Regular Auto Oil in ATV

[Sodo]

Talked to a mechanic at the dealer and he said -- yes -- there is a difference and you should always use ATV oil. He didn't seem particularly worried about the auto oil currently in the machine. No need to do a flush or even change the filter. just drain and replace with the right stuff and all should be fine. So I've done that, took it out for a ride, and so far so good. Another crisis averted.

Oil threads are always a puzzlement. They go pages and pages and nobody suggests to look in the owners manual, where the MOST definitive answer is. If there was a special high-zoot oil available, wouldn't the engineers would downsize or cheapen the engine parts, then specify the high-zoot oil? YES they WOULD, because the ATV would sell for less. And that's what they DID! Use the oil recommended in the owners manual, it's been specified by EXPERTS. You don't have to use the recommended BRAND, just use the RATING. There is often some salesmanship in the manual too but they give you the bottom line.

The owners manual would cut a lot of discussions short. Of course the mechanic was not particularly worried, because he KNOWS that the oil you put in meets or exceeds the requirements PER THE OWNERS MANUAL. And if it didn't it's close enough. Mechanics know that oil failures (if ever) are from running out of oil, or some cases NOT changing the oil at all.

There is a system for it, easy to learn. The manual will specify a temperature range so you can choose the weight (10W-40 etc), and an API service rating, such as "SJ". The code "SJ" is kind of like numerical. Where SJ 'exceeds' SG for example (J being 'bigger' than G). So if the manual specifies SG, then you need SG, but can use higher rated oils such as SJ, SN too. If manual specifies SJ, then you can use SJ or SN (not SG). Oils rated "SJ" or higher are common, easy to find at any auto parts store. I bet your manual specifies SG. Think of G like "Garden Variety" where almost ANY clean oil is a blessing to your Honda.

Below is an example of an "SJ" rated oil. It says, 10W40 SJ

Your Honda is built like a tank. Change the oil per the owners manual and there will NEVER be an oil related failure, no averted crises, no headaches no wallet-aches. Your Hondas biggest danger is NOT the oil formulation, the MAIN danger is that you "might not change the oil for YEARS".

PS: if your Honda ATV has a belt drive there is no clutch inside to concern yourself with. And go easy on that drain plug - you should be able to screw it all the way in with your fingers!