Q: Should I buy my own oil?

asked by on November 04, 2016

Hi, I am asking about oil changes and oil filters. I have a 2016 Honda Accord that I bought 5 months ago and there is a signal on my car that says Oil Life 15%. I was just curious of how often I have to change my oil? I thought it was every 12 months or 7500 miles, whichever comes first. I only had the car for about 5 months and there is only 3500 miles on it. Is there a difference between the oil filter change and the oil change or is that done at the same time? Also, would it be better if I bought my own oil to change as it may be better quality? If so, which one do you recommend to prolong the life of my car. My dealer told me they use the Mobile 0w20 weight Synthetic and it would be $55 for the change. Thank you!

My car has 3500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Change Oil and Filter $103.58 - $181.08 Get a Quote

Most manufacturers today recommend changing the engine oil about every 7,500 miles. It is a good practice to change the oil filter also at the same time. You are welcome to provide your own oil if you prefer to, but most oil change facilities have a good stock of most oils. It is generally recommended that you just use the oil that is recommended by the manufacturer. Since your car is still newer you may eligible to have your car serviced under warranty.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

No lights on instrument panel
There is a 7.5 amp fuse under the hood for the instrument cluster lights. Check for power with the headlight switch on. There is a rheostat on the cluster itself. Turn it left or right to adjust the illumination. That...
Fans not working, and car overheats
If your fans are not coming on, that is likely why the vehicle is overheating when still. This may or may not be related to the air conditioning not functioning correctly. I would recommend having a professional technician, such as...
We changed our fuel pump
You need to have the fuel pressure regulator and injectors checked for leaking. The fuel pressure regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pressure-regulator) is most likely leaking into the intake and causing the excessive fuel to get into the cylinders. I'd suggest getting the vehicle...
Cracked Manifold
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. If there is a crack in the exhaust manifold, there will be a tick noise or a smell of exhaust emission under the car. For the jerking motion, that would have to do with...
Car shakes for acceleration
Shaking or vibrating may be caused by many different things such as faulty spark plugs, poor fuel pressure or misfires. Other things such as a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) may cause the engine idle to drop below the...
Dash lights are on and have issues with the battery and the transmission.
Hi there. First check the computer for any codes that could be stored as the check engine light is on. This will give you a starting place where the problem could be coming from. If the drivetrain control module is...
Car battery light came on and then lost all power
It sounds like you may have a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator charges the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while the engine turns...
Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve,...

Related articles

What Does API Stand for in Motor Oil?
The The API designation in motor oil stands for the American Petroleum Institute. The API is the largest oil and gas industry trade organization. Among its many tasks, the API distributes more than 200,000 copies of its technical documents every...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Accord
The The 2012 Honda Accord has a lot to offer. From great fuel economy to comfortable features and a sleek, modern look, it’s no wonder so many people love the Accord. Though, unlike the Civic, Honda has yet to offer...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're in a Wheelchair
Being Being in a wheelchair means you have a very specific list of demands, and requests for your vehicle. The main focus is of course how you will get in and out of the vehicle. There are some other aspects...