I just recently moved from Virginia to Louisiana. I have a 2000 Honda Accord LX, 4 cylinder. The Hondadealer servicein VA always put 5W-30 oilin my engine. The dealer down here said they put 5W-20 oil in Honda. Is this because of the climate difference? I'm just wondering if this is a good idea.

 

Honda recommended 5W20 be retrofitted for certain models/years. Find out if yours is one of them. If so you're good, if not go back to 5W30.

 

I use 10W30 on my 2000 Accord LX in Mississippi.

 

Honda changed there recommendation a few years ago. 5w20 for 98- 02 accord

 

00Accord: The first number doesn't make much of a difference when running. It indicates what temp the oil will get thicker and make it harder to start. I'm not sure of how the 5 or 10 relates to the real world temp, but a 5 will start easier in the winter than a 10. The second # is the weight of the oil. If you shake a bottle of 5w30 in one hand and a 5w20 in the other, you will notice that the 20 weight is much thinner oil. My car doesn't like 30 weight oil. It makes the engine a bit louder and on a few civics, I've heard of the heavier oil causing a sewing machine noise from the valves that goes away with the proper oil.

 

Go with the owners manual

Its all about bearing cushion.

Believe it or not.

 

The manual says 5w30 or 10w30. 10w30 was for hotter climate. I was not aware Honda changed their recommendation to 5w20 though.
I knew thatabout the numbers, I just didn't mention it. I used to run 40 weight in my 5.0 mustang. I wouldstill be nervous that 5w20 would be too thin, but I am no oil pro.

 

I'm not doubting you 00. I thought that the # info could help some other readers and maybe the thread originator. Non gearheads typically won't know this and just know that 5 or 10w30 is the one that they hear about most.

 

Oh, I know. Good point. Someone did need to post that info.