The Honda Accord is easily one of the most popular vehicles ever manufactured and is currently ranked as the 7th top-selling vehicle of all time, with over 18 million units sold since the car was first manufactured in 1976. If you do the math, that’s around 400,000 Accords sold every single year for the past 45 years!
In today’s article, we’re going to show you everything you ever needed to know about changing your Honda Accord’s oil. First, we’ll start by reviewing the best oil for Honda Accords. Then, we’ll give you an in-depth tutorial on how to change your Accord’s oil, break down the difference between common types of engine oil, and give you the best tips on how to choose the oil that’s best for your particular Accord. Let’s dive in!
It’s not hard to see why the car has become so popular. For one, it’s incredibly reliable, with many Accords surpassing 250,000 miles before having to undergo any significant engine-related repairs. Secondly, it’s spacious and comfortable. In fact, many of the modern-day Accords have the same level of luxury that you would expect from a German-engineered Audi, BMW, or Mercedes.
The best way to ensure that your Honda Accord stands the ultimate test of time and is able to make it past 200,000 miles is to use high-quality oil in your engine and keep up with oil changes at regular intervals. The engine is the heart of the car and keeping it properly lubricated is the best way to reduce engine wear and tear, ensure that your engine seals remain strong, and keep it burning smoothly.
Using high-quality oil in your Accord’s engine will ensure that it’s able to maintain its stellar fuel economy by keeping the engine pressure consistent and preventing engine gunk from building up. This also keeps your engine performing to its maximum ability, which prevents power loss and optimizes your horsepower.
List of The Best Oil For Honda Accords
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-20
Mobil 1 is one of the leading brands of full synthetic motor oil on the market. It features a customized formulation designed to provide long-lasting protection from wear and tear by leaving a thin film of oil that clings to all metal surfaces within the engine block.
What makes Mobil 1’s Extended Performance oil so groundbreaking, though, is that they claim that you can go up to 20,000 miles between routine oil changes by using their oil. This is unprecedented, but the reviews have been nothing but positive so far and verify the manufacturer’s claims!
Pros
- Full synthetic formula designed to provide superior cleaning and internal protection.
- Allows your car to go up to 20,000 miles between oil changes under normal scenarios.
- Great for Honda Accords manufactured prior to 2010.
Cons
- Can be a bit more expensive than traditional synthetic oil.
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
Valvoline’s Advanced Full Synthetic motor oil is one of Mobil 1’s top competitors, and they have developed a great reputation for their formula. The Advanced line of synthetic oil contains many different compounds designed to keep the engine ultra-clean. This, in turn, prevents gunk from building up and ensures that the engine is always functioning to its maximum potential.
Pros
- Good for older-model Honda Accords made prior to 2010.
- Added detergents for an ultra-clean burn.
- Full synthetic formula provides added longevity to the engine.
Cons
- May be too thick for modern (2010 to present) engines.
Honda 08798-9063 Blended Full Synthetic Motor Oil
While it’s certainly great to have a number of different options to choose from for your motor oil, we also understand the value of keeping things simple and easy. If you prefer to avoid the headache of reading labels and trying to find the best specialty brand of oil for your Honda Accord, why not just go with the Honda-endorsed full synthetic oil?
It contains many of the same high-quality additives designed to keep the engine burning smooth and clean, ensures that the pressure in the engine is steady, and is compatible with all modern Accords that require a 0W-20 motor oil.
Pros
- Good for newer model (2010 to present) Honda Accords.
- Designed by Honda for Hondas.
- Added detergents and protective compounds.
Cons
- May be too thin for higher-mileage Accords or older models (prior to 2010).
Castrol 1598EF Edge Extended Performance 5W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Castrol Edge Extended Performance is probably the closest competitor to Mobil 1’s Extended Performance lineup of full synthetic oils. Both oils provide the same incredible level of long-lasting engine protection that’s designed to last a full year or 20,000 miles between oil changes (whichever comes first).
The only real difference is that Castrol’s Extended Performance oil features the company’s patented “liquid titanium” technology that helps the oil maintain its durability under heat and pressure. This, in turn, allows your Accord to function better under high-speed or high-RPM situations.
Pros
- Long-lasting protection.
- Can last 20,000 miles or a full year between oil changes.
- Features patented “liquid titanium” technology to provide enhanced protection.
Cons
- None to speak of.
Pennzoil – 550045202 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil
Pennzoil’s Ultra Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil is an amazing choice for drivers who are looking for a solid all-around synthetic oil for their Honda Accords. Aside from the added cleaning detergents and added protective compounds that are similar in all synthetic oils, Pennzoil has one feature that sets it apart from every other major brand on the market- it’s made using natural gas instead of crude oil.
While the difference is subtle, it ensures that your engine burns cleaner and produces fewer greenhouse gases. Another key advantage of cleaner oil is that it results in less buildup and gunk inside of your engine block.
Pros
- Full synthetic formula with added compounds for protection and engine cleaning.
- Made from natural gas and burns cleaner than standard full synthetic competitors.
Cons
- Won’t last as long between oil changes as one of the “extended performance” options we’ve also discussed.
Mobil 1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil
The Mobil 1 that we looked at earlier was the company’s Extended Performance line designed to help the oil last up to 20,000 miles between regular oil changes. However, this is the company’s incredibly fuel-efficient 0W-20 motor oil. It’s a full synthetic that’s designed to minimize resistance within the engine, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
Pros
- Full synthetic formula helps protect your engine.
- Reduces engine resistance.
- Increases fuel economy of the engine.
Cons
- Doesn’t have as many high-performance additives as other full synthetics on the market.
Pennzoil – 550045193 Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
Suppose you were interested in the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 Full Synthetic that we reviewed above but needed a lighter viscosity oil. In that case, this is a great product to use in your newer-model Honda Accord. It features the same added cleaning detergents that keep your pistons and cylinders burning smooth and is also derived from natural gas.
Pros
- Good for newer-model Honda Accords (2010 to present).
- Cleaning additives for an ultra-clean engine burn.
- Produces fewer emissions due to its natural gas base.
Cons
- Not the best oil for older model Honda Accords (pre-2010).
Buyer’s Guide and F.A.Q.
By now, you should have a good outlook on all of the options for the best oil brands and types on the market. These are all top brands that are recommended by mechanics and Honda technicians alike.
However, we also understand that trying to make your final decision about what oil is best can be quite challenging. With so many different oil types and weights on the market, you’re probably wondering what the real difference between all of them is and if it even matters, to begin with.
In this section, we’re going to give you a helpful tutorial on how to change your own oil and also give you some tips to help you decide what type of oil is the best for your Honda.
How To Change Your Honda Accord’s Oil By Yourself (Step-By-Step)
- Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle.
The first step should be to prepare your vehicle to change the oil. This means that your oil should be warm and you should be able to access the area underneath the oil pan. Before changing your oil, it’s always a good idea to let the car run for a couple of minutes, let it cool down a bit, and then get to work. Changing the oil is a lot easier when the oil is warm as it will flow out a lot quicker.
Honda Accords have relatively low clearance, which means that you probably won’t be able to access the filter or the oil pan unless you lift the car up first. To accomplish this, you’ll either need to drive the front end of your car up on ramps or use a couple of jacks to lift the front end. Ramps tend to be a bit steadier and are therefore safer.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Tools and Oil.
While you let your Accord cool down for a couple of minutes, you should use the time to prepare all of the tools and the oil you’re going to change. It’s always a good idea to use an old piece of flat cardboard underneath the car, so you have something to lay on. Also, the cardboard will absorb any random drops of oil that may escape.
Next, you’ll want to have a couple of disposable gloves. These will help keep your hands clean and give you a better grip while loosening the slippery, oil-covered filter and drain plug. It’s also a good idea to have a roll of paper towels handy.
Lastly, you’ll want a flathead screwdriver (or a plastic trim removal tool) and an oil filter wrench (if the filter is screwed on too tight to remove by hand).
- Step 3: Remove The Panel Under Your Engine Bay.
Now that you’ve got your tools ready, it’s time to remove the panel under the engine bay. A number of small plastic clips usually holds in this plastic panel. These can be removed by prying them back using the flathead screwdriver or the trim removal tool. This will expose the oil pan and oil filter so that you can change them.
- Step 4: Open Your Accord’s Oil Cap.
Before you drain the oil, you need to remove the car’s oil cap under the hood. This will create open airflow, so that the oil will flow out of the engine quicker and ensure that there isn’t any vacuum suction holding the oil back inside of the engine.
- Step 5: Unscrew Oil Pan Drain Plug.
Now, locate your oil pan. On the bottom should be a single extruding bolt or screw. This is the drain plug. Slowly unscrew it and allow the oil to drain into an authorized oil drain pan below. This may take a minute or two as you’ll be draining out the entire contents of your engine.
- Step 6: Remove and Drain Old Oil Filter.
Once the oil pan has been emptied, it’s time to remove the old filter. Keep in mind that the filter typically holds an extra few ounces of oil within, so make sure that you have your oil container ready to catch the ensuing spillage.
- Step 7: Install New Oil Filter and Replace Drain Plug.
Now, re-insert the drain plug and make sure that it is securely fastened (but not too tight as you don’t want to strip it.).Next, pour a couple of ounces of fresh oil into the new oil filter to prime it. Then, carefully screw the oil filter back on. Again, make sure you only secure the filter hand-tight. You don’t want to screw it in too hard and risk stripping the screw. This is a very expensive repair.
- Step 8: Refill Your Oil and Replace Oil Cap.
Now, it’s time to refill your oil. Most Accords take between 4.2 and 4.6 quarts of oil, so it’s best to have 5 quarts standing ready. Start by pouring in 4 quarts. Then, check the dipstick to check how much more you need.
The distance from the bottom to the top of the dipstick should be exactly 1 quart. If the mark is halfway in between, that means you need another half of a quart. Slowly pour more oil into the engine, constantly checking the dipstick every few ounces to make sure that you don’t overfill the engine. Stop adding oil once the dipstick hits the full mark.
Here is video on how to do it.
Tips For Selecting The Best Oil For Your Honda Accord
If you’re still scratching your head at some of the terms and definitions used on the oil brands above, then you’re not alone. At one time or another, most car owners have been that confused customer who just tells the lube tech, “Put whatever you think is best in my car because I have no idea what’s what.”
While this is certainly one way to deal with the situation, we believe in educating the general public so they can one day make the decision for themselves. So, without further ado, here are some tips to help you figure out what oil type is best for your Honda Accord.
Full Synthetic Vs. Synthetic Blend: What’s The Difference?
While looking at the bottles of oil listed above, you may have noticed that some say full synthetic while others say synthetic blend. It’s very common for first-time oil buyers to mix the two types of oil up as the names sound very similar to one another. However, they are very different from each other.
Let’s start by discussing how synthetic blends work. In a nutshell, the “blend” is really just a conventional motor oil (derived from crude petroleum) that contains added compounds to improve engine protection, increase internal engine coverage, and stand up to higher temperatures. Additionally, some synthetic blends will also have added cleaning agents to help protect your engine from gunky buildup.
On the other hand, a full synthetic is made from 100% synthetically-derived compounds or from crude oil that’s been chemically altered to give it better wear-protection abilities. One example of this is how some synthetic oil brands add titanium molecules to the oil formula in order to manipulate the oil into magnetically sticking to all parts of the engine evenly.
Do I Need High-Mileage Oil For My Honda Accord?
One of the other common types of oil that you’ll find for cars is high-mileage oil. This oil is specially formulated for use in engines with over 75,000 or 100,000 miles and is usually either a full synthetic or a synthetic blend. Typically, high-mileage oil is thicker and more viscous than what the vehicle would otherwise use. It also contains added compounds designed to clean out old engine gunk, provide better lubrication, and even prevent engine seals from going bag.
While high-mileage motor oil is never a bad idea (especially for older cars or Accords that have passed the landmark 100,000-mile mark), it is not required. In fact, many would argue that using a high-quality full synthetic would be just as effective as standard high-mileage motor oil. Additionally, the manufacturer offers no opinion on the matter, only stating that you should stick with what your owner’s manual says.
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
How often you change your oil depends almost entirely on the type of engine oil that you’re using. For instance, if you’re using lower-quality conventional oil, then you should be changing your oil every 3,000.
If your Accord has a mid-grade synthetic blend, then you should be switching your oil every 5,000. If you’re using a high-quality full synthetic, then you’re usually good to go 8,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Last but not least, recent innovations such as Valvoline’s Extended Performance line of full synthetic oils claim that they can go 20,000 miles between oil changes. That’s more than most people drive in a year!
As you can see, using higher-quality motor oil means that you can go longer intervals of time between your oil changes. So, even though you may be turned off by the idea of paying extra for a full synthetic or an extended performance oil, it will save you money in the long run by allowing you to go longer between otherwise expensive oil changes.
Honda Accord Oil Type By Model Year
If you’re driving an older-model accord from the 1990s, then you’ll probably need to use a thicker 10W-30 oil. However, assuming your Accord is from the 2000s, then you will either need one of the following motor oil types:
- For Honda Accords manufactured between 2000 and 2010, use a 5W-20 motor oil.
- For Honda Accords manufactured between 2010 and the present, use a 0W-20 motor oil.
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