I was looking over my car manual again today and saw that it saids to use 5W30 oil for the engine. This kind of surprised me since the dealer only uses the Castrol synthetic blend 5W20 for their oil changes. I never realized I needed to use 5W30 since both my dad's 01 accord and mom's 04 civic uses 5W20. Should I follow the owners manual and start using 5W30?

 

I have notice for about a year now on the forums that guys are starting to use oil that is thinner than what the book calls for. Some of them have dyno printouts showing a HP increase due to the thinner oil also. I will give my vote for 5W20. If it does not smoke or use oil otherwise then it should be fine BUT stick with one brand.

 

if you reside in a COLD winter climate use 5w-20. ,, if in a mild winter climate use 5w-30.

 

5w-20 also seems to be rather expensive as well.

 

Why the recommendation to stick with one brand. Are you implying the oils aren't compatible? So, if I have been using Mobil1 for x-number of years then I can't switch to Valvoline Synpower of the same grade?

 

A 97 accord? Honda recomends 5w30.

 

Honda retrofitted the 5W30 oil to 5W20.

 

Most likely they did this to maximize fuel economy.

 

essentially all oil is the same but they also all have different characteristics from brand to brand. my accord runs rough as hell if I use any Mobil product, sluggish with Pennzoil/shell/Quaker State, but runs absolutely wonderful on Castrol. Personal preference? more than likely but its still good to stick with one brand constantly.

 

Thats what my owners manual saids. Anyone with a 97 accord owners manual that saids to use 5W20 oil?


The coldest it gets here in the winter is the high 20s. Most winter days will only go as low as the low 30s. Not sure what you consider a cold winter but since Sacramento is warmer than most places I'll take it as a mild winter.