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Why does Honda use 0W-20 oil?

Honda, a leading automotive manufacturer, recommends the use of 0W-20 engine oil in many of its vehicles. This lightweight, low-viscosity oil offers several benefits that align with Honda's engineering philosophy and the performance characteristics of its engines.


Understanding 0W-20 Oil


The "0W-20" designation refers to the oil's viscosity, which is a measure of its thickness and flow characteristics. The "0W" indicates the oil's low-temperature viscosity, meaning it flows easily in cold weather, while the "20" represents its viscosity at normal operating temperatures. This combination of low-temperature fluidity and moderate thickness at higher temperatures provides optimal lubrication and fuel efficiency.


Benefits of 0W-20 Oil in Honda Engines


Honda's choice of 0W-20 oil for its engines is driven by several key factors:



  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: The low viscosity of 0W-20 oil reduces the engine's internal friction, leading to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

  • Enhanced Cold-Weather Performance: The "0W" rating ensures the oil flows easily at low temperatures, enabling faster engine start-up and better lubrication during the critical warm-up phase.

  • Reduced Wear and Tear: The oil's moderate viscosity at normal operating temperatures provides robust lubrication, helping to minimize wear and tear on engine components.

  • Compatibility with Honda's Engine Design: Honda's engines are engineered to work optimally with 0W-20 oil, taking advantage of its unique properties to deliver the desired performance and efficiency.


By using 0W-20 oil, Honda ensures its engines operate at peak efficiency, delivering the performance, fuel economy, and longevity that customers expect from the brand.

What will happen if I put 0w20 instead of 5w30?


Can I use a 0W-20 in my car that recommends 5W-30? No, if your owner's manual calls for a thicker oil, you should not use a thinner SAE grade nor use a thicker oil for a recommended thinner oil vis-grade. Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle's engine.



What is the top engine oil for Honda?


Honda Engines

  • Pro Honda 5W30 MB Scooter Engine Oil. (Specially developed for BSVI Honda Engines)
  • Pro Honda 5W30 MA Motorcycle Engine Oil.
  • Pro Honda 10W30 MA Motorcycle Engine Oil.
  • Pro Honda 10W30 MB Scooter Engine Oil.
  • Pro Honda Fully Synthetic Oil is developed for High End Motorcycles (10W30 MA)



What brand of oil does Honda recommend?


Tested and approved by American Honda's Research and Development team, Honda Genuine Motor Oil helps maintain the factory specifications of your Honda.



Can I use 0w20 instead of 5W20 in hot weather?


So, 0W20 means the oil's viscosity is 0 in cold temperatures and 20 at the operating temperature. The 5W20 oil is the same except for a viscosity of 5 in cold temperatures. Both oils are designed to use in cold-weather regions. However, these multi-grade oils can perform in hot weather too, although not extremely hot.



Does Honda use Mobil 1 oil?


To make sure your Honda's engine operates more efficiently, fully synthetic oils such as Mobil 1 circulate inside the engine more easily than traditional mineral oils. This means your engine reaches peak operating efficiency faster.



Why do new cars use 0w20?


Auto manufacturers are looking to make engines smaller and lighter while delivering more power than ever. To protect these smaller powerful engines, thinner oils with better ability to protect and clean engines are needed. This has led to 0W-20 being the fastest growing grade in the motor oil marketplace.



Is it bad if I use 5W-30 instead of 0w20?


Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle's engine. Thus, always refer to the manufacturer's recommendation while your vehicle is under warranty. **if you have a car that recommends 0W-20, do not use 5W-30 – back # of vis-grade must match or it is a no-go.



Why would you use 0W20 instead of 5w20?


2) During start up (when engine is cold), 0W20 is thinner than 5W20, therefore has better lubricity. It reaches to bearings, piston walls, camshafts, and valve lifts faster than 5W20 does. Since most of engine's wear occurs at cold start up, 0W20 can reduce engine wear. It also may improve MPG slightly.



Why does Honda use 0W20 oil?


The reason why 0W20 is taking over is mostly because the higher viscosity at operating temperature means less friction, temperature, and ultimately helps minutely improve fuel efficiency.



What happens if I put 10W40 instead of 0W20?


As a result of the experimental work, when using 10W40 lubricating oil in the wear testing device, lower cylinder wear was observed compared to using 0W20 lubricating oil. The study found that the amount of wear increases as the load on the cylinder sample increases.


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.