How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is unique among vehicles, as the first compact SUV crossover. It has a few unique fluid specifications too: Like many newer vehicles with low tolerances in the engine, 5W20 engine oil viscosity is recommended unless you have a high mileage vehicle. Also, the recommended antifreeze is already mixed with water and so shouldn't be further diluted.

Instructions

1

Change your Honda CR-V engine oil regularly. Use 5W20 in newer vehicles with little wear; the close engine tolerances require relatively light oil viscosity for full lubrication. If you have high mileage or extreme engine wear, 5W30 or even 10W30 may be appropriate.

2

Use only Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant type 2 in your Honda CR-V. This coolant is pre-mixed to the proper ratio of water with antifreeze, so make sure not to further dilute it. If Honda brand coolant isn't available, any major silicate-free coolant brand may be used as a temporary substitute. Most of these are not pre-diluted, so make sure to read the label carefully and dilute with distilled water as necessary.

3

Fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a good quality windshield washer fluid that has sufficient antifreeze protection for expected temperatures in your area.

4

Maintain your transmission's long life and warranty by using only Honda ATF-Z1 automatic transmission fluid.

5

Top off your brake fluid reservoir with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. If this isn't available, you may use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary substitute. Using a non-recommended brake fluid like DOT 5 in your Honda CR V may lead to extensive brake damage.

6

Refill your rear differential fluid with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II only.

7

Keep using Honda Power Steering Fluid exclusively in your power steering fluid reservoirs. You can use other power steering fluids, but only as temporary substitutes.