I found this page: Honda Malaysia - Parts - Engine Lubricant Promotion

or you can find it as HFS (Honda Fully Synthetic) 5w-40 with barcode 08232-P99G1LHE

Has anyone tested Honda's genuine lubricants?
Are they better than others, i.e. Castrol, Shell, Motul ?

Greek Honda dealers charge them 17 euros/lt, while other brands cost maximum 12 euros/lt!

I would have thought the recommended Castrol or Shell products for the Civic would be of a very high quality.

 

I don't think Honda actually makes oil, instead they would buy suitable one from oil maker and put the label on. So it's probably the same oil as other branded ones.

 

Idemitsu Oil, I believe.

 

Well, Pottsy you were right. Its Idemitsu oil.
I found a web page saying:
" "The Honda "VTEC-LEV" engine oil is meant for the low-emissions rated engines, e.g. D15B 3-stage VTEC or the D17 on the new Civic. This oil is mineral and is spec'ed at 10W-30.""

Mineral oil for Vtec ???

 

Chance oil

In Greece we have a discussion-disagreement on who oils it should we use for our engine 1,8. I am in favour the genuine oils Honda that cost little more 17 euro th litre. The reasons that am in favour these oils it is that i believe is even little better from the rests... My friends believe that because the chance of oils here in Greece becomes each 6 months we can put semi-synthetic oil that are economic 12-13 euro the litre other are not genuine oils Honda. It is Bp,shell,aral. You in your country what make of oil is used ????

 

Can we sume that this is exactly the same as Honda's ?
Then, it's fine I think...

IDEMITSU SL 5W40 FULLY SYNTHETIC 4L

( Japan )( Japan ) ( Japan )


IDEMITSU color: red API SJ 5W40
FULLY SYNTHETIC Engine Oil 4L
A premium quality motor oil specially formulated to give full play to automobiles powered by turbo/supercharged engine. Recommended for all modern 4-stroke gasoline engine for both passenger car and motor sport usage.
-Special metal protector
-Excellent cold start
-For ultimate protection and performance



and this:

IDEMITSU VTEC LEV SEMI SYN 4L Japan

( Japan )( Japan ) ( Japan )


IDEMITSU Semi Synthetic VTEC LEV SL15W40 is a premium quality semi-synthetic based lubricant specially designed for today’s highest performance gasoline engines, including turbo charged and multi value engines. The latest technology is used in manufacturing this semi-synthetic oil, resulting in it meeting/exceeding the new API Service SL/CF performance.
Benefits
Improved piston and engine cleanliness
Enhanced protection against engine wear
Provided anti-corrosion and anti-foam protection
Reduced oil consumption
Better overall engine performance

4 Litre

 

I'm sure the 5W-40 would be fine, but personally I'd prefer the better performance of a 0W-30 like Castrol Edge.

 

Oil - Civinfo Wiki

 

Yet, in Greece (and other Mediterranean countries) we need oil with different viscocity than Southern Europe because we have very high temps in the summer (35+ C)

 

The lower number is the one that gives good performance as the engine warms up. The higher number is the straight oil equivalent at operating temperature. The engine should operate only slightly warmer in Greece than in England, so so long as Honda are happy that xW-30 grade is thick enough for operation at that slightly increased temperature, then all should be fine. Looking at the manual, it seems that xW-30 is fine in all climates.

Putting thicker (xW-40) oil in will of course be fine, but slower!

 

Would it be ok to use BP visco synthenic (5w40) orFuchs Titan Supersyn(5w40) instead of that sold by my car dealer (shell helix) ? As rallakias mentioned in Greece we use 5w40 oil, which I think is required by our extended warranty...