Honda civic 1.5t gen 11 Which oil should I use, 0w20 or 5w30?

[pwp25si]

I ran 5w30 during summer, and the engine was much quieter and smoother. I changed the oil twice, both 5w30, and the oil barely smelled of fuel. This is on my 25 si. On my 10th gen, I used 0/5w20 exclusively, but had oil level rise, and fuel dilution was much worse.

I changed back to 5w20 on my si for winter, and the engine runs very noisy, and rough. Could be just in my head, but it feels like the engine revs freer with thinner oil. I couldn't really tell if there was any difference in fuel economy.

Sponsored

 

[AZCWTypeR]

Use 5W-30 if you want your engine to last longer than you want to keep the car. 0W-20 is strictly for USA CAFE standards. Your car will exceed the warranty period on 0W-20, but good luck getting beyond 150K miles. And I know folks with 300K+ miles on Hondas using 5W-30.

5W-30 is okay for all temperatures per UK owners manuals, so no harm and only goodness.

A family member works in the Big 3 and it is well known within the auto industry that 0W-20 (and thinner) suck. But the Big 3 are happy to sell new cars when your current ride dies an early death.

 

[Shankmeyster]

5w-30 and I don't notice the oil climbing the dipstick.

 

[latole]

I ran 5w30 during summer, and the engine was much quieter and smoother. I changed the oil twice, both 5w30, and the oil barely smelled of fuel. This is on my 25 si. On my 10th gen, I used 0/5w20 exclusively, but had oil level rise, and fuel dilution was much worse.

I changed back to 5w20 on my si for winter, and the engine runs very noisy, and rough. Could be just in my head, but it feels like the engine revs freer with thinner oil. I couldn't really tell if there was any difference in fuel economy.

When I change my oil, always to 0-20, I also notice immediately that the engine is quieter. So the density of the oil has nothing to do with it.

 

[latole]

A higher oil density than recommended could lubricate the engine less, especially when starting.

Honda has always had a reputation for building excellent engines that can last hundreds of thousands of miles. They know what they're doing. I see no reason not to trust the manual's recommendations.

Unless you know more than Honda's engineers?

 

[pwp25si]

When i changed back to 0w20, engine was raspy and rattly compared to 5w30. It wasn't quiet at all. Have you tried 5w30?
Between 0w20 and 0w30, cold temp viscosity are supposed to be the same until you get up to temp right? And I only used 5w30 during summer, so Im not worried about it.
Sure, im no engineer, but auto manufacturers do recommend ridiculous oil change intervals and lifetime fills for different and transmissions. I wouldn't take everything as gospel.
I dont track my car or beat on it, so it really doesn't matter. Engine's not going to blow up by trying 5w30 for a few months.
I did read the lengthy fl5 oil thread, but none of that applies for my daily drive commutes.

When I change my oil, always to 0-20, I also notice immediately that the engine is quieter. So the density of the oil has nothing to do with it.

 

[latole]

When i changed back to 0w20, engine was raspy and rattly compared to 5w30. It wasn't quiet at all. Have you tried 5w30?
Between 0w20 and 0w30, cold temp viscosity are supposed to be the same until you get up to temp right? And I only used 5w30 during summer, so Im not worried about it.
Sure, im no engineer, but auto manufacturers do recommend ridiculous oil change intervals and lifetime fills for different and transmissions. I wouldn't take everything as gospel.
I dont track my car or beat on it, so it really doesn't matter. Engine's not going to blow up by trying 5w30 for a few months.

You write :
" Between 0w20 and 0w30, cold temp viscosity are supposed to be the same "

No . 0-20 is lighter.
_______________

You write ; " When i changed back to 0w20, engine was raspy and rattly compared to 5w30."
my answer : You may have damaged the engine.

____________
Yu write :
Have you tried 5w30?

My answer ; I have no reason to do that. I want to keep my car for a long time . I bought it .

I will no more follow this thread .

Sponsored