The right engine oil for your Honda garden tools, for a longer lifespan and optimal performance
Proper maintenance of your Honda tools, such as snow blowers, garden power tools and industrial machinery, extends their lifespan and ensures they continue to work efficiently and reliably. An important aspect of this maintenance is using the right engine oil. Find out in this blog how to choose the right engine oil, how much to use and what benefits Honda Genuine oil offers.
What four-stroke engine oils does Honda offer?
Honda has two types of engine oil in its range for use in its four-stroke engines: the 10W30 SJ mineral four-stroke engine oil and the 5W30 synthetic four-stroke engine oil. Both are designed to offer optimal performance and protection for your engine, but they differ in composition and applications.
10W30 SJ mineral four-stroke engine oil:
Top quality engine oil with a mineral oil base that has a high viscosity index. Developed exclusively for four-stroke power tools and outboard motors. This oil is an extremely reliable product with a pure composition, so it offers very good protection for the wet clutch and gearbox. That means this oil keeps the engine clean for longer.
- Especially designed to reduce oil residues. Keeps the gearbox and engine clean.
- Contains a high level of additives to limit wear and tear, offering good protection for the pistons, bearings and cogs in transmission components. Increases shear stability.
- Neutralises acids and by-products of combustion, as well as providing good rust prevention.
- Designed to reduce fuel consumption and polluting emissions in comparison to conventional 10W40 oils.
5W30 synthetic four-stroke oil
Synthetic four-stroke engine oil with excellent performance that protects the engine at both low and high temperatures.
- Specially developed formula that can stand up to high engine temperatures. This oil provides an effective reduction of oxidation and oil vapours to prevent the formation of sludge and deposits. It reduces oil and fuel consumption and minimises the emission of exhaust gases.
- The unique formula makes it easier to start the engine, with excellent start protection and reduced wear and tear in comparison to conventional engine oils.
- Superior anti-wear performance and protection for pistons, bearings and gear in transmission components. Increases shear stability.
- Effectively neutralises the acids and combustion by-products that occur in small engines.
- Superior rust prevention, which is especially important in seasonally or infrequently used engines.
Which Honda four-stroke engine oil should you use?
The distinction between the 10W30 SJ and 5W30 engine oils that Honda offers lies for the most part in their viscosity and composition. The oil you should choose for your Honda engine depends mainly on the surrounding temperature and the way you use your machine.
1. Viscosity
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10W30 SJ:
- Cold start (10W): The “10W” in 10W30 indicates how thick the oil is at cold temperatures. A 10W oil is thicker at cold temperatures than a 5W oil.
- Working temperature (30): The “30” in both oils refers to the viscosity at normal working temperatures. This means that the two oils have comparable viscosity at their working temperature (100°C), making both oils suitable for engines that work at normal temperatures.
- Use: This oil is better suited for use in warmer climates or situations where cold starts are not needed as often. In very cold surroundings, 10W30 may be less effective at lubricating the engine quickly after a cold start, which can lead to greater wear and tear.
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5W30:
- Cold start (5W): The “5W” in 5W30 means that this oil is thinner than 10W30 at cold temperatures. This results in greater fluidity and protection during a cold start, especially with low surrounding temperatures.
- Working temperature (30): Just like the 10W30, the 5W30 has a viscosity of 30 at working temperatures, which means that the two oils deliver comparable performance in normal working conditions.
- Use: The lower W value (5W) ensures that this oil flows faster and more easily through the engine at low temperatures, which is crucial to good protection during a cold start.
2. Composition
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10W30 SJ:
- Mineral oil: This oil has a mineral oil base with a high viscosity index. Mineral oil is more traditional and is obtained by refining crude oil.
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5W30:
- Synthetic oil: This is a synthetic oil designed chemically for better performance, particularly under extreme conditions.
How much oil should you use?
The amount of oil you should use depends on your specific Honda product. It is important to put the right quantity of oil into your machine to avoid damaging the engine. Too much oil can lead to overpressure and oil leaks, whereas too little oil will not provide sufficient lubrication.
- For small machines such as lawnmowers and trimmers, 0.6 litres are usually enough.
- For larger machinery or frequent use, containers of 1 litre or more may be required.
Honda offers various container sizes, from 100 ml to 208 litres. So there is always a handy container size available to suit your garden tools and how you use them.
How often should you check and change the oil in your power tools?
Regularly checking and changing the engine oil is a crucial aspect of maintaining your Honda garden power tools.
- Check the oil each time you use the tool, before you start: That way, you can be sure there is enough oil and that the oil is clean.
- Replace the oil after the first 20 hours of use: This is especially important with new machines or after a major servicing.
- Regular changing after 50 hours or at the start and end of the season: For frequent users, it is recommended to change the oil after every 50 hours of use. If you use your tools seasonally, it is best to change the oil at the beginning of each season and before you put the tools away for the winter.
The importance of regular servicing
Regular servicing of your Honda garden power tools keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. Checking and replacing the oil in good time prevents excessive wear and tear or expensive repairs. Proper maintenance both increases the lifespan of your tools and ensures optimal performance and safety during use.
Why opt for Honda Genuine Oil?
Using Honda Genuine engine oil offers a range of benefits that keep your garden power tools in top condition:
- Special composition: These oils are designed specifically for Honda engines and provide the best protection and performance.
- High-quality additives: Honda Genuine engine oil contains a high level of additives to limit wear and tear, and it offers superior protection against oxidation and rust.
- Reduces fuel consumption and emissions: Honda oils are designed to reduce fuel consumption and minimise polluting emissions, thus contributing to a cleaner environment.
- Reliability and durability: Honda Genuine oil increases the engine’s lifespan and guarantees reliable performance under different conditions.
Want to know which engine oil is best for your Honda tools? Contact your dealer for the best advice. Or book an appointment for periodic servicing of your tools now.
