Auto Parts: oil change time % indicator, unnecessary oil changes, oil change interval

Question
Hi Mike,

I recently bought a new 2009 Honda Civic, and so far have put 3,300 miles on it.  The salesman recommended following the oil change interval that the car automatically suggests.  According to the car, I have only used 50% of oil life.  Do you have a suggestion whether I should just keep following the usual 3,000 mile rule, or is the sensing technology truly advanced so much that the automatic indicator is actually accurate?  Thanks. Glen

Answer
    Yes, the technology that they use to indicate oil change intervals is very good.  It can save you a lot of money from unnecessary oil changes.  Just make sure that you use a good quality oil.  Most mass-merchant chain lubes do not use the best oil, but offer it as an upgrade.  Make sure it is a brand name and that it meets the specs in your owner's manual (some manufacturers even print it on the fill cap).  Also make sure it is a brand name filter, not one that says "Jiffy Lube" on it.  And don't trust them to get the fill right, check it cold the next morning.  If it's low, take it back and get another quart for free while you bitch them out.  Even if you use the dealer for oil changes, they are going to be done by high-school shop-class dropouts.  There's no profit in it unless they use a guy who's being paid minimum wage.  And don't count on them to check the air in your tires, you should check it at least once a month or whenever they look funny to you.  In a newer car, like yours, tire inflation is very important to safety and mileage.  Always use the pressures that Honda recommends, no matter what it says on the tires and no matter what your friends or relatives say.  Unless you are at the track, those are the proper pressures for getting the best out of the car.  And rotate the tires at every oil change, or don't do it at all.  I'm a believer in not rotating tires.  In a FWD car the fronts will wear out much quicker than the rears.  Some FWD cars, especially light ones like a Civic, might not need rear tires or brakes for 70 or 80 thousand miles.  I just replace the fronts and keep an eye on the rears.