I have always been a DIY when it comes to maintenance on my cars. I am going to buy the Oil Filter off HandA-accessories.com. I have only owned older cars and done the oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months. The Element Owner's Manual says to do it every 10,000 miles in normal conditions and 5,000 miles in harsh conditions. I am creeping up on 5,000 and I am going to change the oil for the first time. Does Honda use synthetic oil? Is that why the intervals are 10,000 and 5,000 instead of 3,000? What oil does Honda use or recommend?

Thanks in advance.

There is a post in "Under The Hood" titled "Oil Change Anyone?" and there is TONS of info on the oil change.

Log into Honda Owner Link from the hondacars.com site. All the answers to your qestions are there.

Honda does not recommend the use of synthetic oil.