Oiling Up Your Acura: Which Fluid Should You Choose?

When it comes to your oil change service, one of the most common questions our factory-trained technicians hear is, “should I opt for synthetic oil or conventional?” While the answer seems obvious at first glance, it’s not always as simple as “Pick synthetic because it does more.” Instead, you’ll also need to consider the car you drive, how you cruise, and your vehicle’s viscosity levels to optimize your rides. Not to worry though, as our mechanics are always willing to help—schedule your oil change service with Spitzer Acura in McMurray, PA, today to get started. Until then, stick with us as we cover the basics of choosing the right oil for your vehicle.

But First…Does Your Acura Model Really Need Synthetic Oil?

Unlike many other brands, Acura doesn’t specifically recommend one style of oil between synthetic and conventional—instead, the manufacturer understands that both your vehicle and your driving style are individual and unique, so you’ll want to pick a fluid that’s suited to you. That said, instead of focusing on conventional vs. synthetic oil, you’ll want to begin by making sure the oil you select possesses the Certification Mark “Starburst” symbol, as this means the oil meets the basic standards for the oil and automotive industry—and reduces the risk of filling your car with a cheap and messy fluid that can potentially destroy your motor.

Next, you’ll want to ensure your oil meets the weight grade and viscosity of the oil you select. For example, the Acura NSX owner manual recommends you use a viscosity of 10W-30, while the 2021 MDX suggests a 0W-20—since each vehicle is unique in this regard, you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual first before deciding on which oil to put in your vehicle. However, we can help narrow your choices by suggesting the Genuine Acura Motor Oil Brand, which is built for your specific ride—but if you have any questions, feel free to ask our technicians, and they can lend their advice.

Synthetic Oil: Which Acura Models Allow It?

Virtually any Acura vehicle can take synthetic oil, as even manuals for models like the Acura ILX mention it’s an option (albeit not mandatory). But again, remember, before blindly selecting synthetic oil, your viscosity grade matters most for keeping your engine running at its peak. Also, you’ll want to check for the API Certification seal to ensure it’s a good brand of oil. After checking off the above two, it’s all about how you drive—if you want to let out some natural engine growls, make the most of your performance, and/or take a few long trips, then synthetic oil is a reliable option to consider.

Schedule an Oil Change Service in McMurray, PA

It’s not a secret that you’ll need routine oil change service to keep your vehicle running as strong as the day you drove it home. So, schedule your oil change service online today at Spitzer Acura to get started with the process. While you’re here, you can even ask for our recommendations between synthetic and conventional oil to help you decide which works best for your ride—It’s how we work our hardest to provide you with premium McMurray auto repair service.