Honda is of course a big time brand name when it comes to the automotive industry, and the Honda Civic is one of the most popular models from this auto manufacturer.
Of course, finding the right best oil for Honda Civics can be hard. After all, there is a plethora of choices out there, and you may not know which one to go with.
Today we are here to help you find the best oil for Honda Civic. We’ve got a great buyer’s guide, we’ve answered all of your questions, and reviewed some of the top products as well.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
No, Civic not a huge truck or anything like that, just a normal, little, affordable car, one with some pretty decent fuel mileage too.
Now, that being said, just like any other vehicle, the Honda Civic requires regular maintenance to remain in good working condition. A big part of this is ensuring that your Civic has the best possible oil for the engine, and that you change it whenever required.
- Ideal for turbo charged Civics
- Great for fuel economy
- Also ideal for low temperatures
- Great for newer engines
- Keeps engines clean
- Reduces friction
- Ideal for high mileage Civic
- Good fuel economy
- Removes and prevents buildups
- Minimal oil burn off
- Great for fuel economy
- Good for newer engines
- Great for newer engines
- Optimal engine protection
- Prevents buildups and rusting
- Ideal for newer engines
- Protects against buildups, wear, and corrosion
- Helps maximise fuel economy while minimizing emissions
- Great for long term protection
- Ideal for older vehicles
- Maximum rejuvenation, cleaning, and protection
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
ZEPRO Eco Medalist 0W-20 Engine Oil
API Premium Grade 0W-20 Detergent Oil has enhanced thermal stability with high temperature deposit control technology to help protect turbocharged engines. This particular option is designed to reduce wear and friction, and thanks to the specific viscosity rating, it performs very well in low temperatures.
The detergents formula used here helps to remove old buildups throughout the engine and also helps prevent new buildups. API Premium Grade 0W-20 Detergent Oil is also a good option for improving fuel economy. Finally, this is actually one of the more eco-friendly oils out there.
Honda Civic Oil Recommended by Manufacturer
When it comes to finding the best engine oil for Honda Civics, the first place you always need to look is in the owner’s manual. So, we took a look at the 2019 Honda Civic owner’s manual.
Yes, the 20202 Honda Civic Coupe, and a couple of other specialized versions are on the market already, but not the basic Civic, so we stuck with the 2019 model. Let’s remember that the 2019 Honda Civic has a total oil capacity of 3.4 quarts.
At any rate, according to the official manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the 2019 Honda Civic, there are specific oil that are recommended above all others. Right now we want to take a look at both of the best engine oils for Honda Civics according to the manufacturer.
Honda Civic Oil Recommended By Mileage
Are you short on time or just want a quick answer?
Check out our list below for a summary of our results.
- ZEPRO Eco Medalist 0W-20 Engine Oil
- Honda Genuine 0W-20 Motor Oil - Manfuacturer Recommendation
- Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 (For High Mileage Civic)
- Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
- AmazonBasics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Liqui Moly TOP TEC 0W20 Engine Oil
Something that you should be aware of is the fact that engines don’t all need the same oil, and here we are not talking about different engine types or even vehicle models. Here we are talking about mileage. That’s right people, newer engines and older engines don’t requite the same oil.
Sure, you could use good old Genuine 0W-20 Honda Oil for the full lifespan of your vehicle, but that would not exactly be ideal.
Newer engines generally benefit from motor oil that helps provide good protection from wear and friction, but also improves overall engine performance and fuel economy. It’s a new engine, so it should still be in prime condition.
However, older car models where the engines have already gone through a good deal of use are different. Sure, performance and fuel economy is still important here, but what is more important is maximum protection for older engines.
Oil for older engines needs to provide lots of protection, it needs to increase the lifespan of the engine, and even help seal and rejuvenate gaskets which may have begun wearing down.
So, let’s check out the Honda Civic recommended oil based on mileage. Let’s take a look at what the best engine oil for your Honda Civic in terms of how many miles are on the engine.
| Mileage | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| 0 – 75,000 | Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 |
| 75,000 – 150,000 | ZEPRO Eco Medalist 0W-20 Engine Oil |
| 150,000-300,000 | Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 |
Best Synthetic Oil for Honda Civic
Here we have a nice little selection of the best full synthetic oils for Honda Civics. Let’s take a closer look at each option right now. Keep in mind that the two recommended options from the manufacturer have already been reviewed above, so we’re going to leave those out of this section.
The top best product [hide]
ZEPRO Eco Medalist 0W-20 Engine Oil
Honda Genuine 0W-20 Motor Oil - Manfuacturer Recommendation
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30
Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
AmazonBasics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Liqui Moly TOP TEC 0W20 Engine Oil
Honda Civic Oil Type By Year
Something which you may not be aware of is that different Honda Civic models (from different years), may have different oil requirements compared to one another. Now, chances are pretty big that for the most part they’ll all need virtually the same oil and have the same specs, but there may be some notable differences. Let’s go through some of the most popular Honda Civic models by year to see what they oil requirements are like.
2016 Honda Civic Oil Type
The 2016 Honda Civic features either a 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter engine, depending on the specific model. The 2.0 liter engine comes with a standard 4 cylinder design capable of producing 158 horsepower. In terms of oil capacity, the 1.5 liter Honda Civic holds 3.7 quarts of oil, whereas the 2.0 liter engine model can hold 4.4 quarts of oil. The recommended oil type for the 2016 Honda Civic is SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil. It is not recommended to use a synthetic blend or natural engine oil, only full synthetic. This vehicle will get roughly 35 combined miles per gallon.
2015 Honda Civic Oil Type
Most 2015 Honda Civic models will come with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine capable of producing up to 143 horsepower. The higher end models, such as the Civic LX Sedan, come with either manual transmission or continuously variable transmission. The oil capacity for this particular model comes in at 3.9 quarts. Honda recommends that fully synthetic 0W-20 motor oil be used, although 5W-20 motor oil can be used if needed. This vehicle will get roughly 32 combined miles per gallon.
2013 Honda Civic Oil Type
Most 2013 Honda Civics will feature a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine capable of putting out up to 140 horsepower, complete with a 5 speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. This particular vehicle features an oil capacity of 3.9 quarts. Honda recommends that SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, by Idemitsu be used for the 2013 Honda Civic. This vehicle will get roughly 32 combined miles per gallon.
2012 Honda Civic Oil Type
Most 2012 Honda Civic models will come with a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine capable of producing 140 horsepower (besides the performance Si model). This vehicle will get roughly 31 combined miles per gallon. The 2012 Honda Civic features a total oil capacity of 3.9 quarts. The recommended engine oil for the 2012 Honda Civic is a high mileage 0W-20 viscosity oil.
2008 Honda Civic Oil Type
The 2008 Honda Civic also features a 1.8 liter engine with 4 cylinders capable of producing up to 140 horsepower. This vehicle is available in a standard manual 5 speed transmission as well as an automatic transmission. This vehicle will get roughly 29 combined miles per gallon. In terms of oil capacity, the 2008 Honda Civic can hold 3.9 quarts of engine oil. The recommended oil type for this model of car is SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, by Eneos.
2001 Honda Civic Oil Type
The standard 2001 Honda Civic comes with a 4 cylinder 1.7 liter engine that can produce up to 127 horsepower. This vehicle will get roughly 31 combined miles per gallon. The 2001 Honda Civic can hold 3.7 quarts of motor oil. The recommended oil type for this model of car is SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, by Eneos.
Best Oils For Honda Civic Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
Now that we have looked at all of the possibilities in terms of the best oil for Honda Civics, let’s take a closer look at some of the important things that you need to know about your Honda Civic and its oil.
What Kind of Oil does a Honda Civic Take?
Most Honda Civics, the newer models, require 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil to be used. Older models sometimes may also use 5W-20 motor oil. Generally speaking, Honda Civics require oil with a lower viscosity rating capable of remaining fairly thin in cooler temperatures.
How to Change Oil on Honda Civic
Something you will have to do on a regular basis is to get the oil changed. After all, no engine oil lasts for ever. If you need to change the oil in your Honda Civic, but don’t know exactly how to do so, here we have included a nifty tutorial video to help you along your way.
How to Reset Oil Indicator on Honda Civic
Sometimes, even when you have just performed an oil change, the oil sensor light will not turn off. This is especially the case in older models. If you have just performed an oil change, but the oil change indicator light is still on, you will need to reset it. Follow the steps below to reset the oil change indicator light on your Honda Civic.
Insert your key into the ignition, and turn it to the “On” position but do not start the engine.
Press the “SEL” button on the steering column control panel until the words “Oil Life” appear on the odometer.
Press and hold the “SEL” button for approximately 10 seconds or until the “Oil Life” display begins to blink. Release the button when the display blinks.
Press and hold the “SEL” button for five seconds until the display flashes and the “Oil Life” display resets to 100 percent.
Honda Civics & Oil Viscosity
Something that is important to note about Honda Civic oil is that it needs to be of the right viscosity. The oil for this type of car, for most newer models, requires a viscosity rating of 0W-20, with a few exceptions requiring 5W-20 viscosity. It is important to note that these vehicles require oil which has the ability to stay fairly thin even in cold temperatures.
Some Quick Factors to Look for When Purchasing Oil for Honda Civic
Just so you are perfectly clear on what you need to look out for when purchasing motor oil for your Honda Civic, let’s quickly go over the most important considerations.
Be sure to get oil with the proper viscosity rating for the model of car in question.
Keep in mind how many miles are on your car. Older engines require oil designed to maximize the lifespan, whereas newer engines do well with oil designed to increase performance.
Make sure to research how much oil your Civic can hold, and then make a purchase based on that.
Pay attention to important features such as cleaning and protection, thermal breakdown, emissions levels, and oil burn off rates.
Which Engine Oil is Best for Honda Civic?
- Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
- API Premium Grade 0W-20 Detergent Oil
- Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
What Type of Oil Does a Honda Civic Take?
The oil for this type of car, for most newer models, requires a viscosity rating of 0W-20, with a few exceptions requiring 5W-20 viscosity.
- Castrol 06006 GTX MAGNATEC 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Liqui Moly TOP TEC 0W20 Engine Oil
- Amsoil Boosted XL 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
How Much is Honda Civic Oil?
You can expect to spend between $30 and $100 for Honda Civic oil. Here are the top products that come in at the lowest prices.
- AmazonBasics 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
- API Premium Grade 0W-20 Detergent Oil
How Much Oil does a Honda Civic Take?
Depending on the model, your average Honda Civic will hold between 3.7 and 3.9 quarts of oil.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the most important thing for you to do is to always research the specific model of Honda Civic that you have. The worst thing you could do here is to use the wrong kind of oil for your Honda Civic. Remember that the vast majority of models require fully synthetic 0W-20 oil. Today we have reviewed 7 such products including both of the ones recommended by the manufacturer, and we would absolutely recommend sticking with these particular products.
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