What Kind of Oil Does a Honda Civic Take?

By Tom Newman

If there’s one task that will make your life easy while using your Honda Civic, it’s using the right type of engine oil. But what kind of oil does a Honda Civic take? 

You might have come across different types of oils that have seemed similar. However, using different types of oil in your Honda Civic can affect its performance, longevity, and fuel efficiency.

In this post, we explain what type of oil you should be using on your Honda Civic so as to get the best out of your car.

Understanding Car Engine Oil

Before we tell you which is the best oil for your Honda Civic, you need first to understand why engine oil is important in your car.

The engine of any regular car consists of various moving parts. The main function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts, which results in less friction occurring within the engine.

Aside from that, it is also the role of oil to clean, cool, and protect the engine, specifically from overheating.

Hence, every serious owner should make sure that the right oil is being used for their car’s engine to ensure that the engine will not only run smoothly and efficiently but also provide comfort in driving on any type of road surface.

What Kind of Oil Does a Honda Civic Take?

Honda Civics are reliable and fuel efficient cars, but one of the reasons they run so well is that the oil changes with the correct type of oil.

Your Civic takes particular oil depending on the model year, type of engine, and your driving habits.

1. Viscosity Grade

One thing to be on the lookout for is the viscosity grade, which is the most important assessment of a single oil. Viscosity is the amount of thickness or the degree to which the oil can be made to flow.

For Most Modern Honda Civics (2006 and Newer): Honda suggests the use of 0W-20 oil. This oil is synthetic and works very well in both cold and hotter temperatures.

For Older Honda Civics (Before 2006): Such models might require 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil, depending on the year, model, and climate in which you drive.

2. Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Another important consideration is whether to use synthetic or conventional oil.

Synthetic Oil: This is the best oil to put in most modern Honda Civics. Synthetic oil is created to last longer and provide better performance, particularly in extreme hot and cold temperatures, as well as protect against engine wear.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Conventional Oil: Conventional oil is at least a little less expensive. But it doesn’t provide as good of an overall level of protection or performance as the synthetic variety would, especially if your ride is anything more recent than some beat up Honda Civic you have going. Or if you aren’t changing your oil as frequently.

3. Oil Capacity

Of course, it is just as important to know the oil capacity of your Honda Civic in order to have enough oil, but not too much, when you buy it.

For Most Honda Civics with a 1.8L or 2.0L Engine: The oil capacity is typically around 3.7 to 4.2 quarts (3.5 to 4.0 liters).

For Performance Models Like the Civic Si or Type R: It tends to have a higher oil capacity, so the main thing is always to check the owner’s manual for the specific amount that your make and model requires.

Does Honda Civics Need Synthetic Oil? 

Specifically, 2006 and up Honda Civics are best served with synthetic oil. This type of oil is specifically designed to better protect modern engines, like Civics, from the wear and tear of daily use.

The extra protection is thanks to the fact that synthetic oil provides better lubrication, better engine wear protection, and better performance in both hot and cold conditions.

Furthermore, it is possible to drive much longer between oil changes compared with conventional oils, which makes it more convenient and cheaper.

Does Honda Civics Need Synthetic Oil? 

Older Honda Civics would be fine using regular oil in their engine. Still, new models are so refined and built to have extra close tolerances that synthetic oil is always recommended if you want your Civic to run as it was designed to.

The smallest breakdown in the engine and you could run the risk of reduced fuel efficiency.

You know you will only get top of the range performance if you use synthetic oil to keep your Civic happy. Check your owner’s manual for what type of oil your model Civic requires.

Why Using the Right Oil Matters?

Using the correct oil type and grade is vital for several reasons:

Engine Longevity

The right type of oil makes sure that the moving parts of a car’s engine work well by keeping them nicely coated so that there is no friction, wear to the parts, and longer life of the engine.

Fuel Efficiency

Properly lubricated engines run more efficiently, which can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Why Using the Right Oil Matters

Warranty Compliance

It is frequently a requirement of the dealership to keep a Honda Civic under warranty.

Environmental Impact

This caused more damage to the environment. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, tend to be more eco-friendly because they last longer, so engines don’t have to be taken in to change.

How Often Should You Change the Oil?

Honda recommends changing the oil in your Civic every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you use synthetic oil and earlier if you use conventional oil, say every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Driving habits can change this. Frequent short trips (under five minutes) or driving in very cold or hot weather can mean more frequent oil changes are required.

FAQs on What Kind of Oil Does a Honda Civic Take

What Type of Oil Should I Use for My Honda Civic?

According to Honda, for the majority of modern Honda Civic (made after 2006), ‘0W-20 synthetic oil is recommended to provide excellent protection and performance in a range of temperatures.’ Cars made prior to 2006 will often take 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil. Look in your owner’s manual for what type of oil is used for the year and engine of your car.

Can I Use Conventional Oil Instead of Synthetic Oil in My Honda Civic?

You can use standard oil, but for most newer Honda Civics, we recommend using synthetic oil. Synthetics offer better engine protection, last longer, and are better in extreme temperatures. However, if you go conventional, change it more often.

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Honda Civic?

For synthetic oil, that interval is 7,500 to 10,000 miles and 3,000 to 5,000 for conventional oil. Your driving habits and road conditions could affect the change interval as well.

What is the Oil Capacity of a Honda Civic?

Most models of Honda Civics with a 1.8L (non Si) or 2.0L engine (excluding performance models such as the Civic Si or Type R) are in the range of 3.7 to 4.2 quarts or 3.5 to 4.0 liters. Those who have a performance model such as the Civic Si or Type R, as well as Civics with a VTEC engine, are likely to have an oil Capacity of 4.4 Quarts (4.19 liters) for a standard fill and 4.8 Quarts (4.47 liters) for an extended fill. Since every car is different, always refer to your owner’s manual.

What Happens If I Use the Wrong Type of Oil in My Honda Civic?

Using the incorrect type of oil can result in engine performance issues, poor fuel economy, and potentially engine damage, and using the wrong oil will void your new car warranty. Always use the recommended oil type and grade listed in your owner’s manual for maximum performance and protection. 

Conclusion

If you drive a Honda Civic, then you must ensure that your Civic is maintained with the correct grade of engine oil. It matters not whether you drive a new Civic or a noble old one.

It does not matter which country you drive in, and the oil must be of the correct type, with the correct viscosity gradient and the correct quantity. The owner’s manual will provide details of the correct oil to use.

There might be improvements over time, so you should always check. You should certainly consult a specialist if you are uncertain.

 If you follow these steps, your Honda Civic will go the distance and provide service you can count on, mile after mile.

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