[Chris C]

My old 2008 Ridgeline has 207,000 miles. Oil change came due this week and I poured in 10W30 instead of 5W20!!!!! Just picked up the wrong jug off the shelf by accident and didn't catch it until I was pouring. Will this be okay for one cycle, or should I just bite the bullet and buy another jug of Mobil 1 and drain the other?

 

[zroger73]

Even if you left it in for the entire oil change interval, the worst thing you'd likely experience is slightly higher fuel consumption and the engine might turn over a little slower in very cold temperatures. What little extra wear might occur would be almost immeasurable. Having said that, my OCD self would immediately drain the oil, replace the filter, and pour in the right stuff. If I were a normal person, I wouldn't give it another thought. If you've ever had anyone else change your oil (dealer, fast lube, etc.) there is a chance it's had the wrong oil in it previously.

 

[Chris C]

Well, we must truly be brothers. I'm definitely OCD and wouldn't mind wasting the money to buy the proper oil. Think I'll do just that. Thanks.

 

[Carsmak]

And the flip side of that is at 207k the engine wear has already occurred, and you may find it would actually be an improvement in operation. If it was me at most I'd drain it and use it next spring, and I certainly wouldn't change the filter.

 

[Chris C]

I tow a Casita Travel Trailer with this Ridgeline. Would you still recommend I use that oil in the Spring?

 

[Carsmak]

Personally even more so, the low number is related to the cold weather (sub-zero and below) and the flow properties while cold. The high number has to do with the high temp operating conditions (the point where it loses viscosity).

 

[cccbock]

With 207K on the ODO I wouldn't change it, or else drain it and use it in the spring. I'm guessing the wear clearances on the bearings and such are enough at this point that the extra viscosity will actually help when it is warm out, especially when pulling a trailer.

All of us new guys use 0W-20 which would be a much bigger jump. You should be fine either way.

 

[rollinhonda]

Speaking of cold weather, temps have really dropped in the last week in central CA. The Ridge feels great...it really responds to the cold dense air.

 

[zroger73]

Speaking of cold weather, temps have really dropped in the last week in central CA. The Ridge feels great...it really responds to the cold dense air.

I was noticing this a few weeks ago during our first wave of cooler temperatures. I've never had a vehicle that experienced such a noticeable performance improvement due to cold air as the Ridgeline - the improved throttle response and acceleration are truly marked.

 

[ridged]

Speaking of cold weather, temps have really dropped in the last week in central CA. The Ridge feels great...it really responds to the cold dense air.

I was noticing this a few weeks ago during our first wave of cooler temperatures. I've never had a vehicle that experienced such a noticeable performance improvement due to cold air as the Ridgeline - the improved throttle response and acceleration are truly marked.

Could the difference be attributed to winter fuel mix?

 

[zroger73]

It's always been the same tank of fuel for me - the only variable has been a temperature decrease.

 

[speedlever]

In the world of aviation, pistons or turbines, cold air rules (be it lift or power)!

BTW, I'm with the others on this. I don't think it will be an issue at all, but that OCD thing costs me money all the time.