I didn't know this was even up for discussion. Why would I stick to the carmaker's minimum HTHS requirement if I thought I could reap the benefits of lower viscosity without wear and service life penalty? If the car maker suggests a different HTHS for different markets my choice is clear to me.
I highly doubt there is anything special about that Mini engine that would require a HTHS of 3.5 or higher. More likely the engineers specified that oil not caring about CAFE and more about engine wear protection and longevity. Maybe they think owners are going to track the car some too. I'm sure that engine could do just fine on a lower HTHS, but the overall wear may be a bit higher down the road. This is the balance that USA car makers are doing under the gun of CAFE. Sure you don't want to try some xW-20 or xW-16 in it, lol.
That makes no rational sense.
Following the manual is irrational. Got it.
You are implying so many things that I did not say that it's comical. And why do you think I disagree with you? How exactly did I set you off? Slow day? As for CAFE, I have never followed oil recommendations based on CAFE considerations and I don't intend to ever do so.
LoL, nothing "set me off", I'm just asking some simple questions which you seem to not have any answer for, which seems "comical".Your owner's manual already specs an oil with pretty high HTHS, but what if it didn't? Would you run a CAFE driven xW-20 if the OM only gave that oprion, or would you think outside the OM box and use something with more viscosity/HTHS based on Tribology and technical discussions on this site?
Which is why our CR-V'S with the 1.5t engines, which reccomend an API 0W-20 are now spinning quite happily using Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w30 and according to my Honda Certified Master Technician, will do so longer than with 0W-20.
Yet you keep poking.
I gave you too much credit when I thought you could parse what I said.
I'm glad you are amused.
I would not buy a vehicle with an engine that specs low HTHS oil to begin with. If the manuals for different markets differ in the recommendation I will not go with the lower HTHS recommendation.
I would not run anything below XW-30 unless the relentless questioning didn't stop after 48 hours.
Who's actually "set off" based on those replies, lol.
It's not against the law (yet) to put thicker oil in engines speced for thin oils. Opens up a larger vehicle purchasing pool to choose from. Car buyer looking at vehicles: "I really love this car, it checks all the boxes - but what viscosity oil does it call out in the OM"? Sales guy: "Only 0W-16". Buyer: "What else you got on the lot"?
I'm gonna keep asking questions until you put some 0W-20, or even some 0W-5 racing oil (after a week of questions) in that Mini.
What data is this guy basing that on?
Exactly.
Probably due to the number of Civics, Accords and CRVs equipped with the 1.5t engines. who's owners follow Hondas MM and run 0w20 for 6-8000 miles the oil is way above the full mark on the dipstick when brought in for service (very few people ever check oil any more)......or tire pressure, but I digress, and the oil is like water and reeks of gasoline when drained. We've discussed this several times, indicated I should use a xx-30 oil and change between 3-4000 miles. Trying this now and noting very little rise on the stick, engine is noticeably quieter, no loss of power and perhaps a 1-2 loss of mpg (yes, I actually calculate this). Interesting, have noticed that when the ambient temperature is 55 or higher, my highway mpg goes back up into its normal 33-35 mpg range. Dealer indicates that using a API GF-6 5w30 instead of 0w20 won't effect my warranty as long as OCI'S are reasonable, some, not all, Honda 1.5t"s are hard on oil, depending on use, so, somewhat shorter OCI'S seem to be the solution for me keeping a car I like for a longer period without oil-related problems.
Your CVT is going to die way before oil makes a difference in that engine. Techs are not a reliable source of information generally. I’m not saying I disagree, but still.
This. My son is a tech....he is not a SME on oil nor the impacts of varying it on engine longevity.
When it's obvious to all that the "follow your owners manual viscosity recommendation" logic is flawed, the thin crowd's last line of defense is the car will rust out or have some other more pressing failure before the engine dies from wear. LOL.
Techs rebuild engines, and have had special training on how cars work. They are the most credible authority on OCI and viscosities.
Literally the easiest answer you can give to someone who knows nothing about cars
