conflicting oil recommendation by region

[Kelton]

This is a question to which I can't seem to find a direct answer....maybe it's unknown.

I have an '04 Honda CR-V. In Japan, Phillipines, Australia, etc.... the oil recommendations are as high as 10-40 (if memory serves). Of course, here in the U.S. we are told that it's 5-20 or run the risk of a voided warranty. So are these Honda engines the same? Why the difference in recommendations?

For now, I'm considering dumping my Mobil 1 5w20 and replacing it with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10-30 for this blazing hot summer.

 

[Schism]

It has to do with energy effeciency regulations and other enviroment related crap here in the U.S. The motors are no different as far as I know. You may get 1-2mpg better with the thinner oil, but I do not think it protects as well as something thicker when it is hot. used oil analysis of 5w20 motor oils does show that there is little difference in wear, but I still shy away from it. As long as you are using a full synthetic you should be alright, but go with something you feel more comfortable with.

 

[Ugly3]

quote:

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Originally posted by Kelton:
This is a question to which I can't seem to find a direct answer....maybe it's unknown.

I have an '04 Honda CR-V. In Japan, Phillipines, Australia, etc.... the oil recommendations are as high as 10-40 (if memory serves). Of course, here in the U.S. we are told that it's 5-20 or run the risk of a voided warranty. So are these Honda engines the same? Why the difference in recommendations?


For now, I'm considering dumping my Mobil 1 5w20 and replacing it with Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10-30 for this blazing hot summer.

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Do you think Honda knows it gets hot in Florida in the summer? They recommend 5w20 and they have no CAFE fears. Listen to them, Honda is pretty smart!

 

[jtantare]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ugly3:
Listen to them, Honda is pretty smart!

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If Honda is so smart why doesn't it recommend 5w20 in Australia? They know it gets hot there too.

10w30 will be fine. I wouldn't be afraid to use 10w40 EP or even Mobil 1 Truck and SUV 5w40 in this engine. I had this same debade with my uncle about his 02 accord. He switched to 10w40 conventional.

[ May 18, 2005, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: jtantare ]

 

[Steve S]

A 10w30 syn. would probably give you all the protection needed. Xw/40's work very good though.

 

[buster]

My Honda calls for a 5w-20 and like you said, I noticed as well that in other parts of the world you can use thicker oils. The catch is that modern additives have become so much better that you don't need a thicker oil anymore. That is the point most people miss. Back in the day, yes, a heavier oil would be required, but not today IMO. For some cars that is.

 

[darkdan]

Wouldn't a thicker oil with modern additives be even better?

 

[Silk]

Every single Honda in every country of the world except the USA failed completly in the first year from oil related issues - beleive Honda and use 5/20...or else your's will fail too....you have been warned!

 

[Ugly3]

quote:

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Originally posted by darkdan:
Wouldn't a thicker oil with modern additives be even better?

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Thicker than is needed is not better.

 

[jorton]

A 10w-20 would would satisfy all of us who are undecided on thick and thin.

For now 10w30 works for me because with these ambient temps the cold oil is so thin.

Joe

 

[Alan]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ugly3:

quote:

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Originally posted by darkdan:
Wouldn't a thicker oil with modern additives be even better?

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Thicker than is needed is not better.

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Nor is it necessarily worse

!

 

[Pablo]

same thread as the stinky hot topic

viscosity is important - but going my feel, while so tempting and easy is just not correct.

I think a car calling for a 5W-20 will do just fine on a synthetic 10w30 in all but the coldest places. A car calling for 5w30 on the other hand will not do better on a 20W-50.

 

[haley10]

Honda probably is pretty smart and knows the markets very well in which the car is sold. Why spec. a 5W-20 in countries in which the oil is not even available to the consumer? How many countries have high quality 5W-20 readily available?

 

[Dr. T]

Pablo, the problem is a car calling for a certain viscosity in N.A. is simply a dummied down recommendation.

There is NO engine specific viscosity. They are all ambient temp. dependant. Will a 5-20 work for the duration of the warranty? Sure. Problem solved.

Other regions in the world though:

1. Believe that protection is more important than .01mpg achieved with a thinner oil. ie. engine displacement.

2. Do not change the oil every 3k.

3. Use temperature/climate to determine the viscosity rather than a blanket statement.

4. Keep their cars longer than 100k.

 

[Geoff]

Remember that by law any car sold in the US must recommend a SINGLE grade used in the EPA testing (also used for CAFE) as "preferred". So even Honda has to put "Use 5w-20" on the oil cap and in the owners manual. EPA wants emissions to last 100K, so it would follow that most engines will last 100K in most conditions in the US using the recommended oil grade without significant engine damage. You can make your own assessment on this.

 

[mechtech]

jorton - With those ambient temps, the cold oil is still MANY times thicker than when hot.

 

[Clement]

Here's another good one for you.
Hyundai Accent.

In Austraulia, this car with the 1.6L is rated at being able to tow 400 Kg (880 Lb) in an unbraked trailer and 800 Kg (1760 lb)in a braked trailer.

In the US, this car is not rated to be able to tow anything. I know, I asked a dealership. Took them a little while to stop laughing.