The 2020 and 2021 Honda CR-V (as well as the Hybrid variants), according to the Honda owner’s handbook (2020 Honda CR-V p. 586; displayed below), use either Honda Genuine Motor Oil or high-grade 0W-20 commercial engine oil.
In This Article...
Is 0W-20 oil for Honda synthetic?
For the best possible engine protection in Honda and Acura cars, Honda Genuine Synthetic Blend Motor Oils are premium quality, all-season synthetic blend engine oils. They transcend the standards set by Honda and Acura to further prevent damaging engine deposits and increase fuel efficiency. Honda R&D tests and certifies its motor oils.
Honda Genuine Synthetic Blend Motor Oil is designed to withstand viscosity and thermal breakdown even under extreme service conditions, to offer exceptional wear protection, and to reduce the production of sludge and varnish. It also has strong foam resistance and safeguards against rust and bearing corrosion. In comparison to conventional engine oils, the part-synthetic formulation offers improved oxidation resistance, thermal stability at high temperatures, and better pumpability at low temperatures, providing additional protection under all driving circumstances.
The performance standards for gasoline engines set out by API SN and ILSAC GF-5 are exceeded by Honda Genuine Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. It is “Resource Conserving for better fuel efficiency and protection of catalysts in emissions control systems.
except for the RDX, Honda and Acura cars
Honda Genuine Synthetic Blend Motor Oil goes above and beyond:
- API Service SN that Saves Resources
- GF-5 ILSAC
- reduces wear to extend engine protection
- exceeds ILSAC GF-5 requirements for new car warranties
- Excellent thermal breakdown and viscosity resistance at high temperatures
- Resource conservation to safeguard emissions systems and improve fuel efficiency
- prevents the buildup of sludge and varnish
- designed specifically for Honda and Acura automobiles
- Excellent pumpability at low temperatures
- Low volatility for less reliance on oil
Is 0W-20 equivalent to 5W20?
The ability of an oil to flow is measured by its viscosity. It also describes the thickness of the oil at various temperature levels.
When operating in freezing temperatures, 0W-20 motor oil performs like an SAE 0W weight oil. While 5W-20 oil functions as an SAE 5W weight oil.
The better the motor oil performs at low temperatures, according to SAE nomenclature, the lower the number before the ‘W’ is. Since 0W20 is much thinner than 5W-20, it is more stable at low temperatures and flows easily through the essential engine components.
A more suitable oil for a typical operating temperature range of -22F to 68F is 5W-20, which has a viscosity that is relatively thicker.
Should I fill up my Honda CRV with synthetic oil?
Honda began using a 2.4-liter four-cylinder in 2007; the engine was unchanged even after the vehicle underwent a redesign in 2012. In that scenario, you should use a quality 5W40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil from a reputable brand.
What is engine oil 0W 20?
A winter viscosity multigrade SAE oil, 0W-20, lubricates your engine parts in cooler climates and offers outstanding cold start performance.
In cold climes, 0W-20 oil is very thin and flows very freely without creating any friction. It also runs very smoothly and lubricates crucial engine components at normal operating temperatures.
Additionally, this multigrade oil functions well even when the engine temperature is adjusted to relatively high levels. It may not provide as thick an engine protection barrier as 0W-30 or 5W-40 oil, but it is still regarded as a good option for seasons.
Is synthetic oil required for my Honda?
According to Mel Yu, a car analyst for Consumer Reports, Honda is not alone. About 70% of new automobiles for the 2019 model year come with 100% synthetic or mixed oil.
Although some companies, like Honda, don’t specifically ask for synthetics in their engines, Yu notes that the low-viscosity lubricants those engines need are only available in synthetic form. Some companies employ “synthetic mix oil,” which combines synthetic and conventional oils. Blends are far less expensive but don’t offer all the advantages of synthetics, he continues.
Additionally, a lot of places that replace oil also sell synthetic oil as a substitute for regular engine oil.
The 2018 National Oil and Lube News annual study, according to Will Hixson, spokesman for the Automotive Oil Change Association, reveals that more than half of car owners select synthetics or synthetic mixes when they get their oil changed.
Does using synthetic oil make sense? The decision to is a good one, but only if your car has particular requirements.
Synthetic motor oil has some benefits over regular motor oil. They are intended to be more successful at:
preventing oil deterioration, allowing it to last longer than regular oil
How frequently should a Honda CR-V have its synthetic oil changed?
For standard oil, Honda advises changing the oil and filter in your 2020 Honda CR-V every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Generally speaking, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Is 5W 20 oil suitable?
Since 5W-20 has a low viscosity, it is best suited for vehicles that travel frequently in colder climates and low temperatures. It can assist with engine deposits and wear and tear issues and is appropriate for light-duty gasoline and gasoline engines.
In addition to performing exceptionally well at low temperatures, 5W-20 oil also benefits:
- Since the oil flows more freely from the oil pan to the rest of the engine at low temperatures, it offers better start-up performance at those levels.
- Better fuel economy is the result of its lower energy consumption, which also results in less exhaust pollutants.
- Because of its thinner oil viscosity, engine components like the crankshaft and pistons experience less friction and drag. As a result, there is a reduction in oil use and an increase in fuel economy.
Although 5W-20 oil has several advantages, you should only use it when your mechanic and the manufacturer of your car recommend it. The performance of your engine might be seriously harmed by using the incorrect motor oil.
Let’s now examine some additional frequently asked questions and their responses regarding 5W-20 oil.
How frequently should 0W-20 oil be replaced?
The manufacturer has approved an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months for Toyota vehicles that utilize 0w-20 synthetic oil. When using this type of oil, vehicle owners should periodically check the engine’s oil level and top it off as necessary. This will enhance the effectiveness of the synthetic oil. The 10,000-mile oil change interval has NOT been approved by Toyota if you operate a Toyota Tundra or Toyota Sequoia that is fitted with a flex fuel-compatible engine.
Some engines may safely run on 0w-20 synthetic oil despite being tuned to run on 5w-20 mineral oil. Even if synthetic oil is used, these engines will still require the 5,000-mile/six-month oil change period.
Other maintenance tasks
Owners shouldn’t disregard the other maintenance requirements of their car just because it has a longer time between oil changes. Despite the fact that the oil only needs to be changed once a year, or after 10,000 miles, the 5,000-mile services are still necessary. This would cover procedures like brake inspections and tire rotations.
Toyota continues to demand the 5,000-mile/six-month interval from owners who frequently make short journeys in below-freezing weather, drive on dirt roads, off-road, or tow big loads. Even if an owner uses synthetic oil, this is still true.
Is 0W-20 only available in synthetic form?
High quality base oils and potent additives are required to manufacture a 0W-20. At very low temperatures, the basic oils must still be able to protect and flow. For the oil to flow smoothly at these low temperatures, a lot of synthetic oil is typically required. 0W-20 motor oils are either fully synthetic or partially synthetic (synthetic blend) and need synthetic base oils; they are not conventional (or mineral) motor oils. And the additives must be light enough to move easily while still guarding these more modern, sophisticated motors.
When was 0W20 released?
Idemitsu is a pioneer in the development of synthetic oils with lower viscosities, such as 0W-20.
Idemitsu and Honda teamed up to create a lower viscosity oil almost 20 years ago in order to improve the fuel efficiency of their hybrid automobiles. Honda started to fill their new Insight Hybrid at the factory with Idemitsu 0W-20 after extensive testing and refinement. Unique additives were utilized in this lower viscosity, higher quality synthetic oil to improve stability and decrease volatility—the traditional downsides of low-viscosity oil.
Honda soon started putting Idemitsu 0W-20 in non-hybrid vehicles in 2005. As soon as other automakers noticed, all the big Japanese brands swiftly followed suit. Nissan and Toyota both started utilizing it in 2006.
In 2010, Idemitsu introduced 0W-20 to the US. Since that time, it has been the factory-fill oil in countless American-made Honda, Toyota, and Nissan automobiles. Additionally, US automakers are increasingly considering 0W-20 as a feasible option in response to increasing regulatory pressure to improve fuel efficiency.
Therefore, why wouldn’t you choose Idemitsu Lubricants for your vehicle if these reputable manufacturers do?
Your Owner’s Manual
Although it’s really easy, owners manuals are frequently disregarded. To find out the appropriate viscosity of the motor oil you should use, always consult your owner’s handbook. Use the 0W20 and 5W20 variations interchangeably, depending on the weather, if they are both on the list.
Location
Given that both 0W20 and 5W20 motor oils operate in much the same temperature range, it is critical to think about where you will be using the car. The operating temperature range for synthetic oil is -40C to 20C for 0W-20 and -35C to 20C for 5W20 (5W20 synthetic oil). Being aware of these facts means two things:
- If you reside in a region with extremely low temperatures, such as Alaska or Maine, it is preferable to use 0W20 oil.
- In places like Florida when the temperature is above 20C/68F, you cannot use either 0W20 or 5W20.
Viscosity
The motor oil will flow more smoothly the lower the number is. At beginning temperatures, a 0W20 will be more fluid than a 5W20, but both will function similarly at normal engine operating temperatures. Keep in mind that engine oils naturally become thinner during heating and thicken while cooling.
Quality Testing
Any oil brand with the appropriate viscosity grade and the API donut symbol is acceptable. The oil has passed the testing required for SL service, as indicated by the starburst sign.
The API donut indicates that your motor oil passed the current SL service rating test after being tested by the American Petroleum Institute. ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles) is the counterpart of API in Europe.
Manufacturer Requirements
If your vehicle is substantially loaded, the machine designer would typically advise using an oil that has a high viscosity and is heavy like honey. However, if it moves quickly, a lubricant that can move out of the way and then move back in is preferable.
Fuel Economy
Despite the fact that both 5W20 and 0W20 (0W20 synthetic oil) can be used at 20C/68F, 0W20 is thinner than 5W20 at cold engine temperatures, particularly in the initial minutes after starting your automobile. Because it gives the car slightly higher fuel economy than the 5W20, new models specify it. The 0W20 model satisfies a turbo-diesel engine’s requirements as well.