How to choose the right motor oil for Honda? The manufacturer himself, most often, if the question concerns a belt engine, recommends SL/SM/SJ class oil with parameters 5w30, 10w30, and 0w20, 5w20 if we are talking about a chain engine. What do these numbers mean?
So, the first number is 5 (10, 0), this is an indicator of the viscosity of the oil at cold temperatures. The lower the first number, the more fluid the oil will be at negative temperatures. For example, if 10w30 oil begins to thicken, and as a result, lose its properties, at a temperature of -35 C0, then with 0w20 the same will happen at -43...-45 C0. The most optimal choice for a car operated in Russia would be oil with the index 5w... for belt engines and 0w... for chain engines.
The second digit (number) of the index indicates the viscosity of the oil in a hot environment. The higher the number, the higher the temperature at which the oil does not lose its viscosity. Here the indicators can be very conditional. You just need to remember one rule - the less engine wear, the more correct it is to choose the oil recommended by the manufacturer. So, for example, with mileages up to 100,000 km, you can safely fill the engine with 5w30 or 0w20 recommended by the manufacturer. At higher mileage, when micro-clearances and wear appear in the engine, for a belt engine it makes sense to fill in oil with a higher second rating, for example 5w40, but for a chain engine you will need to continue pouring 0w20 5w20. The reason for this is the design feature of chain motors. This mainly applies to K series engines.
Equally important is the choice of oil manufacturer. Since 2007, Honda Japan has officially recommended oil produced by Exxon-Mobil for its engines - Mobil 1. This is the official recommendation for Japan. If it means something to you, feel free to stick with it. I would just like to note that Mobil 1 for the Japanese market is slightly different in terms of overall product quality due to the use of more promising lines on the Japanese market. Also, it should be remembered that the recommended Honda Mobil 1 on the Japanese market is more expensive than the most expensive fully synthetic oil, Honda Gold, which is not very popular in the Russian market due to its high cost.
Tests of Honda engine oils conducted in 2007 showed that Castrol and Shell oils have a very high burn rate in Honda engines. Oils produced by Chevron and Eneos have a lower percentage of waste, but at the same time leave varnish deposits in the engine. Korean oils ZIC and Dragon behave more stable in terms of waste and varnish deposits, but, unfortunately, have very little resistance to aging processes. Changing the oil at 5,000 km significantly affects engine performance for the better. LiquiMoly oils showed excellent results at the end of the tests, largely exceeding the initial requirements. BP and Texaco oils have not been tested, so we cannot say absolutely anything about them.
The use of oils from Russian manufacturers in Honda is highly undesirable. The reason for this is a high percentage of waste, deposits and coke. This does not mean the oil is of low quality, it demonstrates its incompatibility with Honda engines.
Speaking specifically about what kind of oil can be poured into a Honda, we would recommend adhering to the following points:
Engine up to 100,000 km, belt - 5w30 (5w40). Manufacturer: Honda (original), Mobil 1, LiquiMoly
Engine over 100,000 km, belt - 5w40. Manufacturer: Honda (original), Mobil 1, LiquiMoly
Engine up to 100,000 km, chain – 0w20, 5w20. Manufacturer: Honda (original)
Engine over 100,000 km, chain – 0w20, 5w20. Manufacturer: Honda (original).
I would like to immediately make a reservation that these parameters are not the ultimate truth, but it would be most correct to adhere to them if we are talking about a car with “honest” mileage, under the supervision of competent craftsmen. Unfortunately, one often hears from people accusations of bias towards manufacturers - some say they changed everything on time and used what they were told, and everything died, others spent their whole lives “just whatever” and everything works perfectly... What can I say? Apparently, there is such a thing as “individual characteristics of a car.” On average, timely and competent oil changes significantly extend the life of a Honda engine. This is fact number two.
Honda Vodam.ru
More interesting articlesIn contact with
Honda CR-V began its history in 1995 and two years later it was introduced to the domestic market. Constant technical updating of the model maintains the stable popularity of this model among car enthusiasts. Over the years, more than 10 types of power plants have been produced, adapted to different regional conditions. At the same time, the most unpretentious and reliable engines of this concern are the engines installed in models produced from 1995 to 2002.
A lot depends on what kind of engine oil is poured into the internal combustion engine. The same lubricant in different engines can show a completely opposite effect, and even cause a breakdown of the engine, whose permissible parameters differ from the characteristics of the substance being poured. In the rating below you can familiarize yourself with the best products from different brands, which, according to their parameters, are suitable for use in Honda CRV engines.
The best synthetic oil for Honda CR-V
Oil of this category compares favorably with other types of engine lubricants, having the best parameters for operation in modern engines. They cope well with oxidative processes, temperature changes, and harsh operating conditions. They do not age and do not lose their qualities throughout the entire period of use, providing engine parts with reliable protection against friction.
5 Eni i-Sint 0w-20
Optimal protection under high loads
Country: Italy
Average price: 1372 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
Surprisingly, there are practically no counterfeits of Eni i-Sint 0w-20 on the market, and if there are, their number is at the level of statistical error. At the same time, motor oil from the Italian concern has a number of characteristics that distinguish the product from its competitors. Suffice it to say that the oil price segment is one of the most popular. Moreover, the conditions in which the Honda CRV engine operates do not affect the stability of the lubricant and its viscosity.
Detergent additives are responsible for the absence of soot and deposits, and the service life can be easily extended - the oil does not age much longer than standard replacement intervals (10 thousand km). Interesting reviews are left by Honda CR-V owners who use the product in winter - starting is not at all complicated by low temperatures. The surface tension of the oil film prevents the lubricating fluid from draining into the sump during idle periods. At the time of planting, all friction pairs are provided with a sufficient amount of engine oil in advance.
4 Motul 8100 Eco-nergy 0W-30
Better oil film strength
Country: France
Average price: 3910 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Motul 8100 Eco-nergy 0W-30 engine oil can be poured into Honda SRV engines, although some users insistently claim the opposite. There are numerous reviews of the successful use of this product, and some that indicate many years of successful experience in operating engines with this lubricant. The oil tolerates temperature loads well, has high cleaning characteristics and reliably protects parts from friction.
Moreover, this protection is so effective that it literally stops the wear of components subject to critical loads. It's all about a better surface tension indicator. The oil film is so strong that it does not break under load, and when the Honda CRV engine is turned off, it remains on the rubbing parts without draining into the pan. Needless to say, how much easier it is to start the engine, especially in cold weather. The price, however, is steep, but for many Honda CR-V owners who want to increase the engine's life, such expenses look quite justified and reasonable.
3 IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20
The most effective additives
Country: Japan
Average price: 2550 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Modern energy-saving oil is perfect for the latest generation Honda CRV engines with a mileage of up to 100-150 thousand km and minimal wear. After constantly refilling this motor lubricant, the owners noticed a slowdown in wear processes in the engine. Due to the presence of organic molybdenum in the oil and the high cleaning characteristics of the product, the cylinder-piston group and camshaft received reliable protection from friction, regardless of the nature of operation and ambient temperature.
Reviews from some owners of Honda SRV indicate conditions for successful engine starting that are prohibitive for many other oils (the thermometer dropped to the very bottom, close to -50 °C!). In addition to almost perfect adaptation to Russian conditions, this motor oil demonstrates an excellent price advantage compared to the original lubricant. Moreover, both brands are produced at the same plant in Japan, and in their basic characteristics they differ from each other no more than Siamese twins. In any case, almost none of the owners of the Honda CR-V who began to pour this motor oil into the engine (we are talking about the original product) were disappointed.
2 MOBIL 1 ESP X2 0W-20
The most economical oil. Manufacturer approved
Country: Finland
Average price: 3245 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
A distinctive feature of the oil is the low content of harmful compounds in the exhaust gases, which does not lead to contamination of particulate filters. When carrying out routine maintenance to regenerate them, the owner can expect a pleasant surprise - there is no need for cleaning. This feature of the Mobil 1 esp is confirmed by reviews from Honda SRV owners who witnessed the above fact.
The cleanliness of the lubrication system, of course, will be an order of magnitude higher than the filter, and this is completely independent of the nature of the engine’s operation. Motor oil perfectly resists corrosion, oxidative reactions, and has virtually no consumption (unless there are leaks through permeable gaskets and seals). Maintaining its properties throughout the entire operating period, the lubricant perfectly saves fuel, allowing its consumption to be reduced by a record amount of 2.3% (this figure also depends on the operating conditions).
1 HONDA ULTRA LEO 0W20 SN
The requirements that this lubricant meets according to the API significantly exceed the oil tolerance for all gasoline engines installed in the Honda CR-V, which means that it can be safely poured into the internal combustion engine of this model of any year of manufacture. Developed specifically for Honda, the lubricant of the same name is of high quality, has energy-saving properties and provides high-quality lubrication of moving engine parts under heavy loads and at the same time reduces fuel consumption.
Minimum proportions of phosphorus and sulfate ash content and high temperature stability prevent oil consumption due to waste and the formation of deposits in the lubrication system. The reliability of this product is confirmed by numerous reviews. They also feature Ultra leo's high frost resistance during winter operation, ensuring easy engine starting in temperatures down to -37°C.
The best semi-synthetic oil for Honda CR-V
Recently, this category of oils began to include liquids obtained using the same technology as a fully synthetic product. They have similar performance characteristics, do not age too quickly - in short, they behave like synthetic ones, and at the same time they are cheaper. Of course, there are differences, but they are so insignificant that they allow this lubricant to be successfully used in modern cars, including the Honda CR-V.
5 ENEOS Super Gasoline SL 5W-30
Best price
A country: Japan (made in South Korea)
Average price: 1350 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The pleasant price for owners of the Honda CR-V is far from a compelling reason for choosing it. Although this, of course, matters, especially for owners of cars that have run more than one hundred thousand. The reason that forced this oil to be poured into Honda CRV engines again and again is its stability and resistance to temperature changes, which is enviable for many competitors. This does not go unnoticed, especially for engines operating in urban environments.
The reviews noted such positive changes in engine operation as reduced noise and vibration, increased acceleration dynamics, and even efficiency. These wonderful changes for worn-out units are largely due to the better surface tension of the film and molybdenum disulfide. The first provides better conditions for starting the engine, and the second levels out gross signs of wear, filling in the emerging scuffs and wear in friction pairs. The choice in favor of ENEOS Super engine oil, according to those who made this decision, was generously rewarded by extending the engine service life.
4 SHELL Helix HX7 5W-30
Excellent aging resistance
Country: Netherlands
Average price: 1421 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The oil is very popular in the domestic market, and it can be poured into Honda CR-V engines of previous generations with decent mileage. However, there are also limitations - you must have firm confidence in the originality of the product, since there are counterfeit products on the market, and in quite significant quantities. Fake oil can be purchased even in a large retail chain (there are reviews with such sad experiences) - in this case, the sellers were let down by the supplier.
Natural lubricant SHELL Helix HX7 5W-30 does not age prematurely, and can reliably serve to lubricate the engine for up to 6.5-7 thousand km. During operation, no carbon deposits form, and the oil film reliably protects the parts in any operating modes, and there is confirmation of this in the reviews of the owners. City traffic jams or high-speed driving when using the Helix HX7 do not harm the engine at all. The main thing is timely replacement.
3 MOBIS PREMIUM GASOLINE 5W-20
Stability under temperature loads
Country: South Korea
Average price: 1,355 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Developed for cars of South Korean manufacturers, this oil can easily be used in Honda CRV engines, which have a continuously variable valve timing system (VTC). By the way, even in the very first generations of this model, K20 and K24 engines were installed, which already had this system. High-quality base material and modern highly active additive components are ideally suited for modern energy-intensive engines, having increased resistance to temperature loads.
The energy-saving properties of this oil ensure more economical operation, reducing not only fuel consumption, but also the lubricant itself, which lasts until the next replacement without topping up. Most of the reviews characterize Mobis premium on the positive side. The oil copes well with any operating loads, has good fluidity, a long operating cycle and has proven itself to be a very frost-resistant lubricant, ensuring easy engine starting in severe frosts.
2 LIQUI MOLY Special Tec AA 5W-30
The most reliable motor protection
Country: Germany
Average price: 2707 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
One of the few motor oils that is recommended for use in the engines of Asian cars, and Honda SRV belongs to this category. Deep distillation made it possible to achieve ideal purity of the base lubricant, comparable to more expensive synthetics. The product’s better ability to suppress oxidative processes prevents the appearance of deposits in the engine, and the detergent components effectively dissolve existing sludge or varnish deposits.
If you pour Special Tec AA into the Honda CRV engine on an ongoing basis (it can be used all year round, with the exception of regions with the harshest winters), reliable protection against friction will be provided. Judging by the reviews, there is a reduction in noise and vibration, and stable viscosity in any operating mode ensures careful use of engine life. It is also noted that the properties of motor oil are preserved throughout the entire operating cycle - it does not age before replacement.
1 HONDA ULTRA LTD 5W30 SN
Wide operating temperature range. Reliable friction protection
Country: Japan
Average price: 2970 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Produced using hydrocracking technology, this motor oil is not much different from pure synthetics, but has a slightly higher viscosity. This is ideally suited for Honda CR-V engines, which have high mileage and, therefore, engine wear to varying degrees.
The manufacturer guarantees high lubricant performance in any temperature conditions, which allows it to be used throughout the year. Having a significant cleaning effect, motor oil maintains the internal cleanliness of the engine. In this case, a pronounced stability of viscosity is manifested, which ensures a dense oil film on the rubbing parts of the engine. Even when the engine is idle, this film does not collapse, and provides lubrication to the rubbing surfaces in the first seconds after starting, until pressure builds up in the system.
In some cars, engines running on the same brand of oil show completely different parameters. Some engines perform well with a certain type of lubricant, while others do not show very good results with it. When choosing oil for Honda, you need to take into account several important factors, for example, that the car manufacturer recommends using lubricants of the SL, SJ, SM classes.
The parameters of the lubricating fluid always have several differences. Properties of each type are characterized by certain indicators. Therefore, the Honda manufacturer recommends using lubricants 0/5w20, 5/10w30 in the engines of their cars.
Which car oil is better?
When purchasing engine oil for Honda, you need to take into account the existing wear of the engine. If it has not run 100,000 kilometers, you can continue to use the lubricant recommended in the service book:
- 5w30,
- 0w20.
When the internal combustion engine has run a lot longer, it is worth starting to fill in 5w40 oil. But it is only suitable for vehicles equipped with a timing belt. If the engine has a chain mechanism, the recommended oils will be most suitable.
Good to know! Some compounds are not suitable for Honda as they burn out badly. The list of “flammable” brands includes well-known brands - Shell, Castrol. And it's not a matter of poor quality. This is due to the high percentage of waste of Honda power units. The most suitable products are considered to be from well-known brands - Mobil, LiquiMoly.
Honda Ultimate Full Synthetic 5W30
Synthetics that were made in America, according to Honda's order. Properties and quality meet international requirements API, ILSAC. According to the manufacturer itself, the characteristics of such a lubricating composition far exceed those of similar motor fluids.
The oil is based on polyalphaolefins. The composition includes unique thickening additives. This made it possible to obtain a very high viscosity index. Its value reached 215 units.
In other words, this lubricant can work at any temperature, and it will not thicken or become very liquid.
Such properties allow the oil to be used in sports. The engine receives reliable protection from the heavy loads that the car has to endure.
Honda Ultimate Full Synthetic 5W30 can be used in the latest gasoline units in Honda vehicles. If the car is operated in Russia, the oil is replaced after 10 - 12 thousand kilometers.
Honda Genuine Synthetic blend 5W30
Semi-synthetic oil manufactured according to VHVI technology. In other words, it is based on a mineral base. For purification, the catalytic hydrocracking technique is used.
This technology makes it possible to produce base oils whose quality is very similar to synthetics. It differs from synthetic products only in its lower thermal-oxidative stability.
That is why such a lubricating fluid requires frequent replacement. If the car is driven on Russian roads, a complete replacement is performed after 7 - 8 thousand kilometers. All other indicators correspond to those of 100% synthetics.
The lubricant is manufactured in the USA by Conoco Phillips. The European manufacturer remains unknown. According to some reports, the composition is manufactured in Germany. It is sold in a completely different container.
There are also analogues produced in Japan by the Idemitsu Corporation: Honda Ultra LTD Motor Oil SN 5W30, Ultra LEO and Gold.
Honda engine oil change intervals
The timing of replacement is influenced by a number of circumstances. You should take into account not only the range specified by the car manufacturer, but also driving performance and external operating conditions of the vehicle.
The manufacturer claims that the oil and filter need to be changed every 5-10 thousand km. Mileage. Of course, original Honda oil is recommended for replacement.
If for some reason the car owner decides to use analog oils, then the engine lubrication system should first be flushed. The first replacement for a new Honda Civic is carried out immediately after break-in.
Factors that may affect replacement intervals:
- season;
- properties of motor oil;
- ICE condition;
- driving conditions;
- age of the car.
Prolonged downtime of the vehicle, cargo transportation, driving on dead roads or in their absence, filling with low-quality gasoline significantly reduces service intervals. In addition, the quality characteristics of the oil are reduced due to aging and environmental influences.
Motor oil should be selected taking into account the technical properties of the engine. There are a number of parameters that need to be followed:
- composition (synthetics, mineral water or polystyrene);
- API standards - class SL or higher;
- viscosity - 0w-20, 5w-20/30, 10w-30;
- classification of the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers - C3 or C2 (for diesel internal combustion engines) and SAE specification (for gasoline).
Viscosity is selected depending on climatic operating conditions. In winter, more fluid oils are optimal.
For example, mineral water is only suitable for average climate conditions, since it is unable to fully protect the engine in hot weather or severe frosts, while semi-synthetic and 100% synthetic water perfectly overcome any temperature changes.
Acceptable oils for Honda
In the absence of the original, the automaker recommends Exxon-Mobil oil, namely Mobil 1, since its balanced composition can provide reliable protection and exceptional performance.
Although there are a huge number of well-known oil manufacturers on the market:
- Castrol,
- Texaco
- Shell,
- Chevron
- Liqui Moly.
Please note that studies have revealed that even the economical representative of Exxon-Mobil, ESSO oil, does not stand out consistently in a Honda engine, and oils from Castrol and Shell brands actually have the maximum amount of undesirable impurities.
Oils produced by Eneos and Chevron have a minimal amount of soot, but this is still not a panacea, since varnish deposits remain in the engine.
Oils from Korea - ZIC and Dragon - behave more resistant in terms of soot, varnish and sludge, however, resistance to the aging process is extremely insufficient. Based on the test results, the oils from the German company Liqui Moly have proven themselves to be excellent.
The use of oils from domestic manufacturers is inappropriate (absolute incompatibility with Honda engines).
Even a single fill of the wrong oil can damage the engine and fuel system. So what kind of oil can you pour into a Honda engine without fear? Let's try to figure it out together in this article.
The best oil for the entire Honda line
Some car owners, when choosing lubricants for their iron friend, rely on the recommendations of friends, colleagues and reviews on the Internet. But in fact, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the technical indicators of the machine.
Honda engines are available in two types:
- belt;
- chain.
For the first, oils with the following markings will be suitable:
- 5w30;
- 10w30.
And for a Honda chain engine, it is better to purchase consumables with different numbers on the packaging:
- 0w20;
- 5w20.
In the combinations listed above, each digit has its own meaning:
- the first is responsible for the viscosity of the oil at sub-zero temperatures– the lower the number, the more resistant the lubricant is to cold weather;
- the second, on the contrary, displays how the oil behaves in the heat– a higher number in the marking “indicates” the preservation of the original degree of viscosity at levels much above zero.
When choosing oil for Honda engines, wear is also important. It is better to pour into a new car only what is recommended by Honda Japan.
In the future, when the degree of wear will also increase in the Honda engine Gaps and burrs will appear, it would be advisable to purchase materials with higher performance. This approach will extend the service life of the engine and save the driver from unpleasant surprises.
But in addition to the listed parameters and nuances, the car owner should focus on the list of products recommended by the manufacturer.
Honda Japan has been recommending to car owners for 12 years Mobil 1 series motor oils. They are produced both for the Japanese and Russian markets. But it is worth considering that motor oils for domestic use in Japan are somewhat more expensive due to the higher quality of the starting materials. Although this can also be a significant plus - most Russian car owners can afford even the most expensive Mobil 1.
The manufacturer warns that it is strictly prohibited to use Russian lubricants when changing oil! They produce a large percentage of sediments and coke, which does not at all indicate their low quality. The reason is different - Honda Japan claims that Russian oils are not even 10% compatible with the original engines of their brand.
Oil for every Honda model
The Honda concern produces different car models, so each has its own types of recommended lubricants. Several options are discussed below.
Oil for Honda CR-V (Honda CR-V)
For Honda SRV you can use 2 groups of oils:
- synthetic;
- semi-synthetic.
The first group can safely include 4 types of lubricants:
- HONDA ULTRA LEO 0W20 SN– actively recommended by the automaker and provides better protection against friction;
- MOBIL 1 ESP X2 0W-20— Honda Japan approves of this product for its good lubricating and protective properties, and it is also economical in consumption;
- RAVENOL LONGLIFE LSG SAE 5W-30– car enthusiasts often avoid this brand, but it provides a very durable film that protects the engine from internal damage;
- GENERAL MOTORS DEXOS 2 LONGLIFE 5W30– a good quality product at a reasonable price.
The following semi-synthetic materials can be safely filled into a Honda engine:
- HONDA ULTRA LTD 5W30 SN– the original product does not change its properties when used in a wide temperature range and reliably protects against friction;
- MOBIS PREMIUM GASOLINE 5W-20– this oil for the Honda SRV engine performs well under sudden temperature changes;
- TOTACHI ECO GASOLINE 5W-30– of all the brands presented, it best protects against corrosion and friction.
Oil for Honda Accord
This car model is extremely popular in Russia, but changing the oil still raises many questions among owners. Taking into account the age of the machine and engine wear, the following lubricants are recommended:
- TOTAL QUARTZ 9000 FUTURE GF-5 0W20– the synthetic product copes well with the functions of protecting components and systems from wear;
- TOTAL QUARTZ 9000 ENERGY 0W30– confidently copes with cold starts and protection against oxidation, and also helps reduce fuel consumption;
- TOTAL QUARTZ INEO MC3 5W-30– keeps the exhaust cleaning system in perfect condition and meets all European standards.
When using the listed products when changing oil in a Honda engine, it is not recommended to add third-party additives. The necessary substances are already added to the oil by the manufacturer.
Oil for Honda Civic
To understand which oil is safe to fill into a Honda Civic engine, you first need to decide on its type:
- synthetic;
- semi-synthetic.
There are suitable options in both groups. If you plan to use synthetics, then you should choose the following brands:
- Honda Ultra LEO 0W20 SN– due to the highest alkaline number it is considered the best option;
- SHELL HELIX ULTRA 0W-40– breaks all records of popularity, thanks to its high quality and attractive price;
- IDEMITSU ZEPRO ECO MEDALIST 0W-20– perfectly protects against wear, so it is advisable to purchase it for an experienced car.
Among semi-synthetics, the following are worthy of the attention of car enthusiasts:
- HONDA ULTRA LTD 5W30 SN– a clear leader among the options recommended by the concern;
- LIQUI MOLY TOP TEC 4200 5W-30– reliability and quality are its main characteristics;
- GENERAL MOTORS SEMI SYNTHETIC 10W-40– the best option for buyers with average incomes;
- MANNOL MOLIBDEN BENZIN 10W-40– the lowest cost among analogues with similar characteristics.
Oil table for all other Honda models
When choosing engine oil for Honda cars, it is better to rely not on your preferences, but on the authoritative opinion of the automaker’s engineers. Over the years of work, specialists have gained invaluable experience, on the basis of which they compiled the following table.
How often should you change the oil in a Honda engine?
The frequency of engine oil changes in Honda cars depends on many factors:
- year of issue;
- mileage;
- engine wear;
- season and so on.
The automaker recommends replacement every 7000-8000 kilometers traveled. This is the maximum permissible maximum, which can be reduced if the machine is actively used or cannot boast of good technical condition.
- aging of motor oils for the Honda engine - it is impossible to create a lubricant that does not lose its properties over time;
- need to change the oil filter.
Car owners are often interested in how much oil should be poured into a Honda car engine in order to avoid subsequent top-ups. The answer to this question depends on the engine size. But on average, specialists pour 3.5 liters.
If the owner makes the replacement on his own, and not in a service center, then after comprehensive cleaning it is advisable for him to fill in as much oil as is included exactly to the middle between the minimum and maximum marks.
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of lubricants, you can use the tabular data.
Tests carried out several years ago showed that such popular brands as Castrol, Shell, Chevron, Eneos produce a high percentage of waste and leave varnish deposits. But ZIC and Dragon do not sufficiently protect the engine from aging. When using the listed brands, replacement must be carried out already at 5,000 kilometers, otherwise the risk of serious damage increases.
There is an opinion among car enthusiasts that Honda is very capricious in operation. But in fact, it’s enough to keep an eye on your iron friend and know exactly what kind of oil to pour into the Honda engine for a long time and with pleasure.
The Honda brand is popular among Russian motorists. The cars are very technologically advanced; their crossovers and SUVs, such as the CR-V and Pilot, cope well with Russian off-road conditions. The corporation's engineers constantly introduce many innovations into each model of internal combustion engines (ICE). They have their own characteristics, requiring the use of special lubricants that can serve these motors with maximum efficiency. Honda 5W30 oil composition is intended for most models manufactured by Honda.
Features of modern Honda engines
If we look, we will see that for the last decade and a half, Honda has been recommending the use of all-season low-viscosity original Honda brand oil - 0W20 or 5W20 - for its new cars. The only exceptions were two models - Civic Si and S2000. Since 2012, this condition has been mandatory for all new models. What is the reason for this decision?
At one time, the engineering staff of the corporation developed the legendary engines of the B, D, ZC series. They were replaced by newer families - such as L, R, K. They required a different approach to engine building concepts - to be more economical and environmentally friendly.
A special feature of these motors is the very small gaps between the surfaces of the parts, which indicates a high level of production technology. That is, a more liquid lubricant can create a stable protective film in such gaps. She does not need to seal the gaps between the piston rings and cylinders, because these parts fit very well. But energy saving is at the highest level.
Low-viscosity motor oil ensures maximum engine crankability in all temperature conditions. The lubricant almost instantly reaches the parts upon startup, even in temperatures down to -35°C. This eliminates oil starvation of the engine, which leads to accelerated wear.
What does 5W30 viscosity mean for oils?
In simple terms, viscosity is the property of an oil to provide a certain resistance to the shift (movement) of one of its molecular layers relative to another under the influence of internal forces. It is necessary to determine what the temperature-viscosity index 5W30 means for the properties of the oil composition. It is assigned to the product according to the laboratory testing methodology of the SAE classifier developed by the Society of American Automotive Engineers. Oil viscosity has been divided into two categories - low temperature and high temperature.
Honda SAE 5W30 all-season oil has a “winter” viscosity index of 5W. This means that it ensures normal engine cranking, as well as oil pumpability, down to a temperature of -30°C. Both of these indicators are important when starting the engine in the winter cold. They are measured using special instruments - viscometers.
The high-temperature indicator is 30. Its values are measured at engine operating temperatures of 100 and 150 degrees. Kinematic fluidity is measured at 100°C, and dynamic fluidity at 150°C. It is not clear why they write this: “Oil of viscosity 30 is suitable for use in heat up to +20-25°C.” This is wrong, because the temperatures inside the motor are much higher. Moreover, it is forcibly cooled, regardless of the air temperature.
Oil formulations with a viscosity level of 5W30 are thicker than those found in 5W20 or 0W20. They form a denser oil film. It is less susceptible to ruptures if the clearances in the engine increase as it is used. In addition, less grease will be wasted. Honda oil with viscosity 5w30 should be used if the engine mileage has exceeded 100 thousand kilometers. By this time, it will begin to consume more liquid lubricant. It penetrates through the piston rings into the combustion chambers and burns there along with the fuel mixture. The reason is the same - increased gaps.
Honda Ultimate Full Synthetic 5W30
A fully synthetic product produced by the American company ConocoPhillips for Honda. Its high quality is evidenced by the values assigned by the American API standard, as well as the American-Asian ILSAC. Their values are SN and GF-5. The manufacturer claims that this lubricant composition surpasses other similar motor oils in quality. A synthetic base made from polyalphaolefins (PAO) in combination with thickening additives allows you to obtain a fantastic viscosity index of 215. This means that the oil fluid retains all its temperature-viscosity indicators throughout the entire operating temperature range, without liquefying or thickening. As a result, this product can withstand any driving style, including sports. It is not afraid of the heavy loads that the engine may experience.
The oil is intended for servicing modern gasoline engines of Honda and Acura cars manufactured after 2000. The interval between replacements for Russian operating conditions is from 10 to 12 thousand kilometers.
Honda Genuine Synthetic blend 5W30
The manufacturer claims that the base of this oil composition is semi-synthetic. At the same time, it is emphasized that it was created using VHVI technology. What is it? The answer is simple - the lubricant is made from mineral oil. In this case, a deep cleaning method is used - catalytic hydrocracking. This technology makes it possible to produce base oils that are very close in quality to synthetic ones. Its only worse indicator is thermal-oxidative stability. Therefore, this lubricant needs to be changed more often. For Russian conditions, this figure will range from 7 to 8 thousand km. The main characteristics are practically not inferior to those of 100% synthetics.
This oil is also produced by the American company ConocoPhillips. It is not known for certain who produces this lubricant in Europe. There is unverified information that it is made in different packaging in Germany. In addition, there are also Japanese-made lubricants - Honda Ultra LTD Motor Oil SN 5W30, as well as other varieties of the series - Ultra LEO and Ultra Gold. They are produced in tin containers by the Japanese corporation Idemitsu.
