In a nutshell: am I doing any harm to my engine by running a 0w-30 motor oil rather than the 5w-20 Honda specs in the U.S.?
I like to buy locally when at all possible; but 0w-20 is pretty expensive here, and it's impossible to find in multi-quart jugs. On the other hand I can walk into Wal-Mart and spend less than $25 on a 5 qt. jug of 0w-30 whenever I want it. I haven't seen much of a difference in fuel economy or performance... maybe a more "effortless" feel with the thinner oil, or a quieter engine at high rpms with the thicker. Seeing as how Honda's R18A1 is spec'd for 5w-20 in the States, Xw-30 in the U.K., and Xw-40 in Australia, will I shorten my engine's life by running the thicker oil in 6,000-7,500 mile OCI's?
Thanks for any advice!
I like to buy locally when at all possible; but 0w-20 is pretty expensive here, and it's impossible to find in multi-quart jugs. On the other hand I can walk into Wal-Mart and spend less than $25 on a 5 qt. jug of 0w-30 whenever I want it. I haven't seen much of a difference in fuel economy or performance... maybe a more "effortless" feel with the thinner oil, or a quieter engine at high rpms with the thicker. Seeing as how Honda's R18A1 is spec'd for 5w-20 in the States, Xw-30 in the U.K., and Xw-40 in Australia, will I shorten my engine's life by running the thicker oil in 6,000-7,500 mile OCI's?
Thanks for any advice!