I have a new V6 Accord. The manual states use 5w20 oil. In all my vehicles I have always used Penzoil and cannot find any 5w20. Besides Honda oil who makes 5w20 and how about using 5w30.
Thanks,

fms

 

5w30 will be fine for your intended use. If you had hailed from say, North Dakota, I'd have a different answer.
the w30 will give you better viscosity protection during the warmer summer months.

P

 

i have a question about this too, normal driving you would use 5w30, but what about at the track? same thing with gas, normal driving you use low octane like 87-89, but racing you use 95+, should you use a different oil when racing?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by wi_accord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i have a question about this too, normal driving you would use 5w30, but what about at the track? same thing with gas, normal driving you use low octane like 87-89, but racing you use 95+, should you use a different oil when racing?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Both Fuel and Oil requirements are suprisingly similar in that both are adjusted (or formulated) for Heat and Detonation conditions.

Engine oil (multi-viscosity)
Low Valve (5w thru 20w) = How the oil acts COLD as compared to a straight 30w oil (5w will flow and pump far quicker than a 30w).
High Value (30w thru 50w) = How the oil acts Hot as compared to a straight 30w oil. (50w resists thinning better than a 30w)

For Racing purposes, many use a 20w50 weight oil with a high pressure additive.
For street purposes, many use a 5w20/30 because it protects better cold and for milage considerations.

Gasoline (Fuel) octain
87/89 Octain - successfully used in auto's having engines of 9.0 and lower
90/105 Octain - specifically used in autos having engines of 9.1 and higher, Boosted applications and higher than normal Ignition Advance

Octain requirements are based on such items as Engine Compression rations and Ignition advance. The higher levels were developed to control detonation (pre0ignition caused by excessive heat in the combustion chamber; and thats it

P

 

so in my car, that is used for driving everyday and at the track, should i put different oil in before i go to the track or use the same all the time, if the same, what wieght would you recommend?

 

Wisconsin, like all states north of the Mason Dixon line, shares the unfortunate distinction of dealing with sub-zero temps and hideously hot summers.
If it was more tempurate, it would be a far easier recommendation.....

Winter: 5w30 again for the good starting and instant oil pressure you need during the winter.
Summer: 10w40 better warm weather protection with the higher viscosity
Competion: 20w40 or 20w50

P

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P_Adams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Gasoline (Fuel) octain
87/89 Octain - successfully used in auto's having engines of 9.0 and lower
90/105 Octain - specifically used in autos having engines of 9.1 and higher, Boosted applications and higher than normal Ignition Advance

P</TD></TR></TABLE>

what does the 9.0 and lower or the 9.1 and higher mean? is that engine compression?

 

Yes, he means compression.

 

okay, thanks. thats what i thought it was but i wanted to make sure.

 

Not to poke a hole in anyone's potatoe sack, but with any daily driven Accord, it's safe to say there is absolutlely no benefit from the cost or labor of changing your oil for track events, nor using higher octane gas. Any motors found in Accords, US market atleast, unless boosted or heavily modified, just aren't built to benefit from different performance oils nor higher octane gas.