Well done for managing your Civic’s upkeep! It would be beneficial for you in the long run to learn some fundamental car skills.
The DX, LX, EX, and EX-L trims of a 2008 Honda Civic should use 5W-20 oil, according to the owner’s handbook. It is advised to use 5W-30 if you have a Si.
The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil. Depending on the engine type and the climate where you reside, recommendations will change.
No matter what, be sure the oil you use is designated for gasoline engines and bears the American Petroleum Institute (API) seal.
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In This Article...
My 2008 Honda Civic can I use synthetic oil?
No, synthetic oil won’t harm your engine, unlike what many people think. However, it used to be accurate. Esters, which are chemical components that would wear down the seals in ancient engines, were present in the first synthetic oil when it was initially introduced decades ago. However, you no longer need to be concerned with esters wrecking havoc on your old engine seals thanks to continually advancing synthetic oil technology.
The bottom conclusion is that your older Honda Civic engine is now fully safe to use synthetic oil!
What kind of oil can a Honda Civic use?
How thoughtful of you to assist your friend! You are wise to ensure that the car is using the appropriate oil. Your engine’s performance may suffer if you use the incorrect one.
A synthetic SAE 0W-20 grade oil is required for a Honda Civic. Keep in mind that synthetic oils have a lower viscosity than conventional oils because the Honda Civic engine is designed to operate optimally with them.
Utilizing the proper engine oil is crucial because it helps your car with a number of tasks:
- Oil lessens friction in the working parts of your car. The oil offers a barrier that prevents parts from rubbing against one another as it coats the parts. Metal parts will rust and wear down more quickly without oil or the incorrect oil.
- Oil, especially synthetic oil, which is free of contaminants, aids in keeping your engine clean. To prevent particles from adhering to your engine parts and being transferred to the oil filter, the oil keeps the particles suspended inside of it. Detergents that separate, degrade, and neutralize minerals and other possible engine contaminants can also be found in synthetic oils.
- Your engine stays cool thanks to oil. The proper oil transmits heat and energy in a way that ensures it is spread uniformly throughout the engine, preventing any one part from overheating.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how frequently to replace the oil once you’ve selected the proper oil. One approach to increase the lifespan of your car is to adhere to the suggested maintenance schedule.
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Honda advises using 100% synthetic motor oil?
Honda Genuine Motor Oil is made especially for your car because it satisfies American Honda’s strict engineering requirements. These requirements are on par with or better than many traditional fluids’ normal industry performance specifications. Honda Genuine Motor Oil, tried and true by American Honda’s Research & Development team, aids in keeping your Honda in line with its factory specifications.
Honda Genuine Motor Oil, offered and accessible at Honda dealers, is advised by American Honda. If conventional motor oil of a premium grade or an ultimate full synthetic mix is used instead of Honda Genuine Motor Oil, it must have the necessary viscosity grade listed in your Owner’s Manual. Additionally, the oil must be marked with an API Certification Seal, which certifies that it complies with the most recent API requirements and that it is energy-efficient. Oil additives are not necessary and are not advised; using them could have a negative impact on the durability and performance of your car’s engine.
For a list of fluids recommended by the manufacturer, please refer to your owner’s manual’s Recommended Engine Oil.
Do Hondas require 100% synthetic oil?
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
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:
- In places like Florida when the temperature is above 20C/68F, you cannot use either 0W20 or 5W20.
- If you reside in a region with extremely low temperatures, such as Alaska or Maine, it is preferable to use 0W20 oil.
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.
What Are the Benefits of Synthetic Oil?
It mostly depends on the model you purchase, how the engine was made, and what is advised in the owner’s manual whether your new Toyota utilizes synthetic or traditional oil. There are advantages and disadvantages to using each type of oil, but here are a few of the advantages of synthetic oil. Before using synthetic oil, make sure to verify with the Toyota service center in your area.
- Enhanced Protection for Performance and Turbocharged Parts
- Enhanced Protection at Higher Temperatures
- Better Performance at Low Temperatures
- increased protection against engine wear
- Synthetic Oil Maintains Cleaner Engines
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?
To guarantee best performance, standard oil change intervals are commonly set as 5,000 miles or 6 months. That period is increased to 10,000 miles or 12 months on Toyota cars that are required to use 0W-20 synthetic oil. Within that time frame, you should still periodically check and top off the oil level. For other models, synthetic oil is an option, and regardless of the type of oil you choose to use in those models, it is advised that you stick to the 5,000-mile/6-month intervals.
Can I substitute 5W 30 with 5W 20?
Yes. Using an oil with a greater viscosity, like 5w30, won’t cause short-term damage to your engine. To create uniform criteria for achieving realistic fuel efficiency and engine operating conditions, automakers collaborate closely with industry oil specialists like the SAE. These guidelines enable automakers to use particular oil grades and viscosities to achieve MPG and engine life objectives. The SAE claims that using low viscosity engine oil to increase fuel efficiency not only reduces frictional loss of the engine oil seal but also has no performance flaws.
Even though there are few practical differences between 5w30 and 5w20 in terms of fuel economy and engine wear, utilizing the recommended oil grade could void your powertrain warranty if the manufacturer. However, if your warranty is no longer valid, you can use any oil without any problems.
While using a thicker oil, such as 5w30, won’t cause your engine any short-term harm. It is advised that you, whenever feasible, abide by manufacturer recommendations.
5W 20 oil is it synthetic?
Raffinated crude oil and a number of additives are used to create 5W-20 conventional oil. It is advised for engine protection and lubrication since it offers appropriate performance at normal operating temperature.
Synthetic base oil (hydrocarbon atoms that have been purified and changed) and additives make up 5W-20 synthetic motor oil. It is comparatively more stable in warm temperatures because to the synthetic base oil and various additives.
It can prevent against engine wear and tear and help keep engines clean so that they can endure severe temperatures easier. Additionally, synthetic engine oil will last longer than regular oil.
There is also synthetic blend oil in the 5W-20 range. Although synthetic blend 5W-20 is frequently less expensive than synthetic motor oil, it protects better and has a longer lifespan than regular oil.
Definition of 5w20 Vs. 5w30
The engine oil type 5w20 is distinguished by its oil weight of 20 in warm weather and a winter grade of 5. It has a lower viscosity than 5w30. While 5w30 has the same viscosity rating of 5 in the winter, it has an oil weight of 30 in the summer, making it thicker.
Working conditions for 5w20 Vs. 5w30
For use in cooler climates, use 5w20. As it moves swiftly and smoothly to deeper engine components with less friction, it makes it possible for a vehicle’s engine to start up rapidly. It immediately lubricates the components. In contrast, 5w30 performs well in warm environments. Unlike 5w20, it does not thin out quickly when exposed to heat. The engine components are therefore better protected overall when using 5w30 at operational temperatures.