Which engine oil for Honda? Genuine Honda oil guide for 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, Green Earth Dreams and Green Hybrid

How to choose the right Honda engine oil for Civic, CR-V, Accord, Jazz and other models

Choosing the right engine oil for your Honda is more than just typing “5W30 Honda” into a search engine and clicking the first result. Modern Honda petrol, diesel and hybrid engines are designed around specific viscosities and additive packages, especially on the European market.

Honda offers its own range of genuine Honda engine oils (OEM) engineered specifically for Honda engines. In Europe, the core products you will usually see are:

• 0W-20 (Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0)
• 0W-30 C2 (for modern diesels with DPF)
• 5W-30 (HFS-E – classic full synthetic Honda oil)
• 5W-40 (HFS – higher protection in demanding use)
• Honda Green Earth Dreams (dedicated to 1.6 i-DTEC engines)
• Honda Green Hybrid (special oil for older Honda hybrid engines)

Rule number one:
Always choose engine oil based on the owner’s manual or the specification given for your VIN, not “by feel”. This article is not meant to replace Honda’s official tables – it is here to help you understand why Honda offers these different oils and what each one is for.

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Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 – the main genuine oil for modern petrol engines

What is it?

Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 is currently the primary genuine engine oil for modern Honda petrol engines on the European market.

Key characteristics:

• full synthetic engine oil with viscosity 0W-20,
• very low viscosity = low internal friction and improved fuel economy,
• very fast oil flow and film build-up during cold starts,
• engineered for modern petrol engines with direct injection, turbocharging, variable valve timing and strict emission standards.

In many recent models it is used as the factory-fill Honda engine oil.

Which engines typically use 0W-20 Type 2.0?

In general:

• most modern Honda petrol engines for the European market (Civic, CR-V, Accord, Jazz, HR-V and others, newer generations),
• some newer hybrid petrol models, when 0W-20 is explicitly specified in the owner’s manual.

These engines are designed from the start to run on Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 – from bearing clearances and oil galleries to valve control and VTEC operation.

Why does Honda promote 0W-20 so strongly?

• helps the car meet CO₂ emission regulations,
• reduces fuel consumption,
• shortens the time the engine runs almost “dry” after start-up,
• ensures correct operation of oil-controlled systems (e.g. variable valve timing, VTEC).

If your engine was designed for 0W-20, this viscosity is usually the optimal choice. Classic 5W-30 or 10W-40 belong to older generations of engines with different design assumptions.

Pro tip

• If your owner’s manual lists 0W-20 as the primary or only viscosity, do not switch to 5W-30 just because “that’s what we always used in older cars”. You may see higher fuel consumption and worse cold start behaviour.
• If you drive hard – track days, mountain roads, fast motorway use – it is usually smarter to:
  • shorten the oil change interval (e.g. to 7–10,000 km),
  • monitor the oil level frequently,
  • keep the cooling system in good shape and avoid misfires,
  instead of changing viscosity away from what Honda specifies.

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Honda 0W-30 C2 Diesel – for modern Honda diesels with DPF

What is it?

Honda 0W-30 C2 Diesel is a genuine Honda engine oil designed for modern diesel engines where Honda specifies viscosity 0W-30 with ACEA C2 performance.

Key features:

• full synthetic oil with viscosity 0W-30,
• ACEA C2 “low SAPS” – low sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur,
• intended for engines equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF),
• combines excellent low-temperature flow with proper protection at high diesel operating temperatures.

Typical applications

• modern Honda diesel engines with DPF, especially from the i-DTEC family,
• any Honda diesel where the service documentation specifically states 0W-30 C2.

This oil is designed to protect the engine, turbocharger and injectors while also minimising DPF loading and supporting low emissions.

Pro tip

• If your Honda diesel with DPF calls for 0W-30 C2, stick to that specification. Switching to a random “universal” 5W-40 diesel oil can lead to quicker DPF clogging, more frequent regenerations and emission issues.
• A diesel that does a lot of short city trips benefits a lot from shorter oil change intervals – for example 10–15,000 km instead of the maximum values in the book.

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Honda 5W-30 (HFS-E) – classic full synthetic Honda engine oil

What is it?

Honda 5W-30 HFS-E is a full synthetic engine oil that can be considered a universal genuine Honda oil for many older (and some newer) engines on the European market.

Why it is popular in older Honda models:

• offers a good balance between easy cold start and solid protection at operating temperature,
• performs well across a wide temperature range,
• has been used for years in various Honda petrol engines and some diesels where 5W-30 is approved.

Typical applications

• older Honda petrol engines (especially late 1990s and early 2000s generations),
• selected diesel engines if Honda’s oil chart allows 5W-30 with the proper performance level,
• cars that are not designed around ultra-low-viscosity 0W-20 but still require a high-quality synthetic oil.

When does 5W-30 make sense?

• when your owner’s manual clearly lists 5W-30 as a primary or alternative viscosity,
• when the car is used in typical European conditions (city + motorway, winter and summer),
• when you want to stay with a genuine Honda engine oil but your engine wasn’t originally designed for 0W-20.

Pro tip

• If your older petrol Honda has a viscosity chart with options like 0W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30, then for most drivers in a European climate 5W-30 is a very sensible compromise.
• On high-mileage engines, check compression, crankcase ventilation (PCV) and leaks before you “fix” anything by thickening the oil – oil cannot reverse mechanical wear, it can only mask it to a limited extent.

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Honda 5W-40 (HFS) – for engines under heavier loads

What is it?

Honda 5W-40 HFS is a full synthetic oil with a higher hot viscosity. It is intended for engines that see more demanding operating conditions:

• higher thermal loads,
• higher sustained operating temperatures,
• frequent high-speed driving, towing, mountain roads, more aggressive driving style.

At operating temperature, 5W-40 forms a thicker oil film than 0W-20 or 5W-30, which can help maintain oil pressure and protect critical components in extreme use.

Typical applications

• larger, older Honda petrol engines where the owner’s manual explicitly allows 5W-40 (for example as a “hot climate” option),
• engines that are regularly used under heavy load,
• cases where Honda specifically lists 5W-40 as one of the acceptable viscosities.

Pro tip

• Treat 5W-40 as a tool for specific use cases, not a one-size-fits-all “best oil”.
• If your owner’s manual never mentions 5W-40, it is safer to stick with the recommended viscosities (0W-20, 5W-30) and, if needed, shorten the oil change interval rather than guessing with thicker oil.
• If your engine starts using oil, proper diagnosis is more important than simply switching to a thicker grade.

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Honda Green Earth Dreams – dedicated oil for 1.6 i-DTEC engines

What is it?

Honda Green Earth Dreams is a specialised genuine oil developed specifically for the 1.6 i-DTEC engines from the Earth Dreams family.

These engines were designed with:

• very low fuel consumption,
• low CO₂ emissions,
• strict European emission standards,
• and protection for the turbocharger, injection system, crankshaft and DPF all in mind.

Green Earth Dreams oil is tuned to match the operating characteristics of the 1.6 i-DTEC and its emission aftertreatment system.

Typical applications

• Honda vehicles fitted with the 1.6 i-DTEC Earth Dreams diesel engine,
• whenever the official documentation clearly recommends this oil or a fully equivalent specification.

Pro tip

• The 1.6 i-DTEC is an excellent but demanding engine – it is not the place to experiment with random “diesel oils”. Stick to the dedicated 1.6 i-DTEC oil or an oil that truly matches the factory spec.
• Do not push oil change intervals to the limit – a diesel with DPF and a turbo really appreciates regular oil changes and proper warm-up.

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Honda Green Hybrid – genuine oil for older Honda hybrids

What is it?

Honda Green Hybrid (Hybrid Green Oil) is a specialised genuine Honda oil developed exclusively for earlier generations of Honda hybrid engines, where the combustion engine:

• starts and stops very frequently (start–stop operation),
• often runs in shorter cycles,
• may not always reach the same temperature as a conventional petrol engine,
• must deliver excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Its formulation is tailored precisely to this hybrid duty cycle.

Typical applications

• older Honda hybrid models, including many earlier:
  • Civic Hybrid,
  • Insight,
  • CR-Z,
  • early Jazz Hybrid generations.
• cases where the owner’s manual explicitly mentions a dedicated hybrid oil and lists Honda Green Hybrid / Hybrid Green Oil.

Important note

• Honda Green Hybrid is not intended for the latest e:HEV or e:PHEV models.
• Newer Honda hybrids use Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 according to the specific service schedule and requirements listed in the owner’s manual for that model.
• If your car is branded e:HEV or e:PHEV, always use the 0W-20 oil specified by Honda, not Green Hybrid just because it has “hybrid” in the name.

Pro tip

• For older Honda hybrids, follow the manual and stick to Green Hybrid / the dedicated hybrid oil designed for those engines.
• For newer hybrids, base your choice on 0W-20 Type 2.0 and Honda’s current specifications – do not mix up the two hybrid oil families.
• Hybrid cars often do short trips and lots of stop–go driving, so it makes sense to change the oil at least once a year, even if the mileage is low.

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Common mistakes when choosing engine oil for a Honda

1. “My mechanic always uses 5W-40 – it’s the best oil”

This is a myth that comes from older engine designs. Many modern Hondas are built around 0W-20 or 0W-30 oils.

Pouring 5W-40 “because it’s what we use in every Japanese car” can lead to:

• higher fuel consumption,
• poorer VTEC and variable valve timing operation,
• weaker lubrication right after a cold start.

Always follow the owner’s manual, not workshop habits.

2. Mixing random oils “to use up what’s left on the shelf”

Yes, engine oils are generally miscible. But:

• mixing different viscosities and additive packages creates an oil cocktail with unpredictable properties,
• in engines with DPF or hybrid systems this is especially unwise.

Topping up 200–300 ml of a different oil to get home is fine as an emergency.
Running long-term on whatever mix you have lying around is not.

3. Stretching oil change intervals to the absolute maximum

If your service book says 20–30,000 km or 1 year, remember:

• that is a maximum interval for ideal conditions,
• real-world use (city, short trips, stop–go traffic, cold starts) is “severe service”.

For most Honda engines, a sensible compromise is:

• changing oil every 10–15,000 km,
• or at least once a year if you drive less.

4. “My engine burns oil – I’ll just use a thicker grade”

If oil consumption is noticeable, then:

• there is usually a mechanical reason (rings, valve seals, PCV system, turbo),
• a thicker oil may reduce consumption a bit but will not repair the engine,
• too thick an oil can harm cold-start lubrication.

Always start with proper diagnosis, then decide if changing viscosity makes sense – and only within the range authorised by Honda.

5. Never checking the oil level between services

Modern engines – especially small turbocharged petrol units and diesels – can consume some oil during normal use.

Basic good practice:

• check the dipstick every 1,000–1,500 km,
• always check before a long trip,
• top up before the level reaches minimum.

Adding 200 ml at the right time is always better than waiting for an oil level or oil pressure warning light.

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FAQ – frequently asked questions about Honda engine oil

1. Which engine oil should I use for my Honda – 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 or 5W-40?

Always start with the owner’s manual or the Honda specification based on your VIN.
In simplified form:

• modern petrol engines and many newer hybrids → 0W-20 (Type 2.0),
• modern diesels with DPF → 0W-30 C2 or a dedicated diesel oil (e.g. for 1.6 i-DTEC),
• older petrol engines and some diesels → 5W-30,
• heavily loaded, older large engines → 5W-40, if Honda approves it for that model.

2. Is genuine Honda 0W-20 worth it, or is a good aftermarket oil enough?

For modern engines – especially while the car is under warranty – genuine Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 is usually the safest choice. A good aftermarket oil can also work well, but it must:

• have the exact same viscosity,
• meet the required API/ACEA specifications,
• match Honda’s requirements stated in the manual.

If you want maximum peace of mind and full alignment with the engine design, sticking with genuine Honda oil has a clear advantage.

3. Honda 0W-20 vs 5W-30 – which is better for a petrol engine?

It depends entirely on what Honda specified for your engine. If your newer petrol Honda lists 0W-20 as the primary viscosity, then 0W-20 is the better oil for that engine. The engine, oil passages and control systems were designed around 0W-20.

5W-30 is typically a good choice:

• for older engine designs,
• for engines where the Honda oil chart allows both 0W-20 and 5W-30, for example depending on ambient temperature.

The fact that 5W-30 is “thicker” does not automatically make it better for your Honda.

4. Which engine oil for Honda 1.6 i-DTEC?

The 1.6 i-DTEC is a sensitive engine with a turbo, DPF and a strong focus on fuel economy. The safest choice is to use the dedicated 1.6 i-DTEC oil (such as Honda Green Earth Dreams) or a product that fully matches Honda’s factory specification.

Using a random “diesel oil” that does not meet the correct spec can cause problems with the DPF, turbocharger or injectors.

5. Can I use 5W-40 in an older Honda instead of 5W-30?

Only if the owner’s manual explicitly allows 5W-40. 5W-40 provides a thicker oil film at high temperatures, which helps under heavy load, but:

• in engines designed around 5W-30 / 0W-20 it can increase fuel consumption,
• make cold starts slightly harder,
• delay full lubrication right after start-up.

If Honda never mentions 5W-40 for your engine, it is normally better to stay with 0W-20 or 5W-30 and simply change oil more frequently.

6. Which oil for older Honda hybrids – Insight, Civic Hybrid, CR-Z, Jazz Hybrid?

Older Honda hybrids (IMA systems) usually require a dedicated hybrid engine oil, such as Honda Green Hybrid. These are very low-viscosity oils designed specifically for:

• frequent start–stop cycles,
• hybrid driving patterns,
• lower engine operating temperatures,
• very high fuel efficiency.

In these cars you should not use random 5W-30 or 10W-40, but the oil specified in the manual.

7. Is Honda Green Hybrid suitable for new e:HEV or e:PHEV models?

No.
Honda Green Hybrid was developed for earlier generations of Honda hybrids. New e:HEV / e:PHEV models use Honda 0W-20 Type 2.0 (as specified for each model) and should not be filled with Green Hybrid.

For new hybrids:

• do not use Green Hybrid “just because it says hybrid”,
• follow the exact oil specification in the owner’s manual.

8. How often should I change engine oil in my Honda – every 20–30,000 km or more often?

Intervals like 20–30,000 km in the service book are maximum values for ideal conditions. In real life (city driving, short trips, stop–go traffic, cold starts), oil ages much faster.

A healthy compromise for most Hondas:

• change oil every 10–15,000 km,
• or at least once per year if you drive less.

9. Can I mix different oils (for example 0W-20 with 5W-30) in my Honda?

For a one-time emergency top-up, yes – all modern oils are technically miscible.
For regular, long-term use – better not.

When you mix oils:

• additive packages can interfere with each other,
• final viscosity and behaviour will differ from what Honda intended.

Ideally your engine should run on:

• one viscosity,
• one specification,
• one type of oil.

10. Is a thicker oil always better for a high-mileage Honda engine?

There is no simple “yes/no” answer. High mileage alone is not a reason to jump straight to 10W-40.

Moving to a thicker grade may make sense if:

• there is proven mechanical wear,
• and the thicker viscosity is still within Honda’s approved range for that engine.

In practice, you will often get better results by:

• changing oil more frequently,
• ensuring the PCV system and seals are in good condition,
• occasionally giving the car a proper motorway run so everything warms up and burns off deposits.