So I have been lazily looking around for alternatives to taking the 2020 Fit LX CVT for it's first oil change. It would seem at least this shop is charging a lot and if I recall as much as the dealer. Is the synthetic blend choice 0w20 in lieu of full synthetic OK to go with? Old and bad back and knees. No longer a DIY option. I have a follow up question into them asking if those prices include parts and labor which I asked about in my original question to them. TIA.

FROM SHOP: So... 0w20 oil can be synthetic but it also can be a synthetic blend. Our full synthetic oil changes run from $85.00 to $100.00 depending on the quarts of oil needed. The synthetic blend oil change would be around $60.00.

 

You want full strength 0W20 synthetic. A blend implies synthetic + conventional oil, which you don't want.

As far as where to go for an oil change:

1. Some dealers run specials on oil changes as a loss leader. The dealer I use runs about $30 for a full synthetic oil change on a special, they're about $50 otherwise.

2. WalMart in your area? Some of them have auto centers. Full synthetic runs about $50 if memory serves.

3. Local garages, national tire & muffler chains, groupon specials, etc.

My guess is that if you do enough searching, you can probably find something at the $50 price point locally without too much trouble.

 

This makes no sense- synthetic blend $60 but full synthetic $85+. You can get 4 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic for $20 at Costco, and there are brands that cost less than that. And the car takes less than 4 quarts.

 

0w20 is not available as a blend.
Anything other than 0w20 is not full synthetic and therefore not approved by Honda to offer the required protection.

Failure to put in 0w20 could result in a warranty claim being denied.

 

Honda brand synthetic blend 0w20, see link below.

https://shop.sclubricants.com/honda-genuine-sb-0w-20

 

Thank you for the additional input.

 

Thank you. I'll take that into consideration while I investigate further.

 

>0w20 is not available as a blend.

Thank you. I thought the blend was 0w20 light

>Anything other than 0w20 is not full synthetic and therefore not approved by Honda to offer the required protection. Failure to put in 0w20 could result in a warranty claim being denied

Copy that. Thanks.

 

I suppose I was not clear earlier...

I posted a link in my last reply to the Honda 0w20 synthetic blend. It does exist, and is used at Honda dealerships. Even had them accidentally put it in my Fit when they forgot I requested full synthetic.

https://shop.sclubricants.com/honda-genuine-sb-0w-20

 

The 0W-20 is the important part.

Full-Synthetic is preferable because it's a better formula, but using any other 0W-20 is not going to make your engine explode.

Is it possible for you to use a mechanic that would put in the oil (and filter) that you give them? Then you only have to pay them for labor. Just a thought.

 

Well ain't that something?!
I guess it's true what they say about learning something new everyday

 

Thank you. For some reason when I read the link I read it as synthetic and not synthetic blend.

 

>Is it possible for you to use a mechanic that would put in the oil (and filter) that you give them? Then you only have to pay them for labor. Just a thought.

I am looking at that option now. I happen to be at Walmart this morning and saw 4 types of Mobil 1 Synthetic. Pictures and questions to follow : )

 

On those different types of Mobile 1 full synthetic oil, there is a product guide here that offers some info.

Mobil 1 Product Guide

While they don't give full details on the various formulations, they do list the amount of zinc and phosphorus. Those elements reflect the amount of an anti-wear additive (look up ZDDP or ZDTP) which is the common additive used in all oils. The high-mileage and extended interval Mobil oils have a little more of the additive. A little more ZDTP can be good for the engine, but over time it's not good for the catalytic converter in your exhaust.

Since your car is still new and if you don't plan to stretch the oil changes past a year, I'd tend to go with the standard formulation - the "Annual Protection" variety in the table.

 

Thanks for the guide. I was thinking of making a new post but I will respond here first and see what kind of feedback I get. While the guide is helpful there is something I don't understand about extended performance so I am going to put the question in my own words if you wouldn't mind.I happened to visit Walmart yesterday and am thinking of the possibility of asking around what would be the cost of labor if I were to come in with the parts

I found 4 different types of Mobil 1 synthetic at Walmart.





Do the two red ones the second and the fourth are they to be taken literally. That is to say that this brand of synthetic is to be used on cars with 75k plus miles?

And the first and the third one. The first one says 20k and the third one says 10k but those two also distinguish themselves by saying extended performance and advanced fuel economy respectively. What's the difference?

Regarding oil filters I found Mobil 1 and Fram at Walmart. I could not find a corresponding Mobil 1 oil filter for15400-RTA-003 (the one recommended by Honda) but I did find a match for Fram:

https://www.fram.com/parts-search/?r...HX7n3-Prw4BdIA

I was thinking of the Fram EXTRA GUARD SPIN-ON OIL FILTER PH7317

https://www.fram.com/parts-search/PH...HX7n3-Prw4BdIA

Thanks for your help.

 

According to my records the Mobil filter for the Fit is
Mobil M1-110 or M1-110A

Prices on Mobile stuff is rather ridiculous where I am.

 

Thanks. Found this info randomly searching GOOGLE "The M1-110A is a revised part number for Mobil One Extended performance filter that used conjunction with the extended performance oil(15,000 mile rated)will filter your oil up to 20,000 miles before going to bi-pass. The old part# M1-110 is still found and is rated for 15000 miles" so should I choose Mobil I'll probably go with the 110A. I'll have to see if that is available locally an price shop with the FRAM one I found.. Any thoughts on the different types of synthetic oil that I pictured above? TIA.

 

The ONLY reason Mobil (and other companies) have so many variations of their 0W20 oil is to tie up retail shelf space to keep competitors out. The same game is played on grocery shelves. It's a very successful strategy for everything from soft drink to laundry detergent companies.

As far as 0W20 synthetic oil goes there are easily a dozen major suppliers of this and there is no significant difference for their top of the line 0W20 synthetic. They all meet all normal car manufacturer standards, they all meet the latest industry standards and I would not hesitate to use any of them and that includes the WalMart and Costco house brands. There is no such thing as the "one best" oil.

 

I agree with this

 

I agree too. I think the large range of oils is mostly a marketing thing. They all meet American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. If it were me with a new car, I'd go with the "Advanced Fuel Economy" flavor. That's just the basic package. The advanced fuel economy comes from it being 0W-20 versus a higher viscosity oil. Actually, my wife and I do both have new 2020 cars (one is a Fit LX) and I'm using whichever brand of synthetic oil I can get cheapest (some Valvoline, some Quaker State, some Amazon basics, etc.)