03 Accords requires 5W20

[-- SilverSting--]

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

 

[Pete]

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.

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

 

[Dick]

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

 

[Robert]

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).

 

[Gus]

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.

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

 

[Paul Bielec]

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).

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.

 

[Robert]

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).

 

[BillW]

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.....

 

[Dick]

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

 

[E. Meyer]

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 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.

 

[Guest]

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

 

[Dick]

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

 

[Dick (3)]

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

 

[dold]

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

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.

 

[-- SilverSting--]

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 ???

 

[Robert]

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

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

keep

 

[Skipnkuf]

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 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.

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

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

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.

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

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.

What's your reference for this?

It's not a synthetic blend.

 

[TCS]

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.

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