What kind of engine oil is better for the Fit?
3 Answers
Honda Fit's engine manufacturer recommends using 0W20 viscosity engine oil. Engine oil can be classified into the following 3 types: 1. Mineral oil: A commonly used lubricant in the market, mineral oil is inexpensive but has a shorter service life and inferior lubrication performance compared to synthetic oil. Additionally, due to incomplete removal of impurities during the refining process, mineral oil has a higher pour point, making it unsuitable for use in extremely cold regions; 2. Semi-synthetic oil: A product refined from mineral oil through hydrocracking technology, consisting of a 4:6 ratio of mineral oil to full synthetic oil; 3. Full synthetic oil: A high-grade oil product derived from ethylene and propylene dispersed from natural gas or crude oil gas, which undergoes complex chemical reactions such as polymerization and catalysis to form a lubricant composed of large molecules.
As a car enthusiast who often helps friends choose engine oil, my Fit has always used 0W-20 full synthetic oil. The Fit's engine has small clearances, and this thin, water-like oil can quickly lubricate every corner, reducing cold-start wear. Honda's manual recommends this viscosity, and I find that using Idemitsu or ENEOS makes the throttle feel particularly responsive. Make sure the bottle has API SP or GF-6 certification, and never use thick, old-fashioned oils like 5W-40, as they only increase fuel consumption. Nowadays, full synthetic oil is on sale for just over 200 yuan a barrel, and it's perfectly fine to change it after 8,000 kilometers. A roadside shop will charge just 50 yuan for the labor.
After running a repair shop for ten years, I've seen too many Fit engines with cylinder scoring. Choosing the right oil boils down to three key points: First, stick to 0W-20 viscosity (5W-30 works for older cars). Second, always use full synthetic - mineral oils lack sufficient high-temperature protection. Finally, look for ACEA C5 certification - today's China 6 vehicles with GPFs can clog if you use low-ash oils incorrectly. Major brands' entry-level products like Mobil 1 EP or Shell Helix Ultra Asia are perfectly adequate - don't get tricked into buying racing oils. Pro tip: When changing oil, have your mechanic check the valve cover gasket - Fits are prone to leaks here that can contaminate the oil.
