Using the wrong type of engine oil in your Honda CRV can result in less fuel efficiency and lower mileage. That’s why you must use the recommended oil in your honda crv engine. But how I identify the best Honda CRV’s oil type for my beast that matters a lot. Or what honda crv oil type is the best for maximum fuel efficiency?
Depending on your Honda CRV model variation and year of production, you may need to use 0W20 or 0W30 engine oil. You should always go for synthetic oil as it provides the best performance. Some CRV variations may require other oils too.
It’s best to use the recommended engine oil type to get the maximum fuel efficiency in a Honda CRV. But how do you know what type of oil your engine requires and which brands are the best? Let’s dive into the article to learn everything about Honda CRV engine oil.
What engine does Honda CR-V have?
Before you go buying any particular engine oil, you should know what engine your Honda CRV has. Depending on the CR-V variation you are driving, and the year of production, the Honda CRV uses different engines.
Most CR-Vs from 2002 to 2017 used a 2.0 or 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. But from 2018 forward, the Honda CR-V is using a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Besides, a few other variations of the CR-V use 1.6 or 2.2 Diesel engines or the 2.0 i-MMD engine.
But what engine does your CR-V have? You can find it easily by decoding the VIN number.
The VIN number can be found in the following locations:
- i) On a plate on top of the dashboard
- ii) On the engine’s compartment bulkhead
- iii) On the driver’s side door, and
- iv) On the vehicle registration certificate.
Once you have the code, enter it here to decode it. You will find the engine’s information as well as other information related to your vehicle. Then you can move on to selecting the best engine oil for your Honda CR-V.
What Honda CRV oil type should you use?
Depending on which engine you have in your Honda CR-V, you need to use the engine oil for maximum fuel efficiency.
Here is a table mentioning the Honda CR-V oil type for various engines:
| Engine | Year of Model | Oil | Description |
| 2.0/2.4 | 2002-2017 | 0W-20 | High Quality Fuel Efficient Oil for Petrol Engines |
| 2.2 Diesel | 2005-2009 | 0W-30 | High Quality Fuel Efficient Oil for Diesel Engines |
| 2.2 Diesel DPF | 2006-2015 | 0W-30 | High Quality Fuel Efficient Oil for Diesel Engines |
| 1.6 Diesel | 2014-2019 | Green Diesel Engine Oil | Unique Engine oil available only from Honda for 1.6 Diesel Engines |
| 1.6 Diesel (Hi-Power) | 2015-2019 | Green Diesel Engine Oil | Unique Engine oil available only from Honda for 1.6 Diesel Engines |
| 1.5 Turbo | 2018-Present | 0W-20 | High Quality Fuel Efficient Oil for Petrol Engines |
| 2.0 i-MMD | 2018-Present | Hybrid Petrol Engine Oil | Unique Engine oil available only from Honda for Petrol Hybrid Engines |
Source: Honda Genuine Oil Application Chart
Most Honda CR-V engines have the 2.0/2.4-liter i-VTEC engine or the latest 1.5-liter Turbocharged engine. That means, depending on your CR-V’s years of production, you are most likely to need 0W-20 or 0W-30 petrol engine oil.
What are the best Honda CR-V engine oil brands?
When you know what engine oil you need for your Honda CR-V, you need to determine which brand you will use. Many people prefer to use genuine Honda brand oil. But they are not available everywhere. Besides, there are better oil brands available too.
Here are some of the best Honda CR-V engine oil brands:
- Castrol 03124 Edge 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
If your Honda CR-V requires 0W-20 grade engine oil, then the Castrol Edge Motor Oil can be the best choice for you. It uses the advanced full synthetic oil formula to offer superior fuel efficiency and protect your engine.
Many people even claimed that it offered better mileage than Honda oil. If you are having any difficulties with your Honda CR-V engines, then changing the oil to Castrol Edge may solve the issue.
- Liqui Moly 20204 Special Tec V 0W30 Motor Oil
Liqui Moly is another popular brand for producing excellent quality engine oils. If your CR-V engine requires 0W-30 grade engine oil, then you can go for the Liqui Moly Special Tec V Motor Oil.
You can use this motor oil for both diesel and petrol engines. It is slightly more expensive than the Castrol Edge, but the superb performance is worth the extra money.
- Honda Genuine 08798-9137 Full Synthetic Oil
If you want to stick with the Honda brand, then you can buy the Honda Genuine Full Synthetic Oil for your CR-V engine, which requires 0W-20 grade engine oil. While the other two options are from third-party brands, you will get authentic oil for your vehicle with this one.
However, compared to the other two brands, Honda Genuine oil is quite expensive. You can get a five-liter bottle for the price of a two-liter bottle of Honda Genuine Oil. However, the best thing about Honda oil is that the same brand manufactured your car’sengine, and that is why its oil is more suitable for the engine than others.
What factors to consider when choosing the best engine oil for Honda CR-V?
You must use good quality engine oil to ensure the engine performs optimally. Low-quality oil will not lubricate the components properly, leading to engine damage.
But how do you pick the best engine oil for your vehicle?
Here are the top 3 factors you should consider when choosing the best engine oil for your Honda CR-V:
- Oil type
Engine oils can be synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral. Mineral oils were popular for older vehicles. But today, almost all vehicles use synthetic oils for higher efficiency. Synthetic oils are purer and more stable than other engine oils, and they are recommended for Honda CR-V cars.
- Oil standard
Engine oil can be of various standards, such as API, ACEA, ILSAC, and etc. Among these, API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) are the most popular. ACEA is recommended for the Honda CR-V, but API is also fine.
- Viscosity grade
Viscosity grade is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying engine oil for your Honda vehicle. It indicates how well the oil flows when the engine is cold or during the start-up. Nevertheless, the Honda CR-V requires a viscosity level of 0W-20 or 0W-30.
How often should you change the oil in a Honda CR-V?
Honda recommends an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles in the CR-V. However, various factors influence how often you may need to change the oil.
If you are using an older model of the Honda CR-V, then you may need to change the oil more frequently. Besides, if you drive regularly, carry heavy loads, or participate in races, then you will also need to change the oil often.
If you do not change the oil on time, the lubrication process will be hampered. In consequence, various parts of the engine compartment or the gearbox can get damaged. That is why it is necessary to check the oil level in the Honda CR-V regularly.
How to check the oil in Honda CR-V?
Checking the oil level is necessary to know when to change the oil in a Honda CR-V. All Honda CRVs include a dipstick in the engine compartment that will help you to measure the oil level.
Follow the steps below to check the oil in Honda CR-V:
Step 1: Prepare the car at normal temperature
First, ensure the car is parked on a flat surface. Then start the engine and keep it on for a while. You need to take the temperature to a normal level before measuring the oil. After a few minutes, turn off the engine and proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Find the dipstick and reinsert
Now, open the hood of your vehicle and look for the dipstick in the engine compartment. Take it out and wipe out the oil from it. Then reinsert it to measure the oil level.
Step 3: Check the oil level
The dipstick will have markings indicating where the oil level should be. Take out the dipstick and check where the oil level is. If the top of the oil streak is between the markings or the cross-hatched area, then your car has enough oil. But if the level is below the mark, then your CR-V has low engine oil and requires an oil change.
What are the symptoms of low engine oil in the Honda CR-V?
A burning oil smell, loud cranking noises, and engine overheating are some of the common symptoms of low engine oil. If you are having these issues in your Honda CR-V, check the engine oil level ASAP and change the oil if it is low.
If the oil level is fine but you’re still having these issues, then there is something wrong with the engine. Take your vehicle to a service center to fix the issue.
How to change the oil in a Honda CR-V?
If the oil level in your Honda CR-V is low, then you can change it yourself. The process is quite simple, but you need to do it properly to avoid any accidents.
Before you start changing the engine oil in your vehicle, gather the following items:
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Oil funnel
- Oil filter wrench
- Wrench
- Oil drain pot.
Once you have the items ready, follow the step-by-step guide on how to change the oil in a Honda CR-V:
Step 1: Drain out old oil
Leftout engine can damage the engine, and that is why you need to drain them, open the drain valve under the engine oil tank and empty it. Keep a pot under the valve to collect the oil. Once the tank is empty, keep the valve open and proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Replace the oil filter
Now, locate the oil filter, and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Extra oil can drop during this step and that is why I asked you to keep the drain plug open. Take the new oil filter and lubricate it with the new oil. Then fill it with ½ quart of engine oil and install it in the vehicle. Also, clean the drain valve and tighten it.
Step 3: Add new engine oil
In the last step, find the cap on top of the engine oil tank and start pouring the oil slowly. You can use the funnel to ensure that oil does not drop outside. Besides, perform this step slowly to avoid overflowing. After filling the tank, tighten the cap and turn on the engine. Keep it on for a few minutes to let the oil circulate properly, and then start driving.
FAQs
- Do you need to change the oil filter every time you change the oil in a Honda CR-V?
Yes, you need to change the oil filter every time you change the oil in a Honda CR-V. The oil filter keeps old engine oil stored, which can contaminate the new oil and damage the engine of your vehicle. That is why you need to change it every time.
- Can I use 10W 30 for Honda CRV?
Honda CRV requires 0W20 or 0W30 engine oil. You can use 10W30 for your car, but it will result in worse mileage and less fuel efficiency. That’s why it is better not to use that unless you have no option left.
- What oil does 2014 Honda CRV take?
The 2014 Honda CRV features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and takes 0W20 engine oil. It ensures the best mileage and optimum performance.