AC25

Hi all,

Which oil to use on a Honda Pilot 2005? With a 3.5L V6 engine (PFI SOHC 24V) 130,000 miles? My mechanic suggested 10W-20 because of the high miles. But the service manual suggested 5W-20. I also used full synthetic oil Mobil 1 old. Should I use 10W-20 only for the summer or all the time considering the high miles? Thank you guys for all you’re suggesting. Alex

Honda_Enjineer

I have over 110K on my Pilot and I have no plans to switch to a thicker oil than the recommended 5W20 - I believe that it makes less sense these days and also when you have consistently used Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil in your engine.

My reasoning:

1. Fully synthetic oil does not break down like traditional engine oils used to so engine wear is noticeably lessened. 110K on a well cared for Honda engine is really nothing (I worry more about the tranny).
2. Honda engines are excellent - how often have you seen late model Honda's spouting blue smoke?

Switching to a heavier oil will probably only reduce your gas mileage and will not cause any damage. But I think you should focus instead on making frequent and regular oil/filter changes (and also increase the tranny fluid changes from the recommended rate - I do mine often).

Just my pennies.... but if you have 10 technicians you will get 10 varying opinions.

AC25

Thank you for your help. Yes I had the transmission oil change like 15,000 miles ago.