I have a 2011 base Fit. All of my oil changes have been at the dealer, and I'll keep doing that for now. I'm out of state, so I called my dealer to see what weight they use. They said they use 5w-20 (or was it 30?), but the manual says to use 0w-20. What do you folks think of that? I like to go with the manual, so if I get my oil changed here I should go with 0w-20, yes?

 

Yes, you should go with what the manual says. My guess is the Powertrain Engineers know more about what your cars engine and tolerances are designed for that the dealership who's just putting in whatever they're buying in bulk. Besides most of today's engine wear is at startup. While the 5W-30 might give superior protection at higher temps such if you lived in the desert. What you are giving up is oil film on the bearing surfaces at startup until that thicker 5 weight cold starts warming up. One last thing is the 0W-20 is synthetic. Is whatever they're dumping in your car also synthetic? Maybe this is on you and not wanting to spend more money for the proper oil change? The dealer should have the correct oil in the parts department? If not or no one explained anything to you then personally I'd find a new dealer for oil changes

 

Either weight is acceptable. 5w20 will be slightly thicker below 32F. The difference will be negligible. 0w20 is synthetic only whereas 5w20 can be synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional. For what it's worth, I've used 0w20, 5w20, 0w30, 5w30 without any issues. Hell, I've even thrown a quart of 5w40 in with 3 quarts of 0w20 on several occasions just to use up the 5w40 oil that I had on the shelf. No issues and I still average 34 mpg.

Don't over think and stress. Change it regularly with either 0w20 or 5w20 synthetic and you'll be fine. Oh... and don't forget to pull the dipstick once and a while and check it! 😉

 

Well, I wouldn't say I didn't want to spend the money, since every oil change I've had for 70,000 miles was at the dealer where I bought the car. I've just trusted them to be doing the right thing.

 

when you say no issues, I assume you mean your car is still running? I assume you don't send a sample to Blackstone Labs or any other oil analysis companies to see what's happening in your engine?

 

If it was me?
If this is a Honda Dealership, I'd simply ask them, why they are going against the Honda Manual recommendation?
They should have an answer, and that answer might be interesting.

I tend to think, the difference, wouldn't really make a difference, at least short term. And especially if you are just aggressive and attentive to getting your oil changed.
BUT...
If If it's my vehicle? I'm going with what the manual recommends.

And my paranoid concern would be, that the dealership is using a 5w oil, because it's cheaper to obtain.
I'm kind of surprised because most new vehicles today are using the 0w-20, synthetic oil.

In anycase, if you have the heavier oil in the vehicle I wouldn't panic. I would ask why. And if the answer did not blow me away with it's clear cut logic?
I'd find a different dealership that DOES put in the recommended oil in the future.

 

If I have to get it changed while I'm on vacation, I'll ask for the 0w-20. Same thing when I get back to NC. I want to go with the manual, too.

 

My 2009 Fit recommends 5W-20 in the manual, but I believe the later gen Fits with the same engine say 0W-20. I've been using 0W-20 synthetic for 7 years now, with no issues and 180,000 miles on my 09 Fit.

 

The specified oil weight is printed on the oil cap, just in case the person changing oil actually cares enough to read it.

At our dealership, the person answering the phone and writing work orders usually knows very little accurate technical info. That's not his or her job.
In our shop, unless an owner makes a specific request, we will use the oil that is correct for the car--- regardless of what the service writer told you, regardless of what's billed on the work order, etc.

I know, not all are like this.

 

I have Blackstone labs oil analysis for some of my oil changes. Specifically, the ones with 5w40 mixed in and longer oil change intervals. I haven't got past 14k on an oil change yet, but Blackstone has indicated at 17k oil changes would most likely work well for me. I'd love to do a UOA after every oil change but $35 a pop is pricey. Two times a year is what I'm comfortable with.

 

Always used whatever I can find cheap. I'll use 0W-20 synthetic if I can find it on clearance but otherwise it's normally dyno squeezings. Usually ST 5w-20 (syn or dyno). The change I just did was actually Chevron Supreme 5W-30 from Costco because I happened to have 4 quarts sitting on the shelf. The Jazz manual lists 5W-30 as acceptable for all temperatures so I'm not worried about it. I change it every year or so which ends up being every 13-14 months as I don't remember to check the date I wrote down that often. Ends up being 20% on the MM most of the time at 8-9k miles. I figure even if the MM is calibrated for synthetic with its recommendations I should be fine by changing it early. Both the Fit and Jazz manuals state to change it yearly regardless of mileage and that's what I have done for a while. I suppose I could get a UOA but I'm way too cheap for that

 

ive used both 0w20 and 5w20 on my Fits. no issue regardless. i try to use 0w20 though if i can find a mobil1 locally or on amazon.

 

As long as it's 20 it's fine, your engine won't know the difference. 0W or 5W is just a cold weather rating. East coast southern living (Asheville) and I wouldn't worry at all. You can replace it for peace of mind, but it's just extra $$ out of your pocket.

 

Apparently my dealer has been using 5-20, though the cal says 0-20. The service advisor today suggested that 5-20 might be better as the mileage goes up. I have to get my oil changed before I drive the 4000 miles back to NC, so I think I'll go with 5-20.

 

FWIW, the oil cap on my '10 says 5-20.... I have no reason to believe the cap is not original.

 

So meant to say my cap (not "cal") says 0-20. I guess it's always had 5-20, though. I think it might not matter.

 

Handy oil chart from Honda

 

I guess either weight is fine.