Honda filter while under warranty and any 0w20 oil from Wally World.

 

Given the demands that the VCM system seems to place on motor oil, choosing a full synthetic oil would seem to be worth the relatively small cost premium.

 

I have done extensive reading about this and I would not trust anything other than a FULL synthetic in my 08 Pilot. The J35 is very hard on oil and runs at high temperatures (also burns oil) especially on the highway when VCM is active. I would use a premium oil filter too something like Royal Purple, Purolator Boss, or Mobil 1... Honda filter is a garbage expensive FRAM. Search amazon or you can get Mobil 1 Extended Protection (great off the shelf synthetic) at Chinamart for less than $30.

I usually run 5w-30 Mobil 1 Synthetic with a Purolator Boss or Royal Purple filter. I am considering switching to 0w-30 Redline. I know it is overkill but it is pennies compared to engine repairs and its my car so I do what I want

If you are changing your own oil why not spend the extra $20-$30 and get premium oil and premium filter? Its a very small investment to keep your engine running clean. Just my opinion.

 

Honda filter is a garbage expensive FRAM.

Not if you get the Honda filter for the S2000.

 

I did my own oil change. I went with Mobil 1 full synthetic and a Fram filter designed for synthetic oil. It was only about $12 more for oil and filter both over conventional oil and filter. I have a new 2017 Pilot EX.

 

Did you use the tough guard or ultra synthetic?

 

Always used the cheapest oil of own recommended weight. The walmart brand synthetic is cheap and name brand stuff.... usually change it when oil life shows 15-20% left. Never used oil between fill ups and some vehicles were subjected to extreme racing and heavy towing for many miles.... (those last two examples were not hondas).

So in the end brand wont matter its like gas - all comes from the same place with a tiny difference in additives... but - if being particular helps ya sleep then by all means get some sleep.

 

I agree with you as any oil should be sufficient. However, there are HUGE differences in the chemical engineering involved to create top-tier oils. They use more additives, better base stocks (4 and 5), respond better to heat, and just perform better. This is why you don't see race cars and industrial equipment using cheap oils.

Now, will your car be ok if you use the cheapest oil and change it regularly? Yes.
However, when it comes down to it, engineering is engineering, and top tier oils just perform better.

Your driving tendencies have a lot to do with it too.

 

I personally use Mobil 1 0w20afe with a Fram Ultra. If you watch for Fram rebates through the year you can get the Ultra for a great price. You certainly don't need to use Honda filters while under warranty. Don't know if you are a Costco member, but I buy the Mobil on sale for 25.99 for a 6 pack of quarts and then combine it with Mobil's rebate of 12.00. Brings the cost of a quart way down. The prices of full syn and regular dino are so close, doesn't make sense not to use full syn. I paid a lot for my Pilot, and the last thing to cheap out on is oil and filter.

 

When are you guys changing your oil? When I had my 2006 Pilot, I changed it every 3000 miles even though the dealer said to do it at 5K miles. The engine had 189K miles and was still going strong when i traded it in for my 2017 Pilot. Also, if you change the oil yourself and sometimes down the road, if something is wrong with the engine and had to be worked on how do you prove it to Honda that you changed the oil regularly because if I understand correctly, you need to change the oil and have all your schedule maintenance done as recommended or your Honda Care warranty won't cover it.

 

i follow the maintenance minder, using Mobil oil from Wal mart, and a bosch filter. Keep your receipts for "proof" if you DIY.

 

For those of you who change your own fluids, how do you reset the maintenance minder?

 

From the "Settings" menus on the headunit. It's in the manuals. settings/vehicle/maintenance info

Might be different for LX.

 

No-brainer here. Mobil 1 engine oil + Mobil1 Extended Performance oil filter. Full synthetic oil and great filter for only $11.96. Walmart $19.99 oil (when on sale) + 8.97 filter combined with Mobil rebate of $17.

 

I’m definitely going with a Fram Ultra 7317 and probably Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline, or Mobil 1 0W20.


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I’m definitely going with a Fram Ultra 7317 and probably Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline, or Mobil 1 0W20.

Why wouldn't you want to use Quaker State Ultimate Durability oil?
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/

 

I use bosch filters andusually Mobil 1 oil from ealmart, but my most recent oil change im giving amazon basics oil a shot.

 

If you are going to try Amazon Basics you might as well try Supertech which costs less. Just an FYI.

 

Ok so the guys putting the orange can of death on there Pilots pay NO ATTENTION too because anyone that puts a P.O.S. Fram oil filter AKA Orange Can of Death on any vehicle they own are either extreme cheapskates, have no automotive maintenance knowledge other than changing their own oil or are just plain stupid. NEVER put a Fram oil filter on your vehicle they are straight garbage. The standard Fram oil filter is made literally from paper if you dont believe me go spend $3.00 and go buy one and cut it in half or Judy watch 1 of 100 YouTube videos about them. If you want a Excellent Oil Filter K&N White filters are top notch along with Mobile 1. Then its down hill from there you got your STP, Purolator, Wix all in the $5-$7 range. The K&N White filters are a little pricey at around $12-$15 but they also have the K&N black filters that are cheaper at around $8-$10 which isn't bad and Mobil 1 is in that price range too. Basically you get what you pay for. An even Frams Tough guard filters are junk for there price. Just stay away from Fram unless you want to buy a new motor.

 

Not a fair fight when you compare a "$3" FRAM with a $12-15 K&N.
Instead, look at a $13 FRAM filter.

 

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.

I'll stick with OEM. K&N is nothing special.