What brand of oil does the Honda dealership use?
Generally, Honda dealerships favor Honda Genuine Motor Oil for routine maintenance, including oil changes. The exact brand can vary by dealership and region, but the oil must meet Honda’s specifications, which for most modern engines means a synthetic 0W-20 viscosity.
What Honda recommends and why
Honda provides official specifications for engine oil that align with warranty coverage and optimal engine performance. In most newer Honda models, the recommended oil is a full-synthetic 0W-20, and Honda Genuine Motor Oil is the OEM option designed to meet these specs. While dealership service bays commonly use Honda Genuine Motor Oil, some locations may offer or stock other high-quality synthetics if customers request them or if promotions are in place. Always verify the exact oil and viscosity before service to ensure it matches your vehicle’s requirements.
Common oil brands and how dealerships decide
The list below covers what you’re likely to encounter and why dealerships choose specific brands.
- Honda Genuine Motor Oil (0W-20 synthetic) – The standard, OEM option that aligns with Honda’s warranty and service specifications.
- Other high-quality synthetic brands – Some dealerships may offer or substitute brands such as Mobil 1 or Castrol if requested by the customer or if it’s part of a promotional program. Availability varies by location and policy.
- Inventory and policy variation – Brand choices can depend on regional distributors, pricing agreements, and the dealership’s maintenance policy.
When in doubt, ask your service advisor to confirm the exact brand and oil grade that will be used and ensure it meets Honda’s recommended specifications for your vehicle.
How to confirm the right oil for your vehicle
Before you drop off or book a service appointment, you can take these steps to ensure you receive the correct oil brand and viscosity.
- Consult the owner's manual for the recommended viscosity and specification (for many modern Hondas, 0W-20 synthetic is standard).
- Ask for Honda Genuine Motor Oil if you prefer OEM-brand oil that is explicitly designed for Honda engines.
- Request confirmation from the service advisor that the oil and filter will meet Honda’s requirements and be the exact brand you requested, if applicable.
- Review the service invoice after the job to confirm the oil brand and grade used are recorded.
Verifying these details can help ensure you meet warranty expectations and maintain optimal engine performance.
Summary
In most cases, Honda dealerships use Honda Genuine Motor Oil, particularly 0W-20 synthetic, to align with Honda’s specifications and warranty guidelines. The exact brand can vary by dealership and region, so it’s wise to confirm with your service advisor before and after the service. Always consult your owner's manual for your model’s requirements and consider requesting Honda Genuine Motor Oil if you want OEM-brand oil.
