csj0952

how much more is 30 vs 20? and is it worth it?

Thanks,
Chris

rb1

Significant price differences just based on viscosity are rare, I would think those two would be the same price.

The TSX calls for 5W-30, so that's what I would use.

moda_way

Their viscosity when cold.

Use the recommended.

rb1

Actually, I'd think 5W-20 and 5W-30 would have the same (well, very similar) viscosity when cold, but 5W-20 will be thinner at the normal engine operating temperatures (e.g. hot).

Firefightr86

5W 20 and 5W 30 are almost identical, honda used to recommend 5W-20, now there recommending the 30, its really not much of a change at all

I have 5W-20 in the car right now

rb1

My oil cap says "5W-30", as does my owner's manual.

synthetic

5W20 would thin-up slightly faster than 5w30 in colder regions.

There's no reason to use it over the recommended 5w30 unless you live in Alaska.

rb1

Long thread on this 5W-20 versus 5W-30 thing already:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23390

Summary: 5W-20 gives you a hair better gas mileage, 5W-30 protects the engine a hair better

aaronng

Not really. In cold regions, the cold starting viscosity are the same. They only differ once the engine is at operating temperature of around 212ºF.

If you lived in Alaska, you'd use 0w-30 instead. Not 5w-20.

ATsxMan8305

This is generally correct, but don't forget, a 5W-30 synthetic will give you better gas mileage than a 5W-30 dyno...b/c synthetic is thinner. Plus better on cold starts

moda_way

I always mix them up.

siakol

both oils will have 5w viscosity during start-up and in cold temperatures, it helps protect your engine from serious wear during start-up, but as the engine gets to its operating temp. one oil will have 20w and the other 30w. Acura recommends 5w-30.

aaronng

If they both say 5w-30 for the dyno and synthetic, then they are both the same viscosity. The synthetic is NOT thinner. But it is uncommon to find a 5w-30 dino oil. They usually start from 10w-40 upwards.

And for cold starts first thing in the morning, PAO synthetics tend not to stick to the piston wall surface. Dino oils, semi-synthetics and the new ester-based synthetic oils "stick" better to metal surfaces overnight.

ATsxMan8305

^^ thanks for correcting me, aaronng! I stand corrected. Also...wanted to mention on this thread a great site regarding engine oil. Very easy read.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil.html

rb1

Actually 5W-30 dino oil is pretty common. Check out all the dino oils on this list: (a few synthetics mixed in)

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...?Category=3255

VW ran in to big trouble with this in their 1.8T's and oil sludging. Their recommended oil is 5W-40, available only in synthetics. However, the manual also said "If 5W-40 is unavailable, then 5W-30 can be used".

5W-40 oil, however, is very hard to come by, so everyone started putting dino oil in their turbo motors. Not good...

aaronng

Ahh, I see. Over here in Australia, the only 10w-30 dino oil is Honda FEO and Shell's Eco10 (Eco10 is not commonly sold, mostly at Shell petrol stations). The closest you can get is a hydrocracked synthetic at 5w-30.

We are however spoilt for choice when looking at 5w-40. There is Castrol's Edge 0w-40 (0w is the same viscosity as 5w except for the lower pour point), Shell Helix Ultra 5w-40, Motul's 8100 Xcess 5w-40 and also Elf's Excellium GP 5w-40.

JDMPLUS

so which one does the Acura dealership use?

5W-20 5W-25 5W-30?


Thank You Guys