What oil do I use for an Acura?
Most modern Acura engines rely on a full-synthetic 0W-20 motor oil as the baseline, but the exact grade can vary by model and climate. Always verify the precise specification in your owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap. If you can’t locate it there, consult a dealer or Acura’s official resources for your VIN.
This article explains how to identify the correct oil for your Acura, what brands and specifications to look for, and how to maintain the oil over the life of the vehicle. It covers common grades, brand options, maintenance reminders, and exceptions for performance or hybrid models.
Know the correct oil grade for your model
While 0W-20 synthetic is the prevailing requirement for many current Acura engines, some models or driving conditions may call for 0W-16 or 5W-30. The definitive source is your vehicle’s documentation or fill cap.
To verify quickly, follow these steps:
- Check the owner’s manual for the exact viscosity grade and the approved specifications (often ILSAC GF-6 compliant oils are specified for recent Acura engines).
- Inspect the engine oil filler cap; many Acura caps indicate the required grade (for example, “0W-20”).
- Use the vehicle’s Maintenance Minder or information display to confirm the recommended oil type when applicable.
- If in doubt, contact a dealer or refer to Acura’s official service resources, using your VIN for precise guidance.
In practice, using a full-synthetic oil that matches the grade printed in the manual or on the cap and meets ILSAC GF-6 (or the relevant Honda/Acura certification) will keep your engine operating as intended.
Choosing a brand and ensuring specifications
Opt for a reputable brand, and make sure the oil meets the correct grade and certification. Using OEM-approved or high-quality aftermarket oils is generally acceptable, provided they meet the manufacturer’s specification.
Before selecting a brand, consider these options:
- Mobil 1 0W-20 Full Synthetic
- Castrol EDGE 0W-20 Full Synthetic
- Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20
For best results, choose a product that is explicitly labeled as meeting ILSAC GF-6 (or the latest Honda/Acura specification) and is suitable for your climate and driving conditions.
Oil-change intervals and maintenance reminders
Most Acura models equipped with a maintenance minder system use oil-life monitoring to determine when an oil change is necessary. With modern full-synthetic 0W-20 oils, typical intervals often range from about 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal driving, but severe conditions (short trips, heavy traffic, towing, extreme heat or cold) can shorten that interval.
When planning changes, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Follow the Maintenance Minder recommendations displayed in the instrument cluster; they reflect your driving conditions and oil-life status.
- In severe or unusual driving, or if you don’t drive regularly, shorten the change interval per your manual or dealer guidance.
- Regularly check the oil level and top up if needed, ensuring you do not overfill the engine.
Adhering to the recommended intervals and using the correct oil grade helps protect the engine’s longevity and performance.
Special considerations for performance and hybrid models
Performance-oriented or turbocharged engines
Some high-performance variants or turbocharged engines may have different oil requirements due to higher heat and stress. Always follow the exact specification in your model’s manual, as certain versions may call for a different viscosity or synthetic formulation.
Hybrid models and other exceptions
Hybrid versions or specific trim levels may use a different grade (such as 0W-16 in some markets) or have unique maintenance recommendations. Always check the manual and, when in doubt, verify with an Acura service advisor or dealer for your year and VIN.
Summary
For most current Acura vehicles, the safe starting point is a full-synthetic 0W-20 oil, but the exact grade can vary by model and climate. Always verify the required viscosity and specification in the owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap, and choose a brand that meets ILSAC GF-6 or the appropriate Honda/Acura certification. Use the Maintenance Minder to guide oil-change timing, and consider your driving conditions when determining intervals. If you have a performance or hybrid model, double-check the manual for any deviations from the standard recommendation to ensure optimal engine health.
