hit and miss.

[VicW]

Oil is the life blood of your engine. It doesn't just lubricate the metal bits,it removes the harmful chemicals and other deposits produced as a result of combustion and holds them in suspension until you change the oil.
For the extra cost of analysing the old oil it isn't worth it,that's if you can find anyone who will do it.How are you going to take the sample?
 For the  cost of 3.5 litres of new oil and a filter,just change them and have peace of mind.

Vic.

[guest1521]

Oil is the life blood of your engine...
Vic.

Absolutely agree with that and more.

It's the largely arbitrary nature of oil change intervals which I question. Then it's the rip-off charges of too many garages (in the UK, anyway) which for them, changing oil and filter, is just a 10 minute job.

Having said that, I always stick to the manufacturer's service schedule and/or with my GE Jazz I follow the on-board service display recommendation for oil (with filter) change.

To do otherwise can be the most false of economies, that's for sure. Particularly if keeping the car till high miles. And in that case, changing oil sooner rather than later can be a wise policy.

Oil analysis ensures oil is changed when it NEEDS doing... not before and not after... which is the problem with arbitrary oil change intervals. (Which, I think, is jazzman's point.)