Rep Power: 396

I did a search but I couldnt find my answer. I am tired of bringing the car to the dealer for an oil change and I do not like to change the oil myself. I asked the service guy at Honda and he told me the only oil that I can put in the 2001 civic is 5w20. Is this true? I would like to bring it somewhere else to have it done. I know the other places in the area use 10w30. Am I going to have a problem if I use this oil or does honda say you have to use this oil because they want the business. Whoe here uses other oil than the recommended 5w20? Also what oil are you using? Have you noticed any problems? Please someone answer my question.
Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 0

It may be a question of whether your warranty mandates that you use a certain oil type/weight. From Honda's published information and specs on our engines, I see that the internal tolerances are even closer than on previous models--hence the specification for 5w-20 weight.
You might try Mobil1 5w-30 full synthetic. I switched to this oil after a break-in period of about 600 miles and noticed that the engine runs a little cooler and the fuel economy seems unhurt, despite the slightly higher viscosity. There's even a 0w-30 formula available to promote maximum fuel economy--haven't tried this yet, so I don't know if it is actually true. There ya go, hope this helps a bit.

 
Rep Power: 0

there are other honda dealers using 5-30.

you can use 10-30 without problems.

i'm using 5-30, m1

 
Rep Power: 0

I'd look somewhere else to save a few bucks. At least buy the correct weight oil and have someone else do it, if you don't like your dealer's prices. I wouldn't use 10/30 in the winter, it doesn't flow as good as 5/30 or 5/20 when it gets cold.

 
Rep Power: 0

I did a quick Google search and found that all the major brands make a 5W 20 oil now, so it should be available and cheaper than the Honda oil. We have some quick lube shops that will use the oil you provide and only charge $10 for labour. (about $6 U.S.)

 
Rep Power: 0

You can use whatever the book says to use if you want to keep your warranty!!!

 
Rep Power: 0

I bought my car in march of 2001, at that time the only place that carried a filter was the dealer, so I had to let the dealer change the oil. Funny thing they didn't even carry 5w20 so they used 10w30 thats all I have ever used in my EX. The last time I got an oil changed(not at the dealer) the machanic asked if I wanted 5w20 since the sticker said 10w30on the windshield. I said no since it would be 10 dollors more. Then he went on about the tolerances of the motor. I had never thought about that. Next time it's back to 5w20 just to play it safe I may not have any problems now but what about after the warranty is up.

 
Rep Power: 0

I let my dealer change my oil last time, and he put in 10w30... I complained a little (no it doesn't hurt the engine but it's not the best choice) but he said thats what they lube up all the cars with. So now I have 4 quarts of walmart synthetic blend 5w20 sitting in the back seat waiting to be changed by me

Oh and offhand what's the oil filter code for our car? I didn't see it in the manual and would rather not overpay the dealer for an oem one...

 
Rep Power: 0

Don't know the factory code but I've been using a K&N filter since my last oil change....HP-1010...you have to order through your local AutoZone or PepBoys if they don't stock it.

 
Rep Power: 0

<< I let my dealer change my oil last time, and he put in 10w30... I complained a little (no it doesn't hurt the engine but it's not the best choice) but he said thats what they lube up all the cars with. So now I have 4 quarts of walmart synthetic blend 5w20 sitting in the back seat waiting to be changed by me >>




wtf kind of dealer doesn't have the correct factory oil??? Imagine the corner cutting they do that you can't see. I wouldn't take my car there for any real warranty work if I was u.

 
Rep Power: 0

alot of dealers don't use factory oil, they'll even advertise a popular brand.

 
Rep Power: 0

You're right, dealers use other brands of oil but it has to be the correct weight and API service rating. I'm not saying a different oil will hurt your engine, I'm thinking about possible warranty trouble later on. The warranty is with Honda not with the dealer who is technically voiding it. Factory oil should be available at any dealership for those who want to use it.

 
Rep Power: 0

I'll change your oil for you in exchange for a full exterior detail. You have to buy the oil of your choice, filter, oil pan and jack stands. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

<< I'll change your oil for you in exchange for a full exterior detail. You have to buy the oil of your choice, filter, oil pan and jack stands. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG] >>



lol[IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG][IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 396

<<

<< I'll change your oil for you in exchange for a full exterior detail. You have to buy the oil of your choice, filter, oil pan and jack stands. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG] >>



lol[IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG][IMG]i/expressions/laugh2.gif[/IMG] >>


Thanks guys for all your replies....
Joe, Neal is doing it tonight...I already bought the filter but now I gotta go get the oil. I was thinking about synthetic. Anyone know of any good synthetics for our car? I know Castrol makes a 5w20 synthetic, so if I can find it I will use it. I am going to also buy ramps and do the oil the next time myself. I used to do my oil changes on all my other cars but I really hate working on cars.
Joe...If you want a detail, you gotta pay like everyone else....you should be embarrased of not waxing your car since March of 2001, I should charge you double.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ford makes a cheap synthetic blend called Motorcraft(?) in a red bottle at wal-mart. Only $1.74 or so each, really great price for a synthetic blend... and you can wait a little longer to change the oil if you're using higher quality to start with. So that's going into my car next weekend.

And btw, I bought a cheap oil filter for $1.98 today at discount auto parts. Cheap but does the job!