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Sedans Honda Accord Honda Accord Real World MPG
2672 messages, Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 2:36 PM
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I think the misconception here is that the car is at operating temperature once the temp gauge stabilizes in the middle. This is not the case. The temp gauge shows water temp, and the engine is not warm until the oil temp has reached the optimum level. This can take about 15 miles in the winter much more when it is very cold. I have only had one car with an oil temp gauge (scirocco) and it was very eye opening. The water warms up very quickly, but the oil takes much longer. When it is below zero I can idle my car for 15 minutes to warm the cabin up a little and then drop the kids at school and drive to work. When I get to work the water temp is still pegged at the bottom. I could go weeks without reaching operating temp - not good for mpg. This was with my Integra - it has not been so cold since I got the Accord. This is one of the major benefits of using synthetic oil as it flows much better at low temps it also alows one to drop some viscosity while mainting the same or better protection. This is why I dropped down to 0w-20 from 5w-20. The lower viscosity warms up faster and offers better cold start protection. Faster warmup means better mpg. Many reasons for better return mpg. Warmer ambient temp may mean no use of the heater which draws heat from the engine and makes it take longer to warm up. The hotter an engine is the more efficient it runs. The car has probably been run a few times (lunch beak) during the day and the engine is probably warmer. The warmer temp also means the tires have more pressure and the oil is a little thinner. Warmer temp also means that the grease on the drivetrain is thinner and offers less resistance. You will get the best mpg on the warmest day that you can stand to not use the A/C. If you could stand to drive in 100 degree weather with no A/C the mpg would be phenomenal.
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Replying to: dudleyr (Oct 11, 2008 10:51 am) What do you think should I just change it now? Fram filter? |
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0w 20 is about the same as the quarts at places that sell it. I have only seen synthetic 0w 20 so it is not cheap. Unfortunately they don't sell it in the jugs. The oil life indicator on my Accord had my last change at 9,200 miles. I am more commfortable with synthetic at those long intervals .. used to do 3k changes, but realized it was a waste to have a perfect engine on a car that was falling apart. Even at 9k the oil does not look too bad as it comes out. I would probably wait till the next oil change unless you live in a real cold climate. My favorite filter is the pur 1 by purolator, the sythetic media works well. Check the oil forums here on Edmunds for more info... those guys seem to like the walmart brand fillter over Fram. I think fram was one of the best years ago, but uses cheaper components now.
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Replying to: dudleyr (Oct 11, 2008 6:47 pm) I guess I'm in your boat, 3k oil changes is so far ingrained in my psyche that it is hard to accept anything else.
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Replying to: tankbeans (Oct 11, 2008 6:52 pm) Do a Google search on "3000 mile oil change myth" and you might change your mind. 
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Replying to: dudleyr (Oct 11, 2008 10:51 am) I agree ! Thus maybe an engine block heater would be a good idea. Start a reasonably warm engine, with reasonably warm oil for quicker and better lubrication. The water, that in in the engine itself is warm. The thermostat will open a little quicker, allowing the water to flow through the radiator sooner. Auto transmission fluid flowing through the radiator will possibly warm a little quicker. Engine leans out quicker, resulting in better mileage. tankbeans, Do yourself a favor and use genuine Honda parts in your Honda. They probably know more about their components that most aftermarket stuff. Especially CHEAP after market stuff. There are many places, such as these two, that sell Honda Parts fairly reasonable. http://www.handa-accessories.com/accmaint06.html http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/PartsSearch.jsp If you change your own oil, try to purchase a case and possibly save some $$ on shipping or purchase price. Although sometime it is just as inexpensive to get at the dealer and not pay for shipping. Seems the last Pilot filter I purchased was in the $6 range. Could have saved $2-$3 at Wal-Mart on a cheap filter to install in a $30,000 car. NO THANKS ! Been there, done that, had problems. Kip |
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I drive about 7k per year in my 02 v6 Accord. Thinking about changing the oil 2x per year but changing the filter out only 1x per year. Pros/cons?
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Replying to: blufz1 (Oct 13, 2008 6:02 am) Think about it. |
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Replying to: blufz1 (Oct 13, 2008 6:02 am) Con's....leaves about 1/2 quart of dirty oil in the vehicle, plus whatever other contaminates are in the filter. On a vehicle worth 15Kish, with the cost of an engine job multiple thousands of dollars and the inconvenience if the vehicle was ever laid up for repairs.....I say, why bother with the risk (to save 5 bucks). However in full disclosure, I have the same logic on those wanting to stretch the miles between oil changes to as long as they can....to save 20-30 bucks in total. Why risk it.
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Replying to: kiawah (Oct 13, 2008 7:27 am) Exactly. That's why I go by the owner's manual with instructions from the manufacturer on when to change my oil.
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