Honda 5W20 and 5W30

[Morcos]

My honda accord 1997 4 cyl nonvtec spec's 5w30 oil, but newer models ask for 5w20, is there any reason for this?

is it better? worse?

-could my car take the 5w20?

 

[mechtech]

It'll take either. Mix 50/50 and have no regrets.

 

[DSteven]

It's a Honda engine....it could run on tea, LOL. Has Honda given an updated recommendation that 5W-20 supercedes 5w30 in your application? Either way, you could think about 5W-20 for winter and 5w30 for summer. Just a thought. I bet it will operate fine, regardless. Good luck!

 

[Jon]

used oil analysis with Pennz. 5W-20 in Honda engines (esp. the V6) are OUTSTANDING. I run 5W-20 year round here in Wisconsin (temperature varies from -25F or worse to just over 100F).

 

[John in the ATL]

quote:

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Originally posted by Morcos:
My honda accord 1997 4 cyl nonvtec spec's 5w30 oil, but newer models ask for 5w20, is there any reason for this? is it better? worse? -could my car take the 5w20?

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5w30 oil sometimes have a tendency to shear to a 20 weight oil. If you use a good 5w-20, the oil will be more shear stable.

5w-20 was driven in large part by the US CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy).

Yes you could use 5w-20 but based on your location and climate, the synthetic Esso XD-3 0w30 would be a better bet.

 

[sxg6]

theres a lot of speculation over this.. your best bet is to search the forums.. there is no general consensus on the topic.

 

[JMG]

I just had my oil changed at Honda and they put 5W30 MB1. I have a 96 Accord LX.

I think they recommend 5w20 for 01' and newer. I was looking at a guide in the lobby.