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Originally Posted by tjts1
Honda mandates 5w20 oil for all models except the S2000 in the US under all weather conditions. $5 bucks says the US Fit will also require 5w20. Thank you EPA.
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I think it comes down to operating temperatures to a certain extent but how can you mandate the same oil spec with operating temperatures varying so much between places like Alaska and New Mexico or the Northern Territory and Tasmania. One size doesn't fit all.
Oil needs to protect the engine while not adversely impacting performance. The interval between oil changes means a more protective oil has to be recommended. If you change your oil more regularly then there is no problem using a higher performance oil.
Manufacturers are particularly conservative in the US because owners have a nasty habit of not following the maintenance schedules and then sueing the manufacturer if anything goes wrong. Alot of vehicles are detuned in the US market for this very reason. The BMW M3 is a very good example. In Australia people still take responsibility for their own actions and cop it fair and square on the chin if they are told "you've been an idiot (more likely a slightly harsher term) and failed to change your oil regularly and this is the resultant damage which you'll now have to pay to get fixed." They don't do it again.