Yeah, my Haynes manuel for the 1998 civic CLEARLY states to change your filter periodicaly. I have done mine ever 25k miles or so. regular maintinance is the key to a healthy vehicle. Why the hell would you only change a FILTER once in 400,000+ miles. Im sorry,l but I consider that to be stupidity too. Like not changing your oil for 20k miles or something. Just do it.