Honda Oil Percentage of Life - How Accurate Is It & Can It Be Reset?

While everyone understands the importance of car maintenance, it can sometimes be difficult to determine how frequently. With specialized tools, some automakers try to simplify the process. One such tool is the Honda Oil Life Percentage.

To find out how the Honda Oil Life Percentage Indicator can help you live a better life, we take a close look. The guide will also show you how to reset the indicator and its accuracy. 

What is the Honda Oil Percentage Indicator for?

Honda Oil Life Percentage Indicator informs drivers when oil quality is low and needs to be changed. This indicator measures the oil quality and indicates that it is 100% new. As it hits drastically lower quality levels, a light comes on, indicating it’s time to change the oil. 

Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine in top condition. In general, people can keep track of the mileage to determine when it’s time again, but many people overlook the maintenance because they become busy. 

The Honda Oil Life Indicator reminds drivers when it is getting close, so they don't forget about it. This indicator will let you know when servicing is needed, rather than relying solely on the date and odometer readings. 

The Honda Oil Light doesn’t just run on mileage. The Honda Oil Light also assesses oil condition to ensure that the right time is set for any changes. 

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What is the Honda Oil Life Percentage and How accurate are they?

Honda isn’t using a new algorithm to determine when the oil needs to be changed. In fact, it’s very similar to the other systems that are offered by some of the top car manufacturers.

Although the Oil Life Monitor can be quite accurate, it is sometimes more conservative than needed. Therefore, if the regular oil changes are set up for 7,000 miles and the indicator is saying you can go longer, it’s probably just due to you changing the way you drive or where you are traveling. If you’ve moved from driving in the city to spending more time on the highway, the mileage could easily be extended.

There are times, however, when it resets the system. When this happens, it could believe that you recently got an oil change even though you didn’t. The system could become incorrect.

The system can save you a lot of cash when it works. For example, if your car should have the oil changed every 5,000 miles, it doesn’t mean that it always needs one at that time. Blindly changing oil according to mileage could result in oil being thrown away that was perfectly fine. You will end up spending more on maintenance and your car may last longer. With the maintenance minder systems, the mileage isn’t the only factor, ensuring that the oil only gets changed when it actually needs it. 

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How do you reset the Honda Oil Life Percentage

It will depend on the year of your car and what model it is. You can find the specific directions in your car owner’s manual. Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started.

1. To turn on the ignition, change the position of the key. Don’t start the engine.
2. There’s either a knob on the dash or a button on the steering wheel that allows you to Select/Reset. Push this button and scroll or select the options until you get to “Engine Oil Indicator %” or “Engine Oil Life.”
3. Keep the Select/Reset button on for 10 seconds. The Engine Oil Percentage Indicator will blink. Once the display shows “Engine Oil Life,” you want to push the Info Button to enter Reset Mode.
4. Once you are in Reset mode you will be able to push the Select/Reset again. The engine oil level should go back up to 100 percent, which indicates that your oil has been changed.

This is all you need to know if your Honda engine oil change is done by a professional. The technicians can reset your car if you bring it to the dealer for service and maintenance. If they don’t, you can take it back and have them do it.

Oil Life Percentage vs. Oil Pressure Indicator

People often get confused about the Oil Life Percentage (or Oil Pressure Indicator) symbols. These symbols, although they are both related to oil, have very distinct meanings. While the Oil Life Percentage Indicator helps you know when it’s time for maintenance, the Oil Pressure Indicator tells you there is a problem.

A red symbol is used to indicate a warning light. It looks similar to a leaking oil container. You should turn off the engine if this warning light flashes. The system will flash the light if the pressure is low. It will turn off if it is not flashing. The oil pressure will drop if the light is on. Before severe engine damage happens, you must immediately stop driving.