03 Accords requires 5W20

Need to do an oil change on my new Accord and both the owner's manual and
the oil cap say to use 5W20. From what I know... 5W20 is a synthetic blend.

I'm not into synthetic oils, as I prefer to change my oil often (less then
5000 km). Anyone using 5W30 (reg. oil) in their new Honda's that recommend
5W20 ??

Thanks
_________________________________
www.silversting.com

 

blend.

Last time I checked, Motorcraft 5w-20 was less than $2/qt at Wal-Mart.
Isn't that about what a good dino oil costs as well?

For the sake of warranty and not giving your dealer any reason to deny it, I
would stick with what the owner's manual requires, although I'm pretty sure
5w-30 will not do any harm either.

Cheers,

Pete

 

I am always curious as to why someone would change their own oil and
filter on a brand new car under warrantee. I pay $21 to my Honda
dealer to change both. I know the oil and filter are the correct
ones, a new gasket is used on the pan plug, and the correct torque is
applied to the plug. Then there is the problem of legally disposing
of the old oil and filter. For the few dollars it costs for the
labor, I won't even crawl under the car and deal with the mess. Plus
I know I will never have a question with the warrantee if something
goes wrong with the engine.

Dick

 

I really enjoy doing my own oil changes, with the proper oil (usually Honda)
and a Honda filter (yes, including washer). I know it is done right, keep my
records. I do not spend $21, it cots me less than $12 every 2 months (3K
miles).

 

1. some people, e.g., me, enjoy doing these kinds of things;

2. whatever you do yourself, you know how well it was done;

3. I just had the first oil change on my '03 Accord sedan and I had the
dealer do it - gratis (the service adviser said "this one's on us".

My mind isn't fully made up, but I'll probably do my own oil changes
(assuming disposal of the used oil isn't a major PITA).

YMMV

 

How about any other preventive maintenance, for example:
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with multipurpose grease
Service front and rear brakes
and inspecting various parts

I wouldn't do the oil changes myself, not worth the trouble for the bucks
plus I like the a mechanic to get under my car every couple of moths to see
if everything seems ok. I don't pay for doing all the things on their list
since my service advisor knows me and wouldn't make me pay for things which
are on their list only for peple who don't know anything about the cars.

 

Yes, I do most of the maintenance on my cars. My civic has 102K miles, the
only time I send it to the shop was to replace the timing belt; besides that
I've done it all myself. I buy the parts online to save more and use all OEM
parts (most of the times).

 

Do you think a qualified mechanic at the dealer is doing your change. It is
probably some low paid kid that doesn't know the difference between a filter
and a tire. I have seen reports of dealers putting in additives when
changing oil, something prohibited by the owner manual. The dealer is going
to use the cheapest oil and supplies available. Why do you think Honda went
to the smaller filter. Cost to expense. Many of the service operations the
dealer wants to do are to boost their income. The service manager gets a
bonus for each item he can talk the customer into having done. A car never
goes in without needing $2000 worth of service. If I inspect and do it
myself I know it is done right.....

 

I suppose there are dealers, then there are dealers. In the four
years I have lived here, they have never tried to sell me something
beyond what I brought it in for. I have watched them perform the
service standing at the door, and they seem perfectly competent and
are definitely not some low paid kids that don't know what they are
doing. All of their employees have been to the appropriate Honda
service school. Further, this dealer also owns the Chrysler /Jeep
dealer in another part of town. A close friend is the service
manager. You can bet my Jeep is taken care of. And if I were ever to
have a problem with the Honda dealer, they would hear about it from
him. Maybe I am just lucky to have a good dealer (and a good friend.)

Dick

 

I talked myself into thinking that way with a free oil change from the Ford
dealer back when my '85 Aerostar was new. They stripped the drain bolt.

I've been changing my own oil for 38 years and I've never stripped a drain
bolt. Even when they repair their incompetence under warranty, your car is
left slightly diminished, usually with a few more parts missing after each
visit, and you are still stuck with the remains.

I don't know how it is where you live, but every auto parts store around
here (Dallas) takes the old oil and filters. Its not any more of a hassle
than driving to the dealer and waiting for it would be.

 

Why in the world do you want to change your oil every 2000 miles? What an
utter waste of time, money, and resources.

 

I have owned over 30 vehicles. The only time I ever had a drain bolt
stripped was when I foolishly took it to one of those quick lube
outfits that really do hire inexperienced kids.

When you bought your 85 Aerostar did the dealer invite you to a dinner
where all the service people (including the ones that change oil) gave
presentations with handouts as to exactly what they would do to take
care of your car? And explain the schools and hours of training they
have had by Honda? Our Honda dealer did just that this June. They do
it every quarter for every new car purchaser. The dinner was given
right inside the service area where we were given show and tells on
exactly how they service actual vehicles. We left the dinner with a
specially prepared manual on taking care of the car. Lots of things
most dealers never tell you. Like I said, there are dealers, then
there are dealers. Even when we bought a new Mercedes, we were not
treated better.

Dick

 

My Honda dealer has been using 5W30 when I take my new Accord in for my
oil changes.

 

I had a buffet meeting of the sort that you describe when I bought my
Chrysler. Not my 2003 Honda.

I used to change my own oil. Then I got a 96 Mustang. 6 quarts of 5w20
+ filter, and it was a mess to change because of "aero" shielding under
the car. And it was _so_ low. The tires were too wide for my driveup
ramps that are older than I am. $19.95 at Shell. I chat with the guy
while he's doing the change.

The Dodge Durango is also 6 quarts of 5w20 and an underbody shield.

The 2003 Civic Hybrid has lots of underbody shielding, it;s low to the
ground, and wants 0w20. Back to the dealer. Only every 10,000 miles,
though, so that's not bad. Filter every other time. I could question the
wisdom of that, but I won't.

My 88 Dodge Dakota gets an oil change and filter that I start thinking
about at around 7500 miles. If the weather's good, and I have nothing
better to do... probably closer to 10,000 sometimes. It has 262,00 miles
now and smokes a little. I still do that one, but I'll probably stop.

 

Simple... I rebuilt my 03 Accord and has no more warranty. It cost me half
the price that Honda sells the Accord for in it's dealership.

Do you really think they use a torque wrench on the oil plug ???

 

You know how to read yet? I said every 3K miles.

 

I change my own oil for the reasons below

-i'm not gonna sit in the dealers waiting room for 1hr or more for a
20min oil change.
-i'm not gonna accept the dealer getting oil all over my leather on
the inside of my car when they pull it around to the front, and i'm
not gonna chase them to clean it up after I noticed it and closed my
ticket.
-i had a dealer one time smuge grease into the floor mats of my silver
2001 Accord ex/v6 during the 7500 mile checkup..... never again, but
they did clean it and get it out completely
-i've tried diffrent dealers with the same results, I love my cars, if
it's just an oil change or brake job then I'll do it, leave major
repairs to the experts

i buy honda filters, and keep recipts for oil purchase from autozone
which shows the weight, so no warranty issues to deal with.

 

Well, I know my Honda mechanic very well. I hang out with him while he
services my car. And yes, in fact he does use a torque wrench on the
oil drain plug.

 

What's your reference for this?

It's not a synthetic blend.

 

Right after torqing 250 ft-pounds with an air ratchet.