My point is, as long as you have the dealer service the car, the onus is on them to use oil that is compliant to the warranty specs. No chance of voiding the warranty.
I understand that but my point was that the dealer has changed the requirement on their own say-so. This may or may not be a good argument and justification for using another oil should you choose to go (or even have to go) somewhere else.
Tell you what: When I can, I'll ask at my local dealer to see what they'd say about mandatory use of synthetic oil and its use compared to using the dino that the majority will use.
I still don't believe that the dealer can say that you must use synthetic oil when it clearly says in the O/M that synthetic may be used but that any oil with the proper requirements is the specified.
To my mind your dealer is being a bit heavy handed -- and at your expense. The difference in cost between a dino and synthetic oil change here is about double: $50 as opposed to $100 in round figures.
You should at least have the option to use an oil that the oil company has worked with the Honda to develop to meet the requirements of their engines.
No?
The other angle of course is engine break-in. There's still a following that believes that the first 10k miles on a car is crucial to proper engine break-in.
Apparantly from what I've read, you can't get that same break-in using synthetics. They're just too slippery and exhibit different characteristics than dino oil.
It simply does not give the same wear that's needed for valves to seat, and for rings and pistons to mate properly.
I'm not sure if that thinking has completely gone out the window, but I still believe in it and should have the option to follow thru with it.
Food for thought don't you think?
C.