What kind of oil does an Acura dealership use?
Most Acura dealerships use Honda/Acura Genuine Motor Oil, with full-synthetic 0W-20 being the standard for most modern engines. Some older models may require different viscosities, such as 5W-20 or 5W-30. Always verify with your owner's manual or the service adviser.
Dealership service departments follow Honda/Acura specifications to maintain performance, warranty coverage, and fuel efficiency. The exact oil grade and formulation can vary by model, year, and regional requirements, so it’s wise to confirm before an oil change.
Typical oil used by Acura dealerships
Dealership service bays stock OEM-approved motor oil that meets Acura's specifications and is often standard across most models. Here’s what you are likely to encounter.
- Honda/Acura Genuine Synthetic Motor Oil: The oil specified by Acura/Honda for most models; the standard in US dealerships is full synthetic oil with 0W-20 viscosity for newer engines.
- Other viscosities by model/year: Some older engines or niche models may require 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on the design and climate.
- Certification and standards: The oil is formulated to meet API service categories and ILSAC GF-6, aligning with Acura's engineering requirements.
- Labeling and availability: Oil used is typically labeled as Honda/Acura Genuine Motor Oil and is packaged for dealership maintenance.
Concluding paragraph: For most modern Acura vehicles, expect 0W-20 full synthetic oil, with the exact grade confirmed by the service advisor based on your specific model and local climate.
Why 0W-20 and synthetic oil is common
0W-20 synthetic oil is preferred for fuel efficiency, engine protection, and cold-start performance in many Honda/Acura engines. The OEM’s specification targets a balance of protection and efficiency while supporting longer service intervals when paired with synthetic oil.
Oil viscosity and model year variations
Because oil requirements can vary by model and year, it’s important to check the exact specification for your vehicle. The following points cover common scenarios.
- Most current Acura models call for 0W-20 synthetic oil as the standard grade.
- Some older models may require 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on engine design and service bulletin.
- In certain markets or for specific engines (for example hybrids or turbocharged variants), the recommended viscosity may differ slightly; always verify in the owner's manual or with the service advisor.
- Oil specification alignment with API GF-6 (or newer) and ILSAC standards is typically maintained across OEM-specified oils.
Concluding paragraph: The bottom line is to follow the OEM-recommended grade for your vehicle; the dealership can confirm the exact viscosity and oil specification at service drop-off.
What to ask at the service desk
To avoid confusion, consider asking these questions when you book or arrive for an oil change.
- What is the exact viscosity grade recommended for my model and year?
- Is Honda/Acura Genuine Motor Oil used, and is it full synthetic?
- Does using a non-OEM oil affect warranty coverage?
- Are there climate-specific considerations that could change the oil grade?
Concluding paragraph: By confirming the precise grade and spec ahead of time, you safeguard engine protection, performance, and warranty coverage.
Summary
In essence, Acura dealerships typically stock Honda/Acura Genuine full-synthetic motor oil, with 0W-20 being the most common viscosity for modern engines. Always verify the recommended grade for your model and climate with your dealer or in your owner's manual, as requirements can vary by year and region.
