What Oil Weight Should I Use?
Engine oils are available in a number of weights or "viscosities". Please refer
to Bernardi's Oil Chart
or your owner's manual for the exact weight recommended by American Acura for your
Acura vehicle. Your vehicle was designed to use a specific oil weight. To optimize
fuel efficiency and engine life, always follow Acura's recommendation isfor oil
weight.
The weight or viscosity of oil is labeled in the form "5W-20". This can be translated
as follows:
- 5W-20 - The first number in the oil weight refers to its
cold weather viscosity. The lower the number, the thiner the oil will be and the
easier it will flow at low temperatures. For example, a 5W-motor oil will flow better
at lower temperatures than a 15W- motor oil.
- 5W-20 - The "W" in motor oil stands for winter.
- 5W-20 - The number following the “w” refers to hot weather
viscosity, or how easy it will flow hot temperatures. The higher the number, the
thicker the oil will be and the slower it will flow at high temperatures.
Using a heavier or lighter grade or viscosity oil than recommended by American Honda
is not recommended.
- Heavier Grade: Using a heavier grade engine oil than recommended may cause
a decrease in your fuel economy, higher engine loads that can lead to a shortened
engine life.
- Lighter Grade: Using a lighter grade engine oil than recommended can cause
excessive engine wear that can lead to a shortened engine life.
For maximum engine performance and life,
- Use an oil that conforms to the viscosity that is recommended by American Honda.
- Change your Acura's oil based upon the maintenance schedule that is in your vehicle's
owner's manual.
Should I use Synthetic, Synthetic Blend, or Conventional Oil in My Acura?
Synthetic, Synthetic Blend, or Conventional Oil can be used if it meets the requirements
for your Acura vehicle:
- it displays the Starburst symbol
- Conforms to the weight grade recommended
for your vehicle by American Honda
Regardless of the oil used, be sure to follow the oil and filter change intervals
given in your Acura's maintenance schedule.
How often should I change my oil?
Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended service intervals. Your vehicle's
owner's manual includes maintenance schedules for "normal service" and "severe service."
Read the service descriptions carefully and follow the one that reflects your driving
conditions.
Note that your oil should be changed at whichever time or distance interval occurs
first. Do not exceed the recommended maintenance interval. Oil eventually deteriorates
and loses its ability to protect your engine, due to heat, friction, and exposure
to exhaust components. Engine damage can occur if the proper maintenance schedule
is not followed.
Using a New Crush Washer with Oil Change
The "crush washer" must be replaced every time you change your motor oil. It fits
between your oil pan and the drain plug. It is a one-time-use washer and should
be replaced with a new washer with every oil change.
When the drain plug is tightened, the new washer "crushes" to form a very tight
seal, thereby preventing motor oil leaks without overstressing the oil pan threads.
If a crush Washer is re-used, it will not collapse further since it has already
been crushed. This can lead to over-tightening the drain plug to get a tight fit
- and possibly stripping the threads in the oil pan.
Does Acura Recommend Engine Oil Additives?
American Honda recommends using APE Certified engine oil and does not recommend
using engine oil additives other than have not been blended into the oil when it
was manufactured.
Does American Honda Recommend Periodic Engine Flushing?
American Honda strongly recommends against flushing of your Acura's oil system.
Engine damage resulting from this procedure is not be covered by American Honda's
warranty.