04 honda pilot engine oil

mike113 wrote:
> Hi, honda recommends to use 5w-20 oil but can i also use 5w-30 oil
> instead. Cause they are easier to find in stores and are cheaper.

Here's one thing to think of. Apparently most 5W-20 oil uses high
levels of molybdenum antiwear compounds to reduce friction and to
prevent metal to metal contact. There's a question as to how quickly
the moly is depleted.

<http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000052004.cfm>

Fuel economy demands, in particular, are expected finally to propel
these oils more deeply into the marketplace. Ford Motor Co. research
cited by Igarashi indicates that 0W-20 engine oil can increase fuel
economy by up to 3 percent over 10W-30 (currently Japan's most popular
engine oil grade).

"However, in order to [make] 0W-20 engine oil, the base oil must be
Group III, or Group IV (polyalphaolefin)." Another driver will be the
use of organic molybdenum as a friction modifier. With molybdenum,
"you can gain friction reductions of up to 10 percent at low engine
speeds. However, a big drawback is the loss of effect over time; the
friction reduction is lost quickly due to additive depletion. By using
Group III or polyalphaolefin base oil, there is better retention of
the friction reducing properties," due to the oils' better oxidative
stability, Igarashi explained.