I was flipping through the manual and saw this. Acura recommends owners using 5W-20 engine oil. If 5W-20 can't be found, using 5W-30, but switch back to 5W-20 the next oil change!!!??? Isn't 5W-30 to be better for high temperature?? And since most of the Honda engines are rev-happy, wouldn't 5W-30 be a better choice than 5W-20???

Also, it stated that Canadian Spec TLS to follow "Severe condition" for schecule services instead of the "regular" ones listed for US!!?? What's with that??

Andy Kuo

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'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

I beleive there've been several threads on the 5W-20 vs. 5W-30 debate. The questions I have here are:
1) Whether using regular oil vs. synthetic is more beneficial to engine break in.
2) Does the use of 5w30 synthetic oil affect Acura's warranty in any way.
3) Does Acura reccomend 5w20 because it is thinner, and therefore leads to better fuel efficiency?

I'm currently at 500 miles and will be getting my first oil change at 3750 miles, since my driving conditions are pretty much stop and go. I'm leaning towards Mobil 1, unless someone tells me that there are benefits to using regular 5w20 instead of Mobil One.

 

ehhh, the manual mentions something about honda motor oil .. honda antifreeze.. etc..etc.. so I said screwit and took it back to the dealer. they even gave me a free car wash. and for a price less than jiffy lube. so whatever, figure the dealer would know what they're doing

 

I'm not sure about the oil question but do know that Honda has always recommended their own variant of a particular fluid. I know from experience (87 Legend) that the power steering fluid and the trans fluid are quite unique. Even though my owners manual says Dexron 3 for the ATF, if you use it the car will shift hard and the trans will slip. Put in the Honda ATF stuff and all is well.

I am planning on sticking to the Honda/Acura spec.

Just my 2 cents.

 

1) There are several theories on this... but the general thought is to leave the factory oil in for 3000-3500 miles and then use whatever oil you prefer.

2) Using 5W-30 will not affect your warranty at all. In fact, 5W-30 has a higher film strength than 5W-20, but the same "pumpability" (i.e. flow rate) in severe cold.

3) YES. This is fuel economy-related. Thinner oil causes less parasitic drag on internal moving parts. I doubt the difference between 5W-20 and 5W-30 is very significant, though.

My advice is to follow your original plan and change to Mobil 1 at your first oil change.


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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV
AEM CAI

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by RAdams on April 16, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

Thks for the clarifications Radams. Apparently what this boils down to is a tradeoff b/w fuel efficiencey and better lubrication. I’ve used Mobil 1 over the last couple of years and have been very happy with it. In my opinion the extra $’s is a small price to pay for your peace of mind .

 

My friend is a mechanic and he will be changing oil on my TLS.
What brand of oil is recommended and which one??????

 

Mobil 1 tri synthetic has worked well for me over the years. It is considered by many to be one of the best around.

 

So, Honda recommended so in manual just to keep the fuel consumption low!!??? Why they specified that we switch back to 5W-20 the next oil changed if we put 5W-30 in the car??

I am confused...

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

It can be quite confusing... but here's my rationale:

Up until 2001, Acura recommended 5W-30 in the TL. If you check the little diagram in the owner's manual, you'll see that they actually recommend 10W-30 if the weather never drops below a certain temperature. The number before the "W" in a multi-grade oil weight rating speficies it's "winter" rating... a lower number indicates better flow rates at low temperatures. The "30" in 5W-30 represents the oil's viscosity at operating termerature.

A thicker oil theoretically has more parasitic drag on the internal engine components and therefore makes the engine less efficient on paper. Witness Honda specifying 5W-20 in the MPG king Insight. Since 5W-30 is readily available and will absolutely NOT harm your engine in any way (again, Acura specified 5W-30 until 2001 and has made NO changes to the engine for the 2002 model year) and it has a greater film strength. Since the EPA ratings for MPG for the 2002's is still 19/29 I'd say using 5W-20 isn't going to save you jack over using 5W-30. They're both rated for the same cold flow rate, and the -30 will have a higher film strength and therefore offer better theoretical protection.

I've used Mobil 1 5W-30 in all my cars and will continue to do so. It's certainly worth the extra couple of dollars for the peace of mind.

------------------
2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV
AEM CAI

 

Thnx for the detail explanation. I am planning to switch to synthetic as soon as I have the car well broken-in.

BTW, what is the AEM CAI?? Sorry, the question maybe a bit dumb as TLS is the very first FWD and first Japanese car I ever owned...

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

 

No apology necessary... AEM CAI stands for AEM Cold Air Intake. It's an aftermarket air intake system that places the air filter in front of the left front wheel so it can draw in cooler air than the stock intake system. Tim (aka snook789), the founder of acura-tl.com, sells this along with many additional upgrades for the TL. Just click the manufacturer names at the bottom of the blue menu bar on the left side of your browser window to learn more.


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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV
AEM CAI

 

Thnx for the quick reply, checking it out now!! Looks cool!!

Andy Kuo

------------------
'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony

Mercedes-Benz S-Class