I recently purchased a new '09 Honda Civic EX with an automatic trans. This car comes with an Oil Monitoring System that requires an oil change when the oil downgrades to about 15%. The recommended oil is 5X20.
I live in Phoenix, AZ. (HOT, desert conditions with some mountain driving)& am used to driving Dodge/Cummins diesel pick-ups since '91. So, this new-fangled, gas stuff with all the electronics is new to me.
My questions are, is the Oil Monitoring System pretty accurate regarding oil change intervals? Considering the environment in which this car is going to live, is the 5X20, that is recommended by the dealer, OK to use, safely, in this engine? I've been reading that the 5X20 is only recommended in the U.S. & is considered, by some, to be too thin. Would the 5X30 be a better choice in my circumstances?
Are the Genuine Honda oil filters considered to be of Good Quality? Are there 'better' oil filters available?
At the first oil change, is it OK to go to a synthetic oil &, if so, what would be a recommended brand & weight (I know this is a 'loaded' question)?
I expect to keep this car for a long time & am interested in "taking care of it". Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Joe F.
I live in Phoenix, AZ. (HOT, desert conditions with some mountain driving)& am used to driving Dodge/Cummins diesel pick-ups since '91. So, this new-fangled, gas stuff with all the electronics is new to me.
My questions are, is the Oil Monitoring System pretty accurate regarding oil change intervals? Considering the environment in which this car is going to live, is the 5X20, that is recommended by the dealer, OK to use, safely, in this engine? I've been reading that the 5X20 is only recommended in the U.S. & is considered, by some, to be too thin. Would the 5X30 be a better choice in my circumstances?
Are the Genuine Honda oil filters considered to be of Good Quality? Are there 'better' oil filters available?
At the first oil change, is it OK to go to a synthetic oil &, if so, what would be a recommended brand & weight (I know this is a 'loaded' question)?
I expect to keep this car for a long time & am interested in "taking care of it". Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Joe F.
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