Do you know how often you should change synthetic oil for Honda CRV? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.
There’s always been a sort of “status quo” on how often you should change the oil in your vehicle, even synthetic oil and it always boils down to the same number, 3,000 miles.
Honda CR-Vs are known for their longevity, especially when you keep it maintained and change the oil at regular intervals.
So, what is the Honda CRV oil change frequency? Synthetic oil changes frequency for the Honda CR-V should take place every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Sometimes, you can go beyond 10,000 miles up to 15,000, depending on the synthetic oil you’re using. However, this change in oil frequency is valid for the models 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Honda CRV.
There’s very little evidence that supports the 3,000-mile oil-change interval, however, people stick to it like its religious doctrine, despite the overwhelming evidence that technology has drastically improved even conventional oils.
The estimated lifespan of a Honda CR-V is 250,000 to 300,000 miles. That’s quite a few oil changes. So long as you change the synthetic oil at recommended intervals, you should get all of that and more.
But regardless of “opinions” synthetic oil is designed to last far longer than conventional oils. It simply doesn’t lose its viscosity and lubricating capabilities until it has reached two to three times the lifespan of conventional oil.
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What Engine Oil Is Best For The Honda CR-V?
The recommended oil for Honda CR-Vs is 0w20, synthetic oil. There are pundits who suggest sticking with conventional, mineral oils for the first 10,000 miles and that’s ok.
However, it certainly won’t hurt to start with synthetic and the Honda CR-V often comes off the buyer’s lot with an oil pan full of synthetic oil.
0w20 synthetic oil is rated to last up to 10,000 miles per oil change. In fact, Toyota and Honda often recommend an oil change every 10,000 miles for peak engine performance.
0w20 oils are always synthetic and synthetic blend oils. The way it is manufactured requires the addition of several additives. Conventional oils only result from a refinement process rather than any additives.
0w20 is considered to be an extremely reliable oil in both hot and cold weather environments.
Since heat is relative to the engine, rather than the ambient temperatures, hot weather isn’t normally a consideration, however, as far as cold weather is concerned, 0w20 works very well.
Honda experts will often recommend 5w20 oil as well. The only difference between 5w20 and 0w20 is how they work at startup temperatures.
In an engine operating at normal, running temperature, both oil types are nearly identical.
Read also: How Long Does An Oil Change Take At A Dealership? (Best Tips!)
What Is The Best 0w20 Synthetic Oil?
It’s always a heated debate amongst certain oil brand hardliners as to which oil is the best, whether it’s over synthetic, synthetic blend, or conventional brands.
Fortunately, experts often weigh in to settle the matter and lately, Mobil 1 takes the top spot—at least in the synthetic department.
- Mobil 1: Number one, consistently at the top of most lists for best overall synthetic oils.
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum: Consistently found at the top of the “Best Synthetic Oil” lists.
- Royal Purple High-Performance: It’s purple and it’s an outstanding synthetic oil. Also, it’s purple.
- Valvoline Synpower: No synthetic, top-five oil list is perfect without Valvoline.
- Castrol Edge: Fluid Titanium Technology.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic oil cleans as it protects vital engine parts from wear and tear. It also has a very highly regarded, cold weather performance capability.
With oxidation stability additives and excellent startup protection, it’s easy to see why Mobil 1 is consistently at the top.
Pennzoil calls their Ultra Platinum additives PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology. It’s basically a process in which natural gas is converted into synthetic motor oil.
This process results in an oil purity level that exceeds 95% for an unprecedented level of protection without the sludge and excess deposits.
Royal Purple High Performance is the typical choice for high-performance enthusiasts. It is designed to be very fuel-friendly and avoids putting strain on the catalytic converter as it protects well against emissions.
Valvoline is a trusted brand that has been around for a long time. Their Valvoline Synpower is very effective at cleaning sludge and other deposits as it protects your metal-to-metal moving parts.
This synthetic oil is designed specifically—with anti-wear additives—to fight against wear and tear.
Lastly, Castrol Edge utilizes its own unique technology—Fluid Titanium Technology to be precise—to create an oil that “changes its structure” to combat engine stress from metal-on-metal moving parts.
Of course, there are more than these five out there that frequently make it into the top ten and the top five of “best synthetic motor oil” lists.
However, if you’re looking for the best 0w20 oil for a Honda CR-V, any of these synthetic choices are going to be very hard to beat.
Also, an unspoken suggestion that often doesn’t make it into the arguments over oil change intervals, oil types, and oil weights, is sticking to one brand.
It’s always a good idea to pick a brand and stick with it, rather than jumping back and forth between whatever synthetic oil floats your boat this week.
Read also: Who Makes Kirkland Motor Oil? (Warren Distribution – The Truth!)
All Things Considered
You should change the synthetic oil in a Honda CR-V every 10,000 miles, however, it’s not going to hurt the engine to push the limit up to 15,000 miles.
Synthetic oil is designed to last far longer than conventional oils and that means less, long-term cost for you, despite more expensive synthetic options.
Regardless of what brand of synthetic oil you decide to go with, if you change it every 10,000 miles, your Honda CR-V will perform at its peak capability and will be in a position to last far longer than its listed shelf-life.
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