I'm about to have my oil changed soon. The manual recommends 0w20 which seems to come in synthetic only. I would prefer to use a natural oil and change it more often. The idea of going 7K miles between oil changes makes me uneasy. Can I use conventional oil and change it more often? Thanks.

 

What year? What engine?

 

2012 V6 Accord

 

BTW, what's this strange debate about 0w20 Syn giving better mileage while increasing engine wear?? It's enough to make your head spin.

 

I don't buy that completely. Presumably the bearing clearances are designed for 20-weight oil, so it's not too thin. The use of 5w-20 & 0w-20 oil should give a tiny bit better fuel economy. If this was a 1995 engine designed for 5w-30 then I wouldn't use 0w-20.

 

Thanks for the help. So there is some truth to whole 0w20 giving fuel economy while sacrificing engine wear? It just sounded strange to me.

 

The 0W-20 is fine for your car, as it was designed for it. With proper fluid levels and maintenance, the engine will probably outlast most other parts of the car.

 

Yeah, just because 0w-20 is too thin for a 1965 smallblock chevy, that doesn't mean it's too thin for a 2012 Accord.

 

The only reason I ask is 0w20 is usually found as a syn. I wanted to change my oil more often 4K or 5K and felt it was a little bit of a waste when syn can last 8K without a problem (so I've heard). Back to my original question, is 5w30 (no I don't live in Alaska) and change my oil out more often?

 

With 5w20, Honda recommends the 3,750 mile interval for oil changes for severe driving condition. I change oil every 3,000 mile now. It's the cheapest insurance. Plus, it might help with maintaining good milage.