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What kind of oil does a 2015 Honda City Diesel take?

The 2015 Honda City diesel (1.5 i-DTEC) uses a fully synthetic diesel engine oil, with a viscosity typically in the 0W-20 or 5W-30 range, depending on market and climate. Always verify the exact specification from the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer.


Oil specifications and grade


Engine oil recommendations can vary by region and model variant. The most common options you’ll encounter fall into a couple of reliable categories:



  • Viscosity options: 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic diesel oil.

  • Oil type: Fully synthetic (or high-quality synthetic-blend) diesel engine oil.

  • API specification: API SN or newer (and compatible with diesel engines).


In practice, many markets accept 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oils that meet API SN or higher. Honda’s recommended oil for dealers is typically a synthetic diesel oil labeled for the i-DTEC engine.


How to confirm the exact specification for your car


Because oil requirements can differ by region and engine variant, check the following to confirm the precise spec for your vehicle:



  • Owner’s manual, especially the maintenance/oil specification section.

  • Under-hood information sticker or service booklet showing the recommended viscosity and API spec.

  • Honda dealership or service center with your VIN can provide the exact grade and spec for your car.


Using the correct grade helps protect your engine and maintain efficiency. If you’re unsure, defer to the official guidance for your market.


Oil capacity and change interval


Before choosing an oil and scheduling a change, note typical capacity and service intervals for this engine variant.



  • Oil capacity: roughly 3.0–3.5 liters, depending on whether the filter is replaced.

  • Change interval: commonly every 10,000–15,000 kilometers (or every 12 months), with shorter intervals under severe driving conditions (dusty roads, frequent short trips, extreme heat).


Always follow the schedule and capacity specified for your exact car and region, and use the correct oil type for the recommended interval.


Summary


For a 2015 Honda City diesel, plan to use a fully synthetic diesel engine oil with a viscosity around 0W-20 or 5W-30 that meets API SN or newer. Confirm the exact grade and spec for your market via the owner’s manual or a Honda dealer. Expect an oil capacity of about 3.0–3.5 liters and an oil-change interval of roughly 10,000–15,000 kilometers or 12 months, adjusting for driving conditions. When in doubt, consult the official documentation for your vehicle’s VIN to ensure you’re using the correct oil.

Is 5W-30 oil ok for diesel?


You can put 5W-30 in a diesel engine only if the vehicle's owner's manual specifically recommends it, as it is generally suitable for light-duty engines, but not for heavy-duty ones. Always check your owner's manual to confirm the correct viscosity and specifications for your engine. 
Considerations for using 5W-30 in a diesel engine:

  • Check your owner's manual: This is the most crucial step. The manufacturer's recommendation is the only definitive guide for your specific vehicle. 
  • Light-duty vs. heavy-duty: 5W-30 is often suitable for light-duty diesel engines in cars and pickup trucks. However, heavy-duty diesel engines typically require a thicker oil (like 15W-40) due to higher operating temperatures and pressures. 
  • Diesel-specific additives: Some diesel oils contain specific additives not found in gasoline oils. Using a non-diesel rated 5W-30 could be problematic depending on your engine's requirements and needs. 
  • Environmental conditions: 5W-30 is often recommended for its ability to flow well in colder temperatures, which can improve cold starts. 
  • Potential downsides: Using a thinner oil than recommended can lead to lower oil pressure and potentially faster wear on some components. Some sources suggest that for high-mileage engines, a slightly thicker oil like 5W-40 can help reduce leaks. 



What kind of oil does a 2015 EcoDiesel take?


The correct oil for a 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is SAE 5W-40 full synthetic oil. It must meet the specification standards of FCA MS-10902 or Cummins CES 20081 and be a low-ash diesel engine oil meeting API CJ-4. The engine holds approximately 10.6 quarts of oil with a filter change.
 
Oil specifications

  • Viscosity: SAE 5W-40
  • Type: Full synthetic
  • Quality: API CJ-4 (or newer specifications like CK-4)
  • Standards: FCA MS-10902, or Cummins CES 20081
  • Other requirements: Low ash 

Important considerations
  • Original vs. updated spec: While the original owner's manual may have called for a different oil, a technical service bulletin (TSB) updated the recommendation for all pre-2016 EcoDiesel models to 5W-40 synthetic. 
  • Commonly used oils: Many people and dealerships use products like Shell Rotella T6 or Mopar 5W-40 oils that meet the required specifications. 
  • Oil capacity: The 3.0L EcoDiesel engine requires approximately 10.6 quarts of oil. 



How much engine oil is in a Honda City diesel?


Engine Oil

RecommendedGenuine Honda Motor Oil API service SM or higher grade 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30
CapacityChange3.0 L
Change including filter3.2 L



What kind of oil does a 2015 Honda City take?


Honda Genuine Engine oil 5W30 fully synthetic else Total Quartz 9000 Future 5W30. 10w40 is not recommended.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.