Oil preference

[gdub17]

I will be changing my oil and filter soon. I’m definitely going to use the Honda oem filter because I think it’s the best but am considering oil options. Keep in mind this is for the k20c9 engine in the 2025 civic hatchback sport. Recommendations, preferences ? I’m going to be changing the oil and filter every 5000 miles as well. Thanks

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[chopsuey34]

You can spend +50 hours exploring this forum, youtube, and Bob is the Oil Guy forums for hearsay and anecdotes and end up exactly where you left off, or instead, you can avoid overthinking it and use any API certified oil.

 

[gdub17]

I understand. lol. Just asking. I’ll just use genuine Honda oil if it’s not outrageously expensive

 

[Rhorn]

I use Amsoil and wix 57356xp oil filters

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I'm using the Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 made from natural gas. Supposedly the latest and greatest thing.

I'm not sure the brand matters much, as long as you use synthetic and change oil every 5k miles (normal driving). I also use OEM filters, which I buy at my neighborhood Autozone (closest Honda dealer is 40 miles away).

I do run Motul 100% PAO motorcycle oil in my bikes, but it's expensive and hard to find in car flavors. My bikes don't see the mileage my cars do, but they get ridden harder.

 

[Nanook]

This question always fascinates me. Our ’09 Accord ended up having 200k+ miles on it, and I would have driven it to California on the day we sold it. We inherited it and it was always filled with Honda OEM oil combined with a OEM filter. Since that car did so well, I started doing the same on all my cars. I question my choice now as OEM oil and filter is outrageous these days.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I buy OEM filters because they are known to be good.

I realize other filters might be good also, but companies often change products for cost reduction.

Years ago I was buying cheap filters and had issues with oil drainback. I also removed a couple filters that broke internally (guts rattled).

 

[zumbooruk]

I was curious who makes the OEM oil filters for Honda.

It seems that 15400-PLM-A02 is a Fram TG (which is not as good as the Fram Ultra)

 

[zumbooruk]

You can spend +50 hours exploring this forum, youtube, and Bob is the Oil Guy forums for hearsay and anecdotes and end up exactly where you left off, or instead, you can avoid overthinking it and use any API certified oil.

Well... I did exactly that... I started researching, reading, watching. I quickly reached the same conclusion as the above, and up after a few hours (nowhere near 50+),

just for giggles, I asked Grok (I know not to blindly trust any AI tool, but sometimes it is a useful research shortcut) to recommend oil specifically for the K20C1 in the FL5 for aggressive driving but not track use in hot SoCal summer

this is what "Think" answered:

To determine the best premium synthetic motor oil for your 11th generation FL5 Honda Civic Type R with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, we need to consider your specific use case: aggressive daily driving in hot Southern California weather, but not for track or racing. You’ve asked whether Honda’s U.S.-recommended 0W-20 is better than the 5W-30 recommended in Europe, and you’ve provided a list of example brands including Amsoil Signature Series, Red Line High Performance, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, Castrol Edge, Motul 8100 X-Clean, Royal Purple, and Mobil 1 EP. Below, I’ll break this down into viscosity considerations and brand recommendations to give you a clear answer.

---

### Understanding Viscosity: 0W-20 vs. 5W-30
Motor oil viscosity is indicated by numbers like 0W-20 and 5W-30. The first number (before the "W," which stands for winter) represents the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, while the second number (after the "W") indicates viscosity at high operating temperatures. Here’s how they compare:

- **0W-20**: This is a thinner oil, with excellent flow at cold starts (the "0W" part) and a lower viscosity at high temperatures (the "20"). Honda recommends it in the U.S. for the Civic Type R, likely to optimize fuel efficiency and meet emissions standards. However, in hot climates and under aggressive driving, it may thin out more, potentially offering less protection for the engine.
- **5W-30**: This oil is slightly thicker at both cold and hot temperatures. The "5W" means it’s less fluid at startup than 0W-20, but this is less of a concern in warm Southern California. The "30" means it maintains a thicker film at high temperatures, which can provide better protection for a turbocharged engine under stress.

For your conditions—hot weather and aggressive driving—a 5W-30 oil could offer an advantage by maintaining a more robust oil film to protect the engine, especially the turbocharger, which generates significant heat. However, Honda’s U.S. specification of 0W-20 is tailored to the engine’s design and warranty requirements, so deviating from it could have implications.

### Viscosity Recommendation for Your Scenario
Given Southern California’s high temperatures and your aggressive driving style, **5W-30** may provide better protection than 0W-20. The turbocharged 2.0L K20C1 engine in the FL5 Type R operates under high stress during spirited driving, and a thicker oil like 5W-30 can better withstand heat and maintain lubrication under these conditions. That said, Honda’s engineers chose 0W-20 for a reason—likely balancing performance, efficiency, and emissions—and using a different viscosity could potentially affect warranty coverage or long-term engine health.

**Key Advice**: Before switching to 5W-30, consult your Honda dealer or a trusted mechanic to confirm it’s safe for your engine and won’t void your warranty. If you stick with 0W-20, a premium synthetic oil can still perform well, though you might consider shorter oil change intervals to compensate for the heat and driving style.

### Premium Synthetic Oil Brand Recommendations
Here’s an evaluation of the brands you listed, focusing on their suitability for your Civic Type R in this scenario:

#### Top Recommendations
1. **Amsoil Signature Series**
- **Why**: A true PAO/ester-based synthetic, offering exceptional high-temperature stability and wear protection. It has a high molybdenum content, which reduces wear during cold starts and high-stress driving.
- **Best For**: Aggressive driving in hot weather, with long drain intervals.
- **Viscosity Option**: Available in both 0W-20 and 5W-30—choose 5W-30 for added protection if approved.

2. **Red Line High Performance**
- **Why**: Ester-based, providing outstanding thermal stability and resistance to breakdown. It’s a favorite for turbocharged engines due to its cleanliness and low volatility.
- **Best For**: High-stress conditions and hot climates.
- **Viscosity Option**: Offers 0W-20 and 5W-30—5W-30 is ideal here if you switch.

3. **Pennzoil Ultra Platinum**
- **Why**: Made from natural gas via PurePlus™ technology, it’s very clean, low-volatility, and protects against wear and deposits. It’s a cost-effective yet high-performing option endorsed by performance brands.
- **Best For**: Turbo engines and daily driving with a budget-friendly edge.
- **Viscosity Option**: Available in 0W-20 and 5W-30—5W-30 aligns well with your needs if permissible.

#### Other Options
- **Castrol Edge**: Features titanium additives for strength under pressure. It’s solid but may not match Amsoil or Red Line in extreme heat stability. Available in both viscosities.
- **Motul 8100 X-Clean**: Tailored for European engines with particulate filters, which isn’t a priority for your U.S.-spec Type R. It’s good but not the best fit here.
- **Royal Purple**: Offers decent performance, but recent reviews suggest it lags behind top-tier competitors in high-stress scenarios.
- **Mobil 1 Extended Performance (EP)**: A reliable, widely available choice, though some argue its edge has dulled compared to newer formulations like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum.

---

### Final Recommendation
For your FL5 Honda Civic Type R, aggressive daily driving in hot Southern California weather calls for a premium synthetic oil that excels in high-temperature protection. Here’s my advice:

- **Best Choice**: **Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30** or **Red Line High Performance 5W-30**, assuming you verify with your dealer that switching from 0W-20 is acceptable. These oils offer top-tier protection for your turbo engine under heat and stress.
- **Safe Alternative**: If you prefer to follow Honda’s U.S. recommendation, use **Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20** or **Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-20**. These provide excellent performance within spec, with Pennzoil being more budget-friendly.

**Maintenance Tip**: Turbo engines thrive on regular oil changes. Stick to Honda’s schedule (typically every 7,500–10,000 miles with synthetic oil), or shorten it to 5,000 miles for added peace of mind given your driving style and climate.

In summary, 5W-30 from Amsoil or Red Line is likely the best for your needs, but confirm the switch with a professional. If you stay with 0W-20, Amsoil or Pennzoil are superb choices. Enjoy your Type R!


and exact same question with "deeper search", and the main difference seems to be "stick with 0-w20":

### Key Points
- Research suggests 0W-20 synthetic oil is recommended by Honda for your Civic Type R in the US, suitable for hot climates like Southern California.
- It seems likely that 0W-20 offers better fuel efficiency and meets engine design specs, while 5W-30, recommended in Europe, may provide added protection in extreme heat but isn't necessary for daily driving.
- The evidence leans toward using premium brands like Amsoil Signature Series, Red Line, or Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in 0W-20 for aggressive driving, ensuring high-temperature stability.

### Oil Recommendation
For your 11th generation FL5 Honda Civic Type R with a 2.0L Turbo engine, Honda recommends using 0W-20 synthetic oil in the US, which is designed to handle the hot Southern California weather for aggressive daily driving. This viscosity provides a balance of fuel efficiency and engine protection as per the manufacturer's specifications. Given your driving style, sticking with 0W-20 from a premium brand like Amsoil Signature Series, Red Line High Performance, or Pennzoil Ultra Platinum will ensure adequate protection and performance.

### Suggested Brands
Among the brands you mentioned, all offer 0W-20 options that meet API SN or higher standards. For aggressive driving, consider:
- **Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20** for long drain intervals and superior protection.
- **Red Line 0W-20 High Performance** for its high-temperature stability, ideal for hot climates.
- **Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-20** for its purity and performance.

Other options like Castrol Edge, Motul 8100 Eco-lite, Royal Purple HMX, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance in 0W-20 are also excellent. Choose based on availability and preference, with Red Line or Amsoil being top picks for your needs.

#### Regional Considerations and Climate Impact
Southern California's hot weather, with temperatures often above 90°F, increases engine oil temperatures, especially under aggressive driving. While 0W-20 is designed to handle this, some users opt for 5W-30 in extreme conditions, as seen in European recommendations and forum discussions. However, given Honda's global recommendation of 0W-20 for the FL5, as seen on Cox Motor Parts for UK models ([Honda Oil and Fluid Information](https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/honda-oils-fluids-information/)), and its suitability in Australia ([CarsGuide](https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/q-and-a/honda-civic-engine-oil-what-type-how-to-change-90407)), it seems adequate. The choice to deviate to 5W-30 should be based on personal preference, but it's not necessary for daily use and may void warranty if not approved.

#### Conclusion and Final Recommendation
For your Civic Type R, use a premium 0W-20 synthetic oil to align with Honda's specifications and ensure optimal performance in hot, aggressive driving conditions. Among the listed brands, Red Line 0W-20 High Performance is recommended for its high-temperature stability, ideal for Southern California. Alternatives include Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 for long-term protection and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-20 for reliability. Stick with 0W-20 over 5W-30 for daily driving, as it's designed for your engine and climate, with no significant benefit from the thicker viscosity for your use case.

### Key Citations
- [Honda Owners 2023 Civic Type R Manuals](https://owners.honda.com/vehicle-information/information/2023/Civic-Type-R/manuals)
- [Amsoil Product Lookup for 2018 Honda Civic](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2018/honda/civic/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-k20c1-b-turbo/)
- [Red Line 0W20 Motor Oil](https://www.redlineoil.com/0w20-motor-oil)
- [Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Motor Oil](https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/products/motor-oil/ultra-platinum.html)
- [Castrol Edge Motor Oil](https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/home/motor-oil-and-fluids/engine-oils/motor-engine-oils/edge-brands/castrol-edge.html)
- [Motul 8100 Eco-lite 0W20](https://www.motul.com/us/en-US/products/8100-eco-lite-0w20)
- [Royal Purple HMX Motor Oil](https://www.royalpurpleconsumer.com/products/hmx-high-mileage-motor-oil/)
- [Mobil 1 Extended Performance Motor Oil](https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/mobil-1-extended-performance)
- [Honda Civic Engine Oil Guide](https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/q-and-a/honda-civic-engine-oil-what-type-how-to-change-90407)
- [Honda Oil and Fluid Information](https://www.coxmotorparts.co.uk/honda-oils-fluids-information/)

 

[latole]

I understand. lol. Just asking. I’ll just use genuine Honda oil if it’s not outrageously expensive

Yes , too expensive. I bought well know brand on sale.
Filter ; Honda it is not the best one, IMO it do the job very well.

Best is to replace oil and oil filter more often than less.

 

[HKSpeed]

I have a 2024 Civic sport (K20C2 NA) manual with 6200 miles. My car shows 15% oil life remaining. The manual (see below) states to change just the oil when code A appears, which I'll do. The dealer near my house states to change the oil every 7500 miles. For the past 20 years, I used synthetic Costco or whatever synthetic is on sale (Valvoline, Pennzoil, Castrol, etc) and OEM filters every 7,500-10,000 miles. My past cars were 4 cylinder non-turbo daily drivers (except the SR20 S13, where I changed oil every 3K), and I never had a problem. I do the same for my family member's cars. I have tame driving habits (I very rarely rev past 5K). If I had a Type R and I drove aggressively, I would change the oil at shorter intervals with higher grade oil.

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