What kind of Oil to use
 

Hi guys, I just recently bought myself a 03 civic, and it's certified yet when I checked the oil it was really dirty. So I am going to change the oil but not use what to use. The car has about 16k on her right now. On the oil cap it says 5W-20, wouldn't that be too thin, I was thinking Maybe mobile1 5w-30 or 10w-30. What do you guys think. Thanx for the help.

5w-20, no its not too thin for that motor.
i guess driving habits and climate is also a factor?

i fill up with 5w-30, its pretty heated here in CA lately and my driving habits are spirited rather than granny.

but cant go wrong with 5w-20. there could be downfalls using 30 weight

the car is designed to run on 5w20 or 5w30, i wouldn't put anything else in

Honda wouldn't screw you, put 5w20 in if you are in a place that is can get cold, if you are in the desert or something, 5w30. Ford's also use 5w20, it's not to thin if the engine tolerances are tight. Not only that, 10w30 will slowly deprive the bearings because they are designed for 5w20 and this will shorten the life of your engine. It will also cause emmision problems down the road.

In short, the car is made for lighter oils (they give better MPG and are cleaner), so use lighter oils.

New I am in the Tristate area, so during summer its usually 90+ and during winter it's around 20. I guess i'll stick to 5w-20.Thanx

No problem, and welcome to the site :tup:

yup go with the 5w20. can't go wrong with manufacturer's recommendations.

I would use the 5w20 til the warrenty runs out. After that you can stick with the same or bump up to 5w30. Give Chevron or Havoline oil a try, it's one of the top non-synthetic oils out there.

These motors take about 4qt's right. Sry if it's a noob question, but just wanna be sure.

actually 3.7 quarts to be exact.

you sure streetglower?
 

Cuz I have checked repeatedly with the dealership and my QuakerState fluids manual and it says for the D17's 3.2 or 3.5 vtec and non-v-tech? but then again is 6.4 oz. gonna make that much diff? (3.7-3.5 qts. = about 7 ozs.)


NOt flaming ya I just want to make sure I'm filling up right at my job and not potentially screwing the seals

If you accidentally overfill just a little it won't hurt the engine. My oil of choice is Royal Purple 5w30. If I don't drive like Mario Andretti all the time I usually get 35-36 mpg city.

mobil 1 supersyn 5w20 or idemitsu 5w20

if you are changing the filter too, 3.2 quarts for the DX/VP/LX, 3.5 quarts for the HX/EX/SE
3.7 is safe bet because you may burn a little oil, 3.7 will give you a little extra room.

Source:
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2015?m...43094&mime=asc

Good stuff :tup:

To bad it's $6 a quart :shake: