Oil Type for Honda CRV, Which One Should You Use?

An oil change is a vital vehicle maintenance routine. It has to be done on time using the right motor oil. If you want to change the oil in your Honda CR-V, you should know the various types available and what works for your model.

Using the wrong oil type on your Honda CR-V comes with many downsides. It can damage the engine. And that is why you should stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil type. A Honda CR-V requires a fully synthetic 0W-20 motor oil or 0W-30, depending on the model year.

Read on for everything you should know about Honda CR-V oil types and why to use the most recommended one.

What Kind of Oil Do I Need for My Honda CRV?

The first step is to open the hood to know the engine type and size that powers your Honda CRV. That will give you an idea of what to look for when it is time to change the oil. Most Honda CRV models require either 0W-20 or 0W-30 full-synthetic motor oil.

Honda CRV motor oil type

The chart below has all the information about the Honda CRV engine specifications, oil viscosity, and quantity they need. You can also refer to your owner’s manual to get the oil type the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle model.

Model YearEngine SizeFuelOil CapacityRecommended type
2002 – 20062.0Petrol4.2L0W-20
2002 – 20062.2Diesel5.9L0W-30
2007 – 20122.0Petrol3.7L0W-20
2007 – 20122.2Diesel5.9L0W-30
2007 – 20122.2Diesel5.5L0W-30
2013 – 20181.6Diesel4.7L0W-30  
2013 – 20182.0Petrol3.7L0W-20
2013 – 20182.2Diesel5.5L0W-30  

In general, Honda CR-V requires 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil if it has a petrol engine and 0W-30 for diesel engines. These are all high-quality, fuel-efficient motor oils that protect your car’s engine and enhance its performance.

Older and high-performance engines may also use 5W-40 motor oil. The high viscosity is ideal for heavy engines operating under high operating temperatures.

Before you put any motor oil in your Honda CRV engine, check the owner’s manual to know what the manufacturer recommends for your year model. You can also contact an authorized dealer in your area for advice but never use any engine oil if you are unsure about it.

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Can You Put 5W20 In A 0W20 Engine Honda CRV?

No. You should not use heavier or thicker engine oil on an engine that requires less viscous motor oil. The two motor oils have the same viscosity rating of 20 at operating temperature but a big difference in their viscosity in winter or cold conditions.

The 5W20 has a 5-viscosity rating at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, while 0w20 has 0 at the same temperature. This difference makes the former more resistant to flow and may make it challenging to start an engine that uses 0W-20 motor oil. It is more resistant to flow and may not lubricate the moving engine parts as it should when you start the engine.

Always use the right motor oil for your Honda CRV or other automobiles. It is what will protect your car’s engine and improve its lifespan. You can also get the best engine performance if you stick to the right motor oil that the manufacturer recommends.

Using the wrong motor oil in your engine can void your powertrain warranty or lead to premature engine failure due to excess wear.

Does Honda Recommend Synthetic Oil?

Honda recommends synthetic oils because of their superior quality. They are more refined and have additives that enhance stability and reduce volatility under a wide range of temperatures. These synthetic oils solve the drawbacks of conventional motor oils that require frequent changes.

Honda also recommends changing the engine oil in Honda CRV every 3,000-5,000 miles. And since this is a big window, you should regularly check the oil capacity and quality using a dipstick. The frequency of changing the oil also depends on the usage. You may need to do it often if you carry heavy loads, drive an older Honda CR-V model, or participate in sports driving.

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Should I Use Synthetic Oil in My Honda CRV?

Yes, Honda CRV requires a synthetic, premium-grade SAE 0W-20 detergent oil, and the most recommended is a Honda Genuine Synthetic 0w20 motor oil. This product was specifically formulated by Honda engineers for Honda cars.

But if you want to buy another motor oil brand, ensure it has the API certification seal. You can also do the same from a brand approved by Honda to make motor oils for their automobile. But it should be synthetic, which is the most common in the market.  

How Many Quarts Does A 2010 Honda CRV Take?

The 2010 Honda CR-V has a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which requires 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. According to the experts, you should change the oil in your Honda CR-V engine every 3,000-6,000 miles to help lubricate your engine. The oil also clears debris that could cause muck up.

Using the right amount and type of Honda CR-V motor oil also helps to remove sludge, cool the engine, improve mileage per gallon, and enhance the engine’s lifespan.

Related content: Can you drive your car with an oil leak?

Is Honda 0W-20 Oil Synthetic?

Honda 0W-20 is a synthetic oil engineered by Honda for Honda automobiles. It is super-refined and blended with additives to improve its stability and reduce volatility. It lasts longer before you change it than conventional motor oil and offers better lubrication.

However, Honda 0W-20 synthetic oil is more expensive. If you cannot afford it, you can use alternatives from Honda-approved brands or have an API certification seal. You can also check other labels that prove the genuineness and quality of any 0W-20 synthetic motor oil you buy.

Does It Matter What Oil Brand You Use?

The motor oil brand you use does indeed matter; the reason Honda has formulated the Honda 0W-20 synthetic oil for its automobiles. The manufacturing process varies from brand to brand, which also brings variations in product quality.

You are not obliged to buy the Honda Genuine 0W-20, but you should be careful about your choice. Always insist on products with API certification labels as a quality assurance stamp.

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How To Change Oil in Honda CR-V

Use a dipstick to check the oil level in the engine. Although experts recommend changing the oil in Honda CR-V after 3,000-5,000 miles, you should do it regularly. That should be just before you start a long trip. If the level is close to the minimum indicator level, you know it is time to get a new fluid for your machine.

What do you need to change the engine oil in Honda CR-V? If you want to do it in your garage, you will require the following:

  • Synthetic engine oil
  • Oil filter
  • Oil funnel
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Wrench
  • Oil drain pot
  • Eyeglasses
  • Gloves

After preparing everything, put on the gloves and your dust coat and be ready to get dusty. The next step involves draining the old oil from the engine oil pockets and replacing it with the new one. But before you do this, ensure the engine has not been running for at least the past 30 minutes.

Proceed as follows after the engine has cooled down:

  1. Jack up the front of your car to access the undercarriage. Ensure the hood is already popped up when doing this.
  2. Place the oil drain pot below the oil pan and use the wrench to remove the drain plug. Also, remove the old oil filter to allow more old motor oil to come out.
  3. Clean the drain plug and prepare the new filter by lubricating the seal. Once done, fill it with about ½ quart and screw it with your hand. Using a wrench can deform the gasket rubber and ruin it.
  4. Remove the oil cap on the top of the engine and slowly pour in the right amount of the new synthetic oil. You can use a funnel to help you avoid oiling your garage. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top up as appropriate.
  5. Reattach the oil cap and close the hood. Start the engine and let it run for about 5 minutes to circulate oil before you drive off.

Alternatively, you can drive your Honda CR-V to the nearest dealer for an oil change. The service is usually free of charge except for the new synthetic motor oil you should buy. Going to the dealer also minimizes the chance of using the wrong motor oil on your automobile. You will find experts to help you with everything you need.

Final Thoughts

Use 0W-20 synthetic motor oil in your Honda CR-V. Always buy the best product recommended for your car model year. That information is available in the owner’s manual, or you can contact the dealership in your area for help. Also, ensure you change engine oil according to the schedule to protect your engine, enhance performance, and improve its service life.