Hello everyone, sorry in advance for the dumb questions, I’m not really a car person. Just wanting to get the opinions from those that are!

I have a 2016 ILX. The manuals say 0W-20 oil only, but I’ve been seeing on here that a lot of people use 5W-20. Why? I know the 0W is better for colder climates and winter, and offers slightly better mpg, but does the 5W offer any actual benefits? If not, why do people use it instead of 0W? And, what brands do you all recommend? Seems like Mobil1 has gone downhill from the forums I have read, what about Penzoil? Should I order actual Honda certified oil instead of using a different brand? Which have the best detergents? Thanks in advance!

 

I have been using Eneos Motor Oil. As far as the oil viscosity, unless you are doing any specialized driving (tracking) i would run the recommended type 0w20. Honda has done its job and designed the car to run with that type of oil.

 

The fact is, 0W-20 is better than 5W-20 in every metric. If anybody uses 5W-20 in an ILX which calls for 0W-20, then they are not complying with the requirements of Honda/Acura.

 

Thanks guys! Any other brand recommendations?

 

Here is my standard response for that question...

Oil is like religion, use whichever brand you worship; it will make zero difference in how long your engine lasts.

 

I like Avocado the most because of its neutral taste personally despite being a little pricier than your traditional vegetable .


It's all personal man, just pick what works best in your budget, and change at good intervals and don't over think it

 

I use mobile 1

 

I quit the mass market oils and use Quantum Blue. Being a direct injection engine adds a new level of issues that a custom blended solves.

 

Don't believe it, no oil can solve things like fuel dilution of the oil and buildup on the backs of the intake valves.

 

Believe what you will. From the oil samples I've had tested this engine should last 600,000+ miles with what I'm using. Science backed snake oil.
I didn't believe it until I tried it. I wish I had it for my 10 second daily driver in the '70's.

 

ROTFLMAO, no UOA from any company can predict the life of any given engine, I don't want to even speculate where you pulled that six-hundred-thousand number. That said, regardless of whether you run your boutique oil, or any approved oil for your engine from any of the major oil producers, the life of your engine will not change measurably. You're free to worship the brand you've put your faith in, but like any other religion, it won't make any difference in how long your engine lasts.

 

I'm glad you asked this question. Oddly enough, it's never come up.

Use synthetic with the API Service SN symbol and you'll be good. I prefer Pennzoil Ultra Platinum but have absolutely no proof to show it's any better than Walmart's Supertech Synthetic. I use it because it makes the engine "sound" better and after 250K miles, I don't burn any oil. So I figure if it ain't broken, don't fix it. But who's to say I wouldn't see the same thing with cheapo stuff. Or even dino oil.

And yes, use 0W-20 if that's what the engine asks for. It may seem like it's too thin but there are several reasons it better than going with thicker stuff. Tolerances are tighter in newer engines. Supposedly, thinner oil can get in those spaces more effectively. Which makes enough sense. Also, variable timing systems like Vtec often operate using oil flow or pressure which is designed with the viscosity of oil indicated by the manual. I used to use a thicker oil but after a decent amount of research, I now go with the stuff the manufacturer suggests.

 

Laugh all you want, it's actually fairly easy, based on what is found in your used oil you can estimate the amount of wear per mile. I understand science is a religion, but it is based on consistently reproducible results. I'll use my boutique oil for 15,000 miles per change and not add as much yucky stuff to the environment while reducing the internal wear. Notions keep you in the dark while results bring light. Science is about experiments and learning from results. A life of engineering has taught me, following the same path is also a religion that will always get you to the same place.

 

Wear metals are only one element of the equation on engine longevity; metal fatigue in things like valve stems, valve springs, timing chains and other mechanical components are often the failure point in an otherwise healthy engine. Regarding your claim of 600,000 miles, I will happily bet you whatever value you want your engine will never see that many miles. And by the way, I'm an engineer as well.

 

I'm pretty sure my car will outlast me, unless I get rear ended by some dumb butt rider. I bought it to be my last so I'm taking the best care of it I can, using the best technology I can find. If I start seeing high floating particle count, I will investigate the cause. I love my pinched H.
You would really have to conduct your own experiment on it. Using the Quantum Blue and Aces IV has made it so much quieter and peppy, even the normal ticka-tacka of Honda engines has gone away.

 

As an engineer you ought to know such anecdotal evidence is utterly and completely irrelevant. To say I doubt your claims is a gross understatement. Then I went and did a little research, there is no substance to their claims; you wouldn't catch me putting that swill in any engine I value. Like I wrote before, you are welcome to put that stuff in your car, ain't none of us going to stop you, but all of the glowing hyperbole on the BND Automotive web site doesn't pass the sniff test.

 

If it blows up I'll just put in a 4 Piston and call it a day. I have no problem with rolling the dice.

 

Unless you are at least 80 years old, I don't think a car is going to outlast you.

 

I'm thinking you were talking to me. My dad was the oldest living male in his family history and in 4 years I pass him, also I broke my back in the military in '73 and have spinal cord injury that is shutting down feeling to my innards.
My last surgery caused me to loose memory of family and friends and I already died once but was revived, yep, walking dead. Besides, if you read the WORD, the prophecies of "in that day" are unfolding. The Red Dragon is coming soon!
Another case of "in my experience" that never fares well, but yeah, old, broken, and too many hard miles and racing motorcycles wasn't the brightest thing to do with a broken back but it did give me the chance to break my neck too. I've got enough titanium in me to build a set of headers.

 

Oh, and I've been shot, stabbed, and run over by a car. Thankfully, not all at once. On my 26th birthday my dad told me he didn't expect me to see 18.

 

Welll... Were glad you're still here today!!!!



Looks like Horseshoez found you. He knows a good bit about oil sample testing from what I've read. He's also "probably" close-ish to your age. The perfect fit!



Best of luck man!

Oh. BTW... My says to use whatever OEM calls for at OEM intervals. The Honda engineers figured it out for us but Horseshoez will tell you that the oil will last like 10-15K miles, which, I guess is ok.

 

On a side note... How are you liking your ILX?

 

I love it and it's so much better with the 2014 Si sway bars. I just wish it had the TLX final gear ratio and a LSD. The electronic traction control sucks.