| yogi799 |
I think they recommend 5W-20, if I'm not mistaken, and that kind is kind of rare, I think. My local Walmart doesn't even carry 5W-20 Mobil 1 Synthetic. Would it make a world of difference if I used 5W-30?
Also, another question - what is that VTM fluid everyone's talking about? Is it the same as the tranny fluid? I'm new to MDX:) |
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| Pauls MDX |
| No problem, I switch depending upon the temperature myself. |
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| socalJD |
The oil type depends on your area's climate. If you have true winters, with snow & freezing etc, you should stay with what's specified on your oil cap. If you're in mild climates like So Cal or FL where winters aren't harsh, you can use 5W 30 with no worries.
VTM is your rear differential fluid. You need to change that as recommended in your owner's manual and you should use the Honda fluid to avoid possible warranty issues. Good Luck. |
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| frostyra |
In the '01 models, 5W-30 was recommended -- with 10W-30 OK above 20 degrees F. For a while in the '02 models, Acura recommended 5W-20, then went back to 5W-30. Subsequent models have been 5W-20. Many of us on this board are convinced that the only reason for going to an oil that is thinner at operating temperatures was to gain a slight (fraction of an mpg) increase in fuel economy. I'd rather have the tougher oil film that comes from the thicker oil, 5W-30.
And socalJD, 5W-20 in cold weather vs 5W-30 in hot is incorrect; the last number is meaningful during hot engine time, which is most of the time that it's running. The 5W comes in during a cold start -- at a given cold temp, say 30 degrees F, 5W is thinner than 10W and thus makes cranking a bit easier, plus the oil flow gets going a bit quicker with the thinner oil. |
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| BaldEagle |
| 5W-30 was the recommendation per the manual for my 02. As frostry stated the manuals in 02 recommended 5W-20 until about April then switched to 5W-30. |
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| yogi799 |
In other words - I'm cool!:D :D :D
How about my VTM question? |
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| JimH |
The Trans. fluid is for the trans., and is the Honda ATF-Z1 brand,
while the VTM fluid is different and is only for the rear differential.
These are different fluids and are not interchangeable. |
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| Ceenit |
I just had my oil changed at the dealership (located in NC). They used Penzoil 5-30.
Chris |
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| Fabvsix |
| I just put "Red line" 5w20 Synthectic oil at 7,627 miles to the ODO. It is suppose to be the BEST oil around. :1: |
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| Markedoc |
In my 2002, the manual says 5W-20 and the oil cap on the engine says 5W-30.
Cool huh?
I run Mobil 1 ... 5W-30. Change it every 7500 miles. |
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| csli |
I realized that I just bought 2 case of 10w-30 Gastrol GTX instead of the 5w-30. Can I use it on the 03 MDX?
Thanks! |
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| Fabvsix |
| Yes you can use it. You may lose 1 mile per gallon because it's a little thicker. It's really BS....It is just a way to squeeze a gallon gas per mile, but in the long run, your better with 5w30...... |
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| DaleB |
| He can also bring it back an exchange it. Don't think I would want 10-30 through a Denver winter. |
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| csli |
| Thanks, I will bring them back to see if I can change them. |
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| Tnman |
| Changed the oil myself for the first time with my MDX. My manual says 5W20 but the oil cap on the engine says 5W30. I cant get Mobil 1 in 5W20 so Im puttin 5W30 in it. I will still change every 3-5K miles. Have had good luck with mobil 1 and will continue toi use them along with Fram oil filters. |
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| m2pc |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
I just put "Red line" 5w20 Synthectic oil at 7,627 miles to the ODO. It is suppose to be the BEST oil around. :1:
Are you going for extended OCI's? And what mileage if so? |
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| Fabvsix |
m2pc: what is OCI's ??? You lost me........It's Friday, brain dead......sorry....:rolleyes:
My gas mileage improved also......but I save in gas, I pay for this expensive oil......:confused: :2: |
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| m2pc |
| Ooops, sorry, oil change interval. I have used Amsoil on another vehicle that is know to be tough on oil and I ran that to 6500 miles. I was considering trying Redline as well. |
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| lester123 |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by socalJD
[B]The oil type depends on your area's climate. If you have true winters, with snow & freezing etc, you should stay with what's specified on your oil cap.
I have a 2002 MDX; my cap indicates 5w30 but the owner manual indicates 5w20. What gives? I live in Florida in the winter and southern Ohio in summer |
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| frostyra |
| Either one is OK, but the 5W-30 has a stronger lubricating film and, while it may give 0.2 mpg less fuel efficiency, it should protect your engine better. The only reason for the 5W-20 is to squeeze out just a tad better gas mileage to please the feds. |
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