What type of engine oil is best for Honda CRV?
3 Answers
Honda CRV's engine manufacturer recommends using 0w20/5w30 engine oil. The types of engine oil and selection recommendations are as follows: Types of engine oil: The domestic market offers engine oils in the following grades: 0W16, 0W20, 0W30, 0W40, 0W50, 10W60, 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 5W50, 10W30, 10W40, 15W40, 15W50. Every legitimate lubricant manufacturer will clearly mark these specifications on prominent positions of the product packaging. Engine oil selection recommendations: For new vehicles, choose lower viscosity 5W30 oil; for older vehicles, choose higher viscosity 5W40 oil. European/American cars should use slightly higher viscosity full synthetic oil, while Japanese/Korean cars should use lower viscosity 5W30 oil. Choose lower viscosity oil for frequent city driving with traffic congestion, and higher viscosity oil for frequent highway driving.
I always follow the Honda CR-V owner's manual recommendations and use 0W-20 oil for maintenance. This viscosity is particularly suitable for its engine - it provides excellent fluidity during cold starts, proper low-temperature protection, and maintains lubricity under high temperatures. Never casually switch to other viscosities like 5W-30, as it will increase fuel consumption. I recommend choosing full synthetic oil - the brand isn't too critical (factory oil, Shell or Mobil are all fine), but make sure it has API SP certification. My own car has been maintained this way, and the engine remains in excellent condition after 100,000 kilometers. Remember to change the oil every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers - don't extend the interval to save money, as oil sludge buildup can actually damage the engine.
We have four distinct seasons here, so I'm quite particular about motor oil selection. In winter when temperatures drop low, 0W-20 is a must for crisp morning starts. During summer road trips, I switch to 5W-30 for enhanced high-temperature protection. For daily commutes, 0W-20 provides better fuel efficiency - saves about 0.5L per 100km. I recommend Idemitsu full synthetic, specially formulated for Japanese cars and cheaper than OEM oil. Remember to check the dipstick regularly and top up if consumption seems high. I typically change oil every 7,000km - a complete service at the repair shop costs just over 300 yuan. Never use off-brand oils - a friend tried cheap inferior oil and ended up with severe engine vibration. Developing good inspection habits is most important.
