Do I really need to fill with expensive Honda specified 0w20 motor oil?

I came across a comment on a forum complaining that: “Now, with no engine changes that we know of, Honda specified 0w20 motor oil in the 2011s? CRAZY!” I imagine this is a pretty common reaction – especially when the lower viscosity lubricant costs considerably more!

The underlying reason for the change is the ever tightening emissions regulations, which are directly influenced by the fuel consumption,

When selecting a high temperature lubricant there are many factors to consider!

Selecting a high temperature lubricant is not merely a case of looking at the viscosity rating (for example the 20W50 rating of a multigrade oil): The type of base stock, that constitutes about 80% of the oil bulk, plays a vital role in determining the temperature that the oil can operate at.

It’s common knowledge that when selecting a high temperature lubricant synthetic oils are more stable at higher temperatures and don’t oxidise as readily.

Is it best to use synthetic engine oil in older engines?

There’s considerable debate around whether synthetic engine oil in older engines has any benefit, and indeed whether the lube may in fact cause damage to older engines.

Ask any classic or vintage engine enthusiast and you're sure to find a debate on whether synthetic or regular engine oil is better for older cars. Some believe there's no sense in changing what works, and mineral based oil has always performed well: Others argue that synthetic oil has better oxidation properties and is more stable across a wide

Use synthetic base oils to save you expensive breakdowns.

If you want to understand when to use synthetic base oils you should probably first know how oil companies use the term synthetic oil and what it really means.

When you pick up a bottle of oil and it says "synthetic" that term is typically intended to mean longer life and better quality at a price. The bottle might also say "synthetic blend" or have some sort of trade name that refers to synthetic oils by using the letters SYN in the title.

How do synthetic oils reduce vehicle emissions?

You may be thinking that the only way for synthetic oil to reduce vehicle emissions is if the engine is consuming oil because it needs a rebuild: Not so emissions related to green house gases are far more complex than that.

Currently the EU emissions regulations require manufacturers to meet 120g/ km travelled. This is not only linked to how clean the engine burns

Engine oil consumption is a sign of a sick engine?

Although many people believe engine oil consumption should be zero in a healthy engine, the truth is that all engines consume oil. Most handbooks will cover what the manufacturer deems to be normal – this could be 500ml/ 1000km’s or even 1lt/ 1000km’s, depending on the vehicle.

This is a very simplistic method of stating engine oil consumption, and it’s probably better to relate oil consumption to fuel consumption: ml of oil consumed