Hello,
I found this site doing a google search and it looks like it has tons of information in it. I am brand new to the site and to the Honda Fit.

I picked my brand new Honda Fit up yesterday with 6 miles on it. I got the Fit sport in the sunburst color, I love this little car! I have been driving a jacked up Dodge Ram V8 4x4 for a long time, I kept it for when I need my truck but I have the fit now to get me around. My commute to work is 50 miles one way so the savings on fuel is gonna be great.

I would like to do a few mods to it but nothing drastic. Does anyone here use synthetic oil? If so what or how does it jive with the maintenance minder system? Also, how about a K&N air filter?

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, I hope to stick around and learn something.

Scott

 

Welcome Scott!

I have a 2008 Dodge Ram. It doesn't get much action anymore. Post pics of your Fit when you can! I'm partial to your color.

 

Since you've got a 2012, you're locked into using synthetic oil. Well, you are locked into using 0w-20 oil to keep the warranty valid. Since only synthetics can meet the 0w-20 spec, by default you're stuck with synthetic. (5w-20 is fine in theory since earlier fits with the same engine used it and can be conventional, but as said, your manual and oil cap will say to only use 0w-20).

The MM doesn't track synthetic vs nonsynthetic. It doesn't measure anything directly with the oil, just models what it thinks should have happened to the oil. Don't forget to measure you oil occasionally via the dip stick.

 

Welcome to the forum!

To answer your questions, I use synthetic oil in my Fit (Mobil 1 5w-20) and the maintenance minder does adjust itself (at least in my older GD chassis) according to the oil's condition as well as the oil type whether it is conventional, synthetic blend, or a full synthetic like I am running.

If you do go for a synthetic you will need to run 0w-20 in your Fit and as far as I know at the moment Pennzoil Platinum (maybe Ultra too) and Mobil 1 are the only two oil companies that I can think of that carry a full synthetic 0w-20.

As far as K&N air filters, they are out there but I personally do not trust them. The filter's pours are larger than many paper filters on the market which do allow more air in along with larger dirt particles and do require oiling when cleaning. If the oil on the filter isn't dry enough it and drip/mist, land on the Mass Air Flow sensor and give it false readings and/or a CEL... BUT again that's if it isn't dry enough.

In my honest opinion (and I'm not trying to preach, talk down, or anything like that by the way) if one is changing out an air filter just for the sake improving their fuel mileage or to keep from buying a filters for the ownership of their car, I think they would be better off picking up an actual short ram or cold air intake with a dry flow reusable air filter like AEM or AFE has to offer. But again, that's just my honest opinion. It is your car and you can of course do as you please with it.

Anywho, I hope this little tidbit of information helps. Enjoy your stay here at Fit Freak and of course feel free to interact with the community in the various threads on the forum.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. One place I am having trouble with is I am use to looking in a manual and seeing a maintenance schedule, the Fit does not have that. I have read all manuals but I cannot find a listed maintenance schedule. So I guess if I wanted to switch over to Amsoil than I would be ok to do so, just that I need to track it myself. Am I ok to do this you think?

 

Maraux and Hootie, thanks for the very helpful information. Not sure which way I am going to go and I feel stupid for not realizing that the oil already in it is synthetic. Thanks guys.

 

The MM is the schedule. There's not a by mileage chart, just a list of what the MM codes mean. The schedule as such is in the car's computer.

FWIW, the MM does model oil condition on more than just miles. It varies based on if the current condition is severe or normal, high revs or low, etc. Its pretty accurate based on used oil analyses. Personally, I'd rather spend a bit extra for an oil report over spending a few buck for a really high end oil. The interval for just regular oil is around 10k for most people.

 

Switching to AmsOil shouldn't be an issue provided that the oil is the recommended weight (0w-20) AND has the required API oil certification for Honda. If it meets those requirements, then it should be fine and that goes with any oil regardless of whether its conventional (if it exists yet), syn-blend, or full synthetic. Honda themselves offer's 0w-20 as a syn-blend (Honda SKU: 08798-9036) and full synthetic (Honda SKU: 08798-9037) by the way.