Which grade of full synthetic oil is suitable for the 2012 Honda CRV?
4 Answers
Oil with a grade of 10W-40. Oil selection: Naturally aspirated engines have relatively general requirements for oil quality, and mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil can be used. If the owner has a higher budget, full synthetic oil can be adopted. Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines have a more compact structure and operate under harsher conditions, demanding higher oil performance. They require oil with better fluidity, and full synthetic oil is the best choice. Brand selection: For the choice of lubricant brands, if long-lasting oil performance is a priority, Mobil lubricants can be chosen; if the oil's cleaning ability for the engine is important, Shell oil is recommended; for lubricants requiring strong oil film toughness, Castrol can be selected. For example, turbocharged engines are prone to carbon deposits during high-speed operation, so Shell oil with strong cleaning capabilities can be chosen.
As a long-time Honda owner, I've studied the CRV manual and maintenance materials. For the 2012 CRV, Honda officially recommends using full synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-20 oil, ensuring it meets ILSAC GF-5 or newer API SP/SN specifications. These oils provide fast low-temperature flow for cold-start protection and strong high-temperature performance. For daily city commuting, 0W-20 offers better fuel efficiency, while 5W-20 is also fine if you do more highway driving. Always look for the Honda HTO-06 certification on the packaging, which indicates oil specifically formulated for Honda engines. Before summer road trips, it's wise to check the dipstick level since older vehicles may have aging oil pan seals. Typically, full synthetic oil can last about 8,000 km between changes, though this depends on your driving habits.
My 2012 CRV has been running for eight years, and I've tried quite a few oil brands. Full synthetic oil is indeed more durable than mineral oil. I recommend sticking to 0W-20 viscosity and looking for API SM/SN or SP certification on the packaging. Honda engines are precision-made, and low-viscosity oil can lubricate every tiny gap effectively. I've tried Mobil 1 EP and Idemitsu OEM oil at the dealership, both worked well. Cold starts are noticeably smoother in winter, unlike with mineral oil which tends to cause rough humming. Remember to check oil level every six months - older cars often develop sensor issues that trigger false oil pressure warnings. It's good practice to clean the oil screen during oil changes.
The 12th-gen CRV engine was designed for low-viscosity full synthetic oil, with the owner's manual specifying 0W-20 or 5W-20. Look for API-certified SN or SP-grade oil, such as Mobil 1. Daily driving won't see much difference in viscosity, as both provide reliable high-temperature protection. Note the recommended viscosity marked on the oil cap—avoid arbitrarily using higher-viscosity oil as it may increase fuel consumption. Full synthetic oil can generally last up to 10,000 km, but in sub-zero northern climates, it's advisable to change it before winter to ensure proper flow. Also, use genuine OEM oil filters.
