Congratulations! You probably thought you were a little nuts, but we know it is just normal.

Billy

I recently had my first oil change oil change on my Honda Civic Hybrid. Unfortunately, the 0W-20 oil was a little difficult to find so I had to buy it from a dealership. Hopefully, this will not be the case 10,000 miles down the road when I have my next oil change! Other than that, I have enjoyed my Honda Civic Hybrid.

Regarding "Hybrid Oil" being like a "Diet Pill Scam" - my initial reaction was more or less like that as well. But after thinking about it a little - there is one fundamental difference between a gas engine in a hybrid and others - it is asked to run at LESS than maximum temperature more often, since it is always prone to being shut off. Oil at lower temperatures causes more drag on the ICE; a lower viscosity will compensate.

Alex,

(1) My hybrid insight runs at the same temperature as my other cars. I disagree with your statement.

(2) Even if lower viscosity is, for some reason, beneficial to hybrids..... why do we need a "special hybrid oil"? Why can't I just use the run-of-the-mill 5W-20?




I'll take some of that. ;-)

troy

Maximum temperature yes, average no. Plus, I was referring to a Prius, which can turn off the engine much more often. I can make a 5 mile trip with my Prius, and there is barely any heat to be felt under the hood. My Corolla would be at full operating temperature for sure.

Really? I thought the Prius was designed to keep itself (and its catalyst) at normal temperatures (~180F), and would turn itself on if it got too cold?

Also, you didn't answer my other question:

(2) Even if lower viscosity is, for some reason, beneficial to hybrids..... why do we need a "special hybrid oil"? Why can't I just use the run-of-the-mill 0W-20?

troy

I think this "special Hybrid oil" is just special packaging for 0W - 20. You can probably use 5W, but my HCH calls for 0W.

Billy

Although the Prius engine will eventually get to the same "normal" temperatures eventually, it definately runs more often at less than normal temperatures than a conventional car. The engine will warm-up a little when first turned on, but it definitely shuts off WAY before normal temperature if it is not needed. On a typical morning, the ICE will start and run for 10 or 15 seconds, and then I can drive all the way out of my community (3-5 minutes) before it starts again.

As far as "Hybrid Oil" - who knows? Could be marketing, could be some differences in additives. I guess it depends on whether or not you think Shell or Exxon gas is better for your car than what you get from generic stations.

I don't understand why 0W oil is needed. The only place that gets cold enough to freeze the 5W oil is Alaska, and only Alaskans should need 0W.

troy

The first few seconds of operation causes the greatest engine wear. A 70s book stated the first 10 seconds of cranking a car equaled 500 miles of wear cruising on the freeway after warmed up.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated