vboolcha

Ok here's a picture of my air filter at 64k when I finally realized that I forgot to get it changed and did it myself. The box was full of debris. This was eye opening.

DanfZX14

Now I know what "it gets more efficient with use" looks like!!!

dshahs420

Well there is always a point where it needs changed. But as particles get captured into a filter it does inhibit smaller particles from getting thru. A filter will be more efficient at 55K miles compared to 30K miles given that it's not clogged.

I had a long talk with a Honda tech guy in California as to why they recommend changing their oil filter every other oil change and his answer was simply that all the tests they have run showed that oil filters became more efficient the longer they're in use(as long as they're not in bypass) and they've determined that optimal use was every other change.

This has also been corroborated on bobistheoilguy.com. So if you don't believe me then ask them as well but I stand by my statement.

As for transmission fluid, I've seen debris kicked up by fluid change to cause a failure first hand so I'll believe my eyes over anything else.

dshahs420

You can make fun of it all you want but the larger particles that may have made it through when the filter was new are definitely not making it through now. The filter is definitely more restrictive when it comes to air flow but not nearly enough for it to throw a CEL. FWIW YMMV!

I do Used oil analysis on every oil change on every car I've owned since 2005 because it's just become a hobby of mine so I've literally done 100s of them and every single one I've done is posted at bobistheoilguy.com. one of the values they extract is for silicon (dirt) in the engine oil and the value always goes down in every subsequent UOA which indicates that the filter is getting more efficient with time.

Acuransx

Very interesting discussion in response to my inquiry about the air filter change interval, thanks! However, I'm more confused than ever -- LOL. When I have time I'll do some research on this subject and dshahs assertions in particular and report back if anything worth reporting.


Best
Jeff

jcamber

Hi everybody. A quick update. I ended up going with the Audicare $819 for both services. I appreciate your advice as my service advisor probably wouldn't have mentioned it (yet he was completely aware the option existed when I mentioned it). I think it's worth it given it covers both services, a loaner, my car looks like new when I pick it up, etc.

Thanks again for all your help!

thehaviet

Good choice. I don't think you can really beat the Audicare package, assuming you keep your car long enough to use those services.