We’ve written before to answer the question, “Should I
change my own oil?” For the do-it-yourselfers among us, a funnel and an oil filter
wrench are all you need to get started.
But what kind of oil should you use? Does it matter if you use full synthetic oil? A synthetic blend? Should you stick to conventional oil?
This article will answer all of your questions.
Do Acura’s Need Synthetic Oil?
Unlike some other carmakers, Acura and Honda don’t specify whether drivers should use synthetic oil or conventional engine oil. Instead, the
original equipment manufacturer suggests that drivers choose an engine oil with the “Starburst” certification symbol on the label.
The certification is granted by the American Petroleum Institute. It indicates that the oil meets industry performance requirements—and
nothing could be more important for a fluid you put in your car’s engine.
Honda Genuine Oil also carries with it the benefit of having been designed and specially formulated to lubricate Honda and Acura engines.
That’s why it’s the only brand the manufacturer recommends, and why it’s the only oil Acura uses for its own performance, durability, and
engine wear tests.
Should I Use Full Synthetic Oil, a Synthetic Blend, or Conventional Engine Oil?
One of the benefits to synthetic oil is a generally longer interval between scheduled maintenance sessions, including oil changes. Acura and
Honda create their maintenance schedules based off of Honda Genuine Oil, which is a synthetic or synthetic blend oil, depending on the weight.
That means that you won’t notice an appreciable lengthening between recommended service appointments.
For added peace of mind, Consumer
Reports analyzed this very question earlier this year. They found that more and more drivers—over 50%, by according to their data—use
synthetic oil. Automakers and industry experts credit several factors as contributing to this shift:
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Automakers’ desire to improve fuel efficiency—synthetic oils have a lower viscosity, and therefore flow more easily compared to higher
viscosity conventional oils, which means synthetic oil allows engine parts to turn more rapidly, sooner
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Synthetic oil is more resistant to breakdown, meaning it lasts longer than regular oil
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Synthetic oil can withstand higher temperatures, so all else being equal, an engine will run longer than it would with conventional oil
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The lower viscosity improves synthetic oil’s ability to flow in cold temperatures, reducing engine wear from cold starts—especially important
in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, where cold winter mornings can take years off of your engine’s life
Not sure which oil to purchase for your Acura? Reach out the Bernardi Parts Acura
customer care experts.