My mother recently passed and I am trying to fix up her 2009 Honda Accord Hybrid. I know very little about cars but I cannot get it serviced during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The red oil light occasionally comes on, so, I figure I should top up the oil.

I have no idea what type of oil is already in there, but the cap says 5w-20.

Most stores around here are closed but, in the local supermarket, they have 5w-40, 10w-40, and 15w-40.

Would using 5w-40 instead of 5w-20 damage the engine?

Would it be alright to simply pour it in on top of the existing (possibly 5w-20) oil? I don't yet have the equipment to perform an oil change.

The weather here in Ireland is temperate, no particularly cold mornings at this time of year.

I would very much appreciate any and all advice.

 

40wt oil is too thick. You'll very likely end up with performance codes( though probably no drivability issues)

Try to find at least 30wt. (engine damage can occur with 40wt oil,but that is after sustained usage)

If you absolutely cannot find anything else,then use the 5w40. Its better than no oil at all.

 

Do you have any hardware stores open? They sometimes carry engine oil . In the states Walmart carries oil. If you have anything similar try there.

 

The light coming on is no oil pressure. Is the oil level between the two lines ? If it’s below you shouldn’t drive it until the oil level is correct.

 

Thank you @DCFIVER and @stin1, I am grateful for your advice.

I will avoid the 40wt and will try Tesco, our Walmart equivalent