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Why do you not recommend an early first oil change after buying a new car?

I note in your FAQs that you recommend the first oil change on a new car to be at the (long) manufacturer's interval and subsequent changes at a reduced (6000 mile) interval. I would have thought that an a early change would be beneficial to clear any new debris. Can you explain?

Asked on 2 August 2010 by buttermere

Answered by Honest John
Modern engines are built to such fine tolerances that they need a bit of wear to bed in. That is why Volkswagen (sensibly) used to factory-fill its engines on the line with recycled oil. Volkswagen doesn't do this any more and its factory fill of synthetic oil can prevent a lightly driven engine from bedding in properly.
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