jsflynn603

I had a coupon at Ford Quicklane for $26 for up to 5qt synthetic blend + tire rotation. I used the same coupon last fall and was charged $26. Today I get charged $47.

Dealer: "You needed full synthetic, the coupon was for blend."
Me: "Honda says syn blend is fine."
Dealer: "Well we needed to use full syn because our 0w-20 doesn't have the proper API number."
Me: "Have you changed oil supplier?"
Dealer: "No, why?"
Me: "Because you used 0w-20 blend 4 months ago, does this mean you had me drive 3500 miles with the wrong oil?"
"Well, actually if you read the coupon..."
This went on and on, and in the end he rebated the $20. *sigh*

Enough, In the future I'll buy oil and do the change myself. Do I need 0w-20 full or 0-20 blend or 5w-20? Suggestions for which is the best oil to buy (and filters) and service intervals or can I really rely on that "need oil" indicator?"

Thanks

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

The need to change oil indicator is all you need to go by. Oil technology has come a long way along with engine technology.

I would go by the manual. Honda has certain requirements or specifications for there oil that some oil manufacturers meet and others that do not. I would just buy Honda oil, that's what I use and go by my oil change light. Check prices at your local dealer. I use the blend which is cheaper. If I went with full synthetic the cost for me to buy the oil and filter isn't much cheaper then having the dealer do it so check local prices.

There are oil talk threads around here that list the specifications. The API number I believe is the spec.

ezone

what 'number' would that be, anyway?




0W20
Blend or full, either is fine. Either will provide excellent protection and allow you to go the full distance the maintenance minder allows you to go between oil changes.

Mobil1
Pennzoil Platinum Plus
Kendall GT1 Ultimate Synthetic

Almost anything of the proper 0w20 viscosity AND bearing the "DEXOS 1" logo on the label should be ok too.

We rely on the cars oil life monitor system in our shop, but some people still mark the reminder sticker with some mileage along with the 15% figure.

I write 15% on the stickers---- unless or until someone notices a car consuming oil (usually high mileage engines), then I change to mileage only on the sticker. We know most people don't ever open their hoods so we have to shorten the oil change intervals accordingly.