What’s The Best Oil For A Honda Pilot?

Like other Honda models, the Pilot is built to last, but you still need to put the correct oil in it. So the question is, what is the best oil for the Honda Pilot? Let's take a look at what oil will help keep your Pilot performing at its best for years to come.

According to the Honda Pilot manual, you want to use premium grade 0w-20 detergent or synthetic oil. This oil is designed to protect your engine and keep it running smoothly in all weather conditions.

Genuine Honda motor oil is a good choice, but consumers can choose a different oil brand with the same viscosity.

If you plan on owning your Honda Pilot for a long time, consider using the best oil possible to keep it running like new. This article will discuss what makes one oil type better than others for the Honda Pilot. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Honda Pilot, so read on!

A Honda Pilot photographed during golden hour, What's The Best Oil For A Honda Pilot?

Why Is Oil Quality Important For Your Honda Pilot?

Over time, lower-quality oils will break down and cause deposits to form on engine parts. This can lead to poor engine performance and increased wear and tear. We recommend using a higher quality oil in your Honda Pilot to avoid these problems.

A higher-quality oil will not only last longer but will also protect your engine better. Therefore, it is worth paying a little extra for a good quality oil because it will save you money in the long run.

A gray Honda pilot parked near a lake

 

Many different motor oil brands are on the market, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing the best oil for your Honda Pilot, you want to select a reputable brand with a good track record.

Honda recommends using the Genuine Honda motor oil for the Pilot. However, choosing motor oil brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, and Valvoline is also good.

As long as you stick with the proper viscosity (0W-20), these brands have a history of making high-quality oils that protect your engine and keep it running smoothly.

In addition, the Honda Pilot owner's manual states to use detergent or synthetic oil because it does a better job of keeping your engine clean and free of deposits.

Can I Use Conventional Oil In My Honda Pilot?

You can use conventional oil in your Honda Pilot, but it is not recommended.

Conventional oil does not do as well at protecting your engine as synthetic oil does. In addition, conventional oil will break down faster and needs to be replaced more often.

For these reasons, it is best to stick with synthetic oil when changing the oil in your Honda Pilot. However, that doesn't mean your Honda Pilot will break down because you used conventional oil once.

Furthermore, if you use it regularly, you will start to see a decrease in engine performance and an increase in wear and tear.

How Often Should You Change A Honda Pilot's Oil?

The frequency of oil changes will depend on the oil you are using. If you are using conventional oil, it is recommended that you change it every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Using synthetic oil, you can go up to 7,500-10,000 miles. However, it is always best to refer to your Honda Pilot owner's manual for the most accurate information.

The manual will also tell you how to change the oil and what type of oil filter to use.

A black Honda Pilot moving on the snow

It is important to note that the frequency of oil changes will also depend on your driving habits. For example, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive in dusty conditions, you will need to change your oil more often.

On the other hand, if you do mostly highway driving, you can go a little longer between oil changes.

What Is The Best Oil Filter For A Honda Pilot?

The best oil filter for a Honda Pilot is the Honda OEM filter. This filter is specifically designed for the Honda Pilot and will remove more impurities from the oil.

In addition, the Honda OEM filter has a higher filtration capacity, which means it will last longer before it needs to be replaced.

If you cannot find a Honda OEM filter, you can also use a Fram oil filter. These filters are also designed to give your engine the best protection possible.

What Is The Best Oil Weight For A Honda Pilot?

The best oil weight for a Honda Pilot is 0W-20. This oil is designed to flow quickly in cold weather and protect your engine in hot weather.

You will also find recommendations for using 5W-20 fully synthetic oil in the Honda Pilot from online forums.

While this oil may work well in some Honda Pilot models, it is not recommended for use in all models. You will find that the oil cap on the Honda Pilot will specify what oil weight to use.

Your Honda certified mechanic might also recommend a different oil weight depending on your region.

For example, if you live in a hotter region, they might say to use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20.

What If I Put The Wrong Viscocity Oil In My Pilot?

A Honda Pilot photographed at golden hour

If you put the wrong oil viscosity in your Honda Pilot, a few things can happen. The most common issue is that your engine will not be able to start in cold weather.

This is because the oil will be too thick and will not flow through the engine properly. In addition, using the wrong oil viscosity can also lead to increased wear and tear on your engine. As a result, your engine could overheat and seize up.

You will likely see a decrease in fuel economy if you use the wrong oil viscosity. It is always best to use the recommended oil viscosity for your Honda Pilot.

How Many Quarts Of Oil Does A Honda Pilot Hold?

The Honda Pilot takes 5.7 quarts of oil with the oil filter. This is the recommendation for the 3.5-Liter V-6 Engine. If you have a different engine, you must refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate information.

It is important to note that you should never overfill your oil. This can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine and could cause damage.

As a general rule of thumb, you should always fill your oil to the "full" mark on the dipstick. To get an accurate reading, you should check your oil level after the vehicle has run for a few minutes and is parked on level ground.

How Often Should You Check A Car's Oil?

Mechanic checking the oil level of a car

You should check your oil at least every couple of weeks. However, it is always best to check your oil before each long road trip. This will ensure that your engine has enough oil and help prevent any issues.

  1. To check your oil, you will need to find the dipstick. The dipstick is usually near the front of the engine.
  2. Once you find the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
  3. Then, insert the dipstick back into the engine and remove it again.
  4. This time, you will see how much oil is on the dipstick. Again, if the oil level is below the "full" mark, you will need to add more oil.
  5. It is vital to use the recommended viscosity and weight when adding oil.

Keep in mind that adding more oil does not substitute for an oil change. You will still need to change your oil according to the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.

Why Does My Honda Pilot Smell Like It's Burning?

A Honda Pilot 2021 parked near a body of water

There are a few reasons why your Honda Pilot might smell like it's burning. The most common reason is that the oil level is extremely low.

If the oil level is low, the engine is not lubricated properly. This can cause increased wear and tear on the engine and a burning smell.

Another reason your Honda Pilot might smell like it's burning is because oil was spilled or leaked onto the exhaust system. Allowing oil to leak onto the exhaust system can cause damage and could be a fire hazard.

If you notice that your Honda Pilot smells like it's burning, you should check the oil level immediately. If the oil level is low, add more oil, and get your vehicle to a certified mechanic as soon as possible.

To Wrap Up

A Honda Pilot photographed during golden hour

While there are other oil brands you can use for your Honda Pilot, it is always best to use Honda oil.

This is because Honda oil is designed specifically for Honda engines and will help keep your engine running smoothly. By doing so, you can enjoy your Honda Pilot for many years to come.

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