I had my oil changed at Tires Plus yesterday in my 2012 SH-AWD TL. I normally go with the synthetic blend for $30 there, but the guy helping me told me that the car requires 0W-30 and that they only stock that weight in full synthetic. That surprised me, since this is my third oil change at the same store.

I asked if they recently stopped stocking the blend in 0W-30 and he said yes. He also told me that if i have any engine problems Acura might not cover them if i put the wrong oil in the car. So I ok'ed the full synthetic 0W-30 for $60.

So today i am checking my owners manual to see if he told me correctly, and i see that the 0W-30 is what Acura says to put in the front wheel drive TL but that 5W-30 is what goes in my AWD model. So not only did I pay an extra $30 (small irritant), but they put the wrong viscosity oil in the car.

So......are there any oil experts out there that think I should go back and have them change it, or should i just leave it be??

Thanks!

 

I am not an oil expert but someone who really knows this stuff is ColoradoGuy. He hangs in the RDX Gen2 section but I will ask him to come and give you his input...he is really good.

 

I wouldnt be worried.. next time just do your own oil change

 

you shouldnt be concerned.

 

Change it out the next oil change, it's all practically the same in that range. If I remember correctly they changed what oil grade the 4G TL required in 2011 or 2012. If my 09 was meant to use x grade before why is y now required?

As far as the mechanic working you for $30, I don't think it was done intentionally. They work on hundreds of cars, have limited information and can't spend the time to find out exactly what you need. That's why I always buy my oil/filter before and watch them drain/pour it in.

 

Full synthetic 0W30 should be ok.

Just expect to have worsen gas mileage.

Put back in the correct viscosity oil in your next oil change.

 

Ordinarily, I'd say no need to be concerned. But Acura recently revised its recommended oil viscosities and specifically retained 5W20 for the 3.7 motor. You probably know that engine uses a different cylinder liner material than the 3.5 and it also uses the oil to operate the VTEC system and to spray underneath the pistons for cooling. In other words, the oil gets a real workout in our cars. If it were me, I'd take it back and demand that they replace it with the correct (and manufacturer recommended) oil. I'd put my stock in the Acura engineers when they specifically retained 5W20 for this engine, while approving 0W for (all?) of their others.

 

This^, plus now that you've made the switch, you might as well stick with the synthetic. Synthetic oils provide better protection than conventional oils.

 

My local Acura dealership is using 0W20 full synthetic for all 4G TL's, both 3.5L-FWD and 3.7L-AWD included.

 

5w30 is not the recommended viscosity in the manual. I believe it 5w20

 

Calling "IHC's", calling "IHC's"



DIYftw

 

Stay with it till next change its a quality full syn oil.

 

this is what happens when you let an american company do your shit..

alittle advice.. just do it yourself.. it takes about 30 mins and you really only need 4 tools.. socket wrench, oil filter removal tool, a jack, and two jackstands..

 

I'm answering this because "Weather" sent me a personal message and asked me if I would "chime in"....and I will do my best.
First, I would not be having my oil changed by Tires Plus...or ANY fast oil change places....I gave that up years ago after too many errors were happening on my cars.
I do not know what your Owner's Manual says...and I would need to read it. Synthetic and organic oils are interchangeable as long as you are using the correct weight oil. If you are close to your Acura dealer I would stop in and have a talk with the Serv. Mgr. to find out if there are any changes since the Owner's Manual was printed and ask IF synthetic is mandated by Acura or not. I doubt that it is...but, I'd make sure. Verify the proper weight. Just say you are checking on the facts....and he/she doesn't need to know on exactly "why" you are asking them at this time.

As far as 0W30 vs 5W30.......I understand that to most the weight difference is not that much, BUT, in today's close tolerance engines the engine engineers have gone to great lengths in design and function and know what weight oil they want in the engines they designed and tested in all kinds of extreme climate conditions. With that said...if it were my car:
1. Know exactly what is mandated by Acura. I know that many dealers want to put in synthetic when it's not necessary. It's true of my '13 RDX and many others that have been writing about it over in the '13 RDX section. In our case...organic oil is just fine in the correct weight and proper oil. Synthetic is optional. I've owned over 60 cars, trucks and SUV's.....I've never used synthetic...don't need to...and have never lost an engine or damaged one. I change when required always with a new filter and use the proper required weight and quality oil.

2. So, if you have the wrong weight or type in your engine...after conferring with the Serv. Mgr, or whatever "proper Acura source you choose to use......I would have the oil changed if you do not have the correct oil in it now. I would not think there is any great concern for "damage", but I would still change to what is supposed to be in the engine. If that Acura dealer is not where you want to change, then you can do what I do....I have my service work done at my Honda dealer...whom I've known for some time.

It helps to know your "stuff" before going anywhere new....since you can always run into a Serv. Writer that may say you need to have synthetic when your really don't.....it's just a bigger profit margin for them.
My tech...whom I've known for years...and is the ONLY person I have working of my (2) Acura's.....he's also the head shop tech, asked me on my last change if I wanted synthetic or regular oil. You won't always get that kind of service....again, many dealers try and push synthetic since it's a greater money maker. IF you already know your requirements, then you can "tell them" what you want.
I learned a long time ago....do your homework on most any issue....that way you can't be led around by anyone who is trying to BS you.

3. Stay away from any oil change place that doesn't have Acura or Honda above the buildings doors. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't qualified, trustworthy businesses out there that know what they are doing. Depends on where you live. There are some "car places" that ONLY work on Hondas and Acuras. I've seen them. I'd get to know them, talk with the Mgr.....ask the right questions. I've done that....and once I feel comfortable that my vehicle will be cared for as I would want....then I would trust them.

If this helps I'm glad. If you need more info. or help let me know. I see you got some answers here....and for the most part they are right on....not all though. I won't specify which is which....LOL!!!!

Take care. And, take care of that new TL....Acura's are great vehicles....and that is proven by the latest Consumer Reports magazine on which cars are the best value, etc. Honda and Acura are always in the top 5. And at the top depending on the year. I've also owned 10 Hondas.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

BTW the shop put in 0W-20 and the car recommends 5W-20. For some reason i was writing 0W-30 and 5W-30. just got that in my head for some reason I guess.

 

You're fine.

 

Don't worry.

At least in Canada, a couple months after the 2012 TL had been released, my local Acura dealership showed me a factory memo stating that all 2012 TL's were recommended to use 0W20 synthetic engine oil.

So the dealership is always using 0W20 synthetic oil in all 2012+ TL's (FWD, AWD, 3.5L, and 3.7L), .

 

its fine....this has been overthought, drive the car

 

All,
For some detailed information about synthetic oils, visit:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/.../Homepage.aspx

In the middle of the page there is a dropdown, "What's the right oil and filter for my car?", with two options: Let me decide and Help me decide. It takes you to a wizard that results in viscosity recommendations. Play with the mileage input and see what you get. 5W-20 was the most common recommendation, and there are different products in that viscosity. I'm not sure that the wizard is doing much, but you can edify yourself by checking out the articles and FAQs there.

I've always used synthetics because of their low temperature flow characteristics and their high temperature protection. I agree with all the posters here who DIY. I would only trust a mechanic that I had a good relationship with to touch my car. I've heard too many stories about the discount places to ever visit them.

 

Clarification: For all those, and there are many, that have questions about 0W20 motor oil....I have written a new piece in the "13 RDX section under the 00W20 thread. I correct a mistake I made, and I hope to really clarify this "mystery" that some...or many have about using 0W20 weight oil..and just what it is. Tease: It IS a "blended synthetic"....and of higher quality that the old "conventional...organic oil. Full synthetic is optional...but, please read my message in that thread.
Thank you and I hope it helps!!