What grade of engine oil should be used for the Honda City?
3 Answers
The manufacturer recommends using SM grade 5W-30 semi-synthetic engine oil for the Honda City. Additional information about the Honda City is as follows: 1. The City's engine utilizes Honda's 1.5L Earth Dreams engine, which delivers more direct power enhancement. To improve smooth driving experience, it is paired with a CVT transmission. 2. As a sedan model derived from the Fit platform, the City offers more space compared to hatchback models, with compact size and flexibility being its greatest advantages. 3. Regarding oil addition, there is a difference between cold and hot engines. For a cold engine, the oil should be filled to 80%, i.e., below the mark line, close to the mark line position. For a hot engine, it should be filled to 50%, the middle position of the mark line. Adding too much engine oil will increase the burden on the engine.
I've been driving my Fit for five years now, and the maintenance manual recommends 0W-20 as the most suitable oil. This oil has excellent low-temperature fluidity, providing instant lubrication during cold starts, making it particularly ideal for urban short trips. While 5W-30 can also be used, it increases fuel consumption by about half a liter. During my last service, the mechanic advised against using high-viscosity oils like 10W-40, as they can add unnecessary strain to the engine. I now stick to full synthetic oil, changing it every 8,000 kilometers, and the engine noise remains consistently quiet. Remember to check the markings on the oil cap—Honda's Earth Dreams engines are particularly sensitive to oil viscosity. Using the right oil can save a lot on fuel costs and ensure smoother power delivery.
As a long-distance driver, I've researched the oil grades for the City. The first choice is 0W-20, especially for northern winters with sub-zero temperatures. In high-temperature summer regions, 5W-30 can be used as its slightly higher viscosity offers better protection. Avoid mineral oils - full synthetics provide superior cleaning performance. Last time at the dealership, I saw an owner using 15W-40 which triggered the engine light, costing 800 yuan for fuel system cleaning. Modern oil containers now carry API certification marks - look for SN or SP grades to be safe. Always check the oil filter during oil changes, as substandard filters can contaminate fresh oil.
