[Drummer]

Hi All,
Been a while since I have visited but I have one quick question. I have a case of Amsoil 5w20 that was to be used on my previous vehicle. My 2019 PP says it should be 0w20. My driving is going to be between 15 and 85 F degree temp days. Is it okay to use the 5w20 and 0w20 when it gets hotter?

 

[fx_chip]

0W20 oil is actually better in cold weather because of high viscosity and resistance to thickening in cold temperatures. I don't know about the Passport but in some Toyota vehicles you can use 5W20 as a replacement for 0W20 if you drive in a very hot climate.
In the Passport's Owners Manual, Honda demanded 0W20 exclusively, that could be in recognition of the capacity of the engine oil pump.

 

[HarveyW]

Read this and then decide.

0W-20 vs 5W-20 Oil: What's The Difference? [2023 Guide] - Auto Chimps

What's the real difference between 0W-20 and 5W-20 oil and can you mix them? Which is best for your car? Here's the ultimate guide.

autochimps.com

 

[Gatorgibson]

I would never waiver from what the manufacturer says to use when it comes to oil. But that's me.

 

[Drummer]

That link is very good. Thank you. I just need to decide if our low temps over the next month are going to cause any sort of real problem as my garage is taken up with other vehicles.

 

[jasonpp]

Depending on where you live. If you live in Alaska, maybe stick to 0w20 for winter. Everywhere else, 5w20 is fine.

 

[ballisticexchris]

I would not ever put a heavier oil in unless an emergency. The cold start damage and oil consumption issues from using a heavier weight oil is inevitable over time. 0W 20 in specifically spec'd for the modern J Series.

You will get a lot of opinions here. I would look at the facts. Simply open up your owners manual. 0W20 only. If you are under warranty a claim can easily be denied when it is discovered you are not using oil approved for that vehicle.

If it has the API Certification Seal and is the specified viscosity grade 0W20 then you are good to go.

 

[jasonpp]

I would not ever put a heavier oil in unless an emergency. The cold start damage and oil consumption issues from using a heavier weight oil is inevitable over time. 0W 20 in specifically spec'd for the modern J Series.

You will get a lot of opinions here. I would look at the facts. Simply open up your owners manual. 0W20 only. If you are under warranty a claim can easily be denied when it is discovered you are not using oil approved for that vehicle.

If it has the API Certification Seal and is the specified viscosity grade 0W20 then you are good to go.

Again, stop spreading misinformation. 0W20 is rated to operation from -40c to 20c where 5W20 is rated to operate -20c to 20c.
Once the engine is warmed up, it will have exactly the same viscosity. The reason why Honda says 0W20 only is so that you can hit the EPA claim they claim the vehicle can hit.
A lot of vehicles sold in US vs Europe despite having the same engine can have different oil spec due to climate difference. The Mustang for example, the V8 is spec'ed to using 5W20 in the US but 5W30 in Europe because they drive their cars at higher speeds on the autobahn.
Now if you go from 0W20 to a 10W40 oil, I can see that being a problem but simply going from 0W to 5W, the difference is very minimal.
Also, even with the same grade oil, the actual viscosity can vary from brand to brand as well. I don't see engine blowing up simply due to slight differences in viscosity.

 

[baconlord]

Oil is a touchy subject on forums, but that 5-20 is likely fine if it meets the minimum API rating. Even the early VCM J series recommended 5-20 in Odysseys and Pilots. Its mostly for fuel economy. Same reason why cars are going to 0-16 recommended now.

Honda did request an oil sample when replacing my engine, though. I use the OEM 0-20 ultimate synthetic under warranty.

 

[carpayments4life]

At this increment, it's all about emissions/pollution goals.
Straight 30 weight, for your 40 year old John Deere, is out of the question, however...if that tractor is burning oil, you can switch to 40 weight.

 

[jasonpp]

At this increment, it's all about emissions/pollution goals.
Straight 30 weight, for your 40 year old John Deere, is out of the question, however...if that tractor is burning oil, you can switch to 40 weight.

It’s well known that older and higher mileage engines can benefit from thicker grade oil. Most high mileage oils is usually a grade thicker to keep the worn rings and seals from leaking.

 

[ballisticexchris]

At this increment, it's all about emissions/pollution goals.

That is only part of it. If you put heavier weight oil in a modern engine that has tolerances designed for a lighter weight oil you will have problems down the road. Cold start is a big one. You will not see it right away. Honda is very particular on what oil. The J35Y6 engine calls for 0W20 in the global market.

Piston rings, hydraulic timing belt tensioners, rocker arm pins and many other oil controlled hardware will degrade over time when using a heavier than recommended oil.

 

[ballisticexchris]

It’s well known that older and higher mileage engines can benefit from thicker grade oil. Most high mileage oils is usually a grade thicker to keep the work rings and seals from leaking.

That was absolutely true with the old cross plane pushrod engine. In a Honda J series, you roll the dice if you start messing with oil weight.

Using a heavier grade oil than recommended in a direct injection engine will lead to fuel dilution and premature cylinder wear. This is basic Peter Jost tribology fundamentals we learned in grade school.

 

[Blurrg]

That is only part of it. If you put heavier weight oil in a modern engine that has tolerances designed for a lighter weight oil you will have problems down the road. Cold start is a big one. You will not see it right away. Honda is very particular on what oil. The J35Y6 engine calls for 0W20 in the global market.

Piston rings, hydraulic timing belt tensioners, rocker arm pins and many other oil controlled hardware will degrade over time when using a heavier than recommended oil.

5w20 is NOT heavier than 0w20

 

[ballisticexchris]

5w20 is NOT heavier than 0w20

At cold startup temperatures it's dramatically heavier. Please do the math before commenting with a false statement. While there are a few ways to measure the difference, a capillary viscometer is a simple way to visually see the difference.

For anything more accurate it needs to be sent out to a lab for a capillary tube/rotary viscometer, which measures kinematic and absolute viscosity.

In simple terms the 0W is going to be a whole lot thinner than the 5W when at cold temperatures. This aids the mechanical components in the form of less stress at each starting cycle. Over thousands of starting cycles it means less wear and tear. Use a heaver oil and the stress on these components will result in a premature failure.

 

[Blurrg]

At cold startup temperatures it's dramatically heavier. Please do the math before commenting with a false statement. While there are a few ways to measure the difference, a capillary viscometer is a simple way to visually see the difference.

For anything more accurate it needs to be sent out to a lab for a capillary tube/rotary viscometer, which measures kinematic and absolute viscosity.

In simple terms the 0W is going to be a whole lot thinner than the 5W when at cold temperatures. This aids the mechanical components in the form of less stress at each starting cycle. Over thousands of starting cycles it means less wear and tear. Use a heaver oil and the stress on these components will result in a premature failure.

They are both 20 grade. Winter grading (5w/0w) has nothing to do with the grade of the oil. It's about pumpability at low temp. 5w -30c/0w -35c. Above this temp there is not much difference in the flow between the two oils. Again, they are both 20 grade. So, stop spreading false info and learn more about the subject. I'm done with this discussion, have a good day