Personally I don't think synthetic makes a difference in this car. If it did, Honda would require synthetic (some cars do require it, typically forced induction where the engine oil also cools/lubes the turbo/super-charger.)

If it makes you feel better synthetic won't hurt.

I don't think your fuel economy change is indicative of a problem. Slightly different driving conditions perhaps. Check your tire pressure.

I'd change the oil when the minder tells you to, and use the grade and quality oil the manual recommends (synthetic meets or exceeds the requirements).

Be sure to keep records of changing the oil in case there is any warranty issue in the future.

 

Thanks for the reply.
Is it ok to go to synthetic and then back to conventional again?
Man, it seems like there is so much to learn about car..lol

 

I'd stick with the same oil and not change back and forth. That goes for brand too. Pick one and stick with it.

 

I bought my car used with about 13k miles, the owner before me changed the oil early at 5k then again around 10k. I plan on letting it run the distance on this load of dino oil then on to Amsoil 5w-20.

As for the acceleration, the car does only have about 90hp at the wheels max, the engine will free up a bit as your car ages some, but it's not going to change drastically. If you want more oomph a cold-air intake might be in order, the improvement is around 5-7hp depending on the brand. PRM, K&N, Takeda make them, pick your poison. I don't have mine picked yet but function, not form will win.

 

Live in a place where the temperature can get to -20F or lower. You might think differently. Even 0W-20 is not out of the question.

 

Used to live in Ontario. -15F wasn't unheard of. Cars were quite happy before the days of synthetic.

 

Checked my oil yesterday, it's a little dirty but the level is fine. I have 8,600 miles on my car and my MM says 30% oil life left. Car runs like a champ and continues to get the same 37.5 mpg to 40 mpg it got when it was brand new, so I shall continue to wait until the MM says 15%. Honda recommends this in their owners manual and a call to Honda customer service confirmed this, so take it for what it's worth.

Dealerships almost always recommend oil changes as frequently as possible since that's how they make their money. Today's oils and engines can easily go to 10,000 miles without a change and no ill effect. That number doubles if using a full synthetic oil. Of course it also depends on driving style, and if you drive in extremely hot/cold temps and make lots of short trips those numbers would go down. I understand wanting to maintain your car, but there is no sense paying more money to the oil companies and damaging the environment if you don't have to.

 

here's a noob question. on the dip stick, there's two holes. I need to fill up oil til it covers the top hole? Most of the cars I owned had markings on the dip stick that would say full and low.

 

Because you didn't have a choice. Your car would have been a lot happier when it doesn't to pump dino oil that's flows like molasses at that temperature.

 

You're right about 0w20 having better flow at low temps. But if you run 5w20 as recommended by Honda for all ambient temperatures (-20F and up), the flow properties are the same between "dino" 5w20 and synthetic 5w20 (at least according to the SAE).

Where synthetic excels is not breaking down, losing viscosity, at high temps and over longer use. Neither condition you're going to face in a Fit if you change your oil according to manufacturer recommendations (or earlier).

If you obsess about oil, and go by Honda's recommendations and use 5w20, it doesn't make any difference.

 

Per the manual, "Wait a few minutes after turning off the engine before you check the oil... it should be between the upper and lower marks." If it's slightly above the upper mark, I wouldn't worry. More than an 8th of an inch though I'd be letting some out. It's not good to run too much oil.

 

Have you tried pouring the 2 (same grade) side by side at -20F? I have and they don't flow at the same rate. SAE indicates both would flow, but does not specify how fast. It's like saying both a turtle and rabbit can move.

I agree with you. There is not much of a reason to use synthetic if one lives in a warm climate. Unfortunately, it does not apply to everyone.

 

mmm I'll place my trust in Honda and the SAE before some guy pouring oil outside in minus 20 degree weather. Sorry.

There's nothing wrong with paying for synthetic, if it gives you peace of mind it's worth it.

 

Some good discussion to think about, especially since I'm around 5k miles and *just* jumped down to 60%. But a few comments. Not arguing one way or the other, but fuel for discussion:

My Fit does seem both more responsive (acceleration) and is registering higher mpg in the last thousand miles or two. Just a comment on the "break-in."

My father has an Accord that's about ten years old. He has done every maintenance by the book and hasn't had a single issue with the car, beyond a scuff on the front bumper.

I don't think the Peter Principle can be applied to CEOs, since that's the pinnacle of the hierarchy, although I see your point...

 

Mean to add:

That all said, I'm checking the oil as soon as I get back to my Fit (I'm currently on the road without it). Thanks for the FYI on that.