My 2006 Honda Accord 4 cyl (124k) was converted to 0w-20 complete synthetic oil three oil changes ago by Honda, who said they now use this in all automobiles. It wasn’t until the first oil change that I found out it wasn’t the standard 5w-20. Whatever the case, I was going to change the oil myself going forward because it is really cumbersome to get to the dealer where I reside.
Should I use a specific brand of full synthetic oil while purchasing OEM filters in bulk? Should I keep using 0w-20, too? I know Mobil-1 is the oil used by Honda OEMs; is this the same oil you can buy at hardware stores, or is there another blend?
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0w-20 is superior to 5w-20. I wouldn’t worry about it. The “0” indicates it flows better in cold temperatures compared to the “5,” potentially reducing initial wear during startup.
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I’d go with what the engine recommends. In my opinion, the dealer was mistaken in using 0w-20.
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As long as the oil brand and type carry the API/SAE Donut, whether it’s conventional, blended, or fully synthetic doesn’t significantly matter. They all meet the rigorous standards set by API and SAE to function as intended in your engine.
Using 0W-20 oil in your car, even if the owner’s manual specifies 5W-20, is acceptable. The “W” in the code denotes winter, indicating the oil’s viscosity during cold temperatures. A higher number signifies thicker oil at cold startups.
0W oil flows more effectively in your engine during a cold start compared to 5W, while providing equal or greater engine protection. Additionally, 0W oil might contribute to improved fuel economy.
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Honda has repeatedly released revised oil grade charts suggesting thinner oil can be used in various cars. I’m skeptical. If they were fine recommending 5W-20 in cars initially specified for 5W-30, why wasn’t this advice given earlier? It seems more about simplifying dealer inventory. Switching from 5W-20 to 5W-30 might actually benefit high-mileage engines. I opted for 5W-40 diesel-grade (still SN-rated) oil in my '99 Civic, which originally required 5W-30. It hasn’t affected fuel economy, and it burns less than a quart every 1000 miles.