What type of engine oil is recommended for the eighth-generation Accord?
2 Answers
The official manual for the eighth-generation Accord recommends engine oil with a specification of 5W-30. Any oil that meets this specification can be used. For later maintenance and oil changes, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so it's important to pay attention to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, resulting in smoother cold starts for the car. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number means the oil can maintain its viscosity better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in an eighth-generation Accord is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out. Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply some oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Typically, fill up to three-quarters of the oil container. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, perform necessary repairs. After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check if the oil level is within the standard range.
My 8th-gen Accord usually uses 5W-20 oil, as written in the manual—pretty common. It starts smoothly in winter without hesitation and runs smoothly in summer too. I’ve driven this car for years and recommend full synthetic oil for better engine protection and reduced wear. Though pricier than semi-synthetic, it lasts longer. Change intervals are every 5,000 to 7,500 miles—DIY is easy with a filter, oil, and level ground. Never randomly switch viscosities (e.g., 10W-30 may hurt fuel economy/performance). Long-term wrong oil accelerates engine aging, costing more in repairs. Overall, 5W-20 is reliable; pair it with regular maintenance to extend your car’s lifespan.
