What is the Best Oil for a Honda Civic Engine?

While owning a vehicle is a rite of passage for many adults, it does come with certain responsibilities. Part of responsible vehicle ownership is learning about your vehicle’s needs, the parts that must be replaced periodically, and the fluids, maintenance, and scheduled oil changes necessary to keep it running well. The better maintained your vehicle is, the safer it is to drive and the longer you can expect it to last.

If you’re a Honda Civic owner, you know that having the right oil consistency can help your quality vehicle make it well past the 200,000 mileage marker. Read on to learn about our suggestions for the best engine oil for your Honda Civic.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Auto mechanic checking oil at home closeup by Nenad Stojkovic is licensed with CC BY 2.0

First and foremost, when debating on what oil is best for your specific engine, it is good practice always to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. This information is typically located in your owner’s manual and can also be found on the manufacturer’s website or by consulting your dealership. While the Honda Civic is one of the most popular vehicles today, like any vehicle, regular maintenance is required to keep the machine in the best shape possible.

The typical Honda Civic has an oil capacity of 3.4 quarts. There are also specific oil recommendations that are preferred over others. When choosing your oil, consider your individual needs, driving habits, and the typical weather and road conditions you drive in.

Best Engine Oil for the Honda Civic

Because the Honda Civic remains one of the most popular makes and models of vehicles available today, there are many engine oil options to choose from. While engines don’t all need the same type of oil, some oils are better suited for younger vehicles, while others are best for the updated engines of newer vehicles. Some of the best engine oil options for a Honda Civic are:

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil
• Amazon Basics Full Synthetic Motor Oil
• Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil
• Mobil 1 High-Mileage 5W-30 Motor Oil
• Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20 Engine Oil

Each of these options takes into account the manufacturer’s recommended oil but makes adjustments for your vehicle’s needs, including your vehicle’s age, driving habits and needs, and even environmental awareness.

What Oil Does a Honda Civic Use?

When deciding what oil to select for your next oil change on your Honda Civic, keep the following considerations in mind.

Viscosity and Temperature

When selecting oil for your Honda Civic, you’ll want to go with 0W-20 oil. This type of motor oil requires synthetic bases and comes in either full synthetic or a synthetic blend (part synthetic). 0W-20 oils are not conventional mineral motor oils and need thinning out with additives to maintain a well-lubricated engine.

Brand

While some people make brand-specific choices, others look for the best deal. No matter your inclination, most of the 0W-20 oils on the market are fairly similar. You can choose the best price or go with a brand you trust.

Full Synthetic vs. Synthetic Blend

As a vehicle owner, it’s best to understand that what you put in your vehicle, including the type of gas you use, the radiator fluid, and the windshield wiper fluid, will impact your vehicle’s performance, longevity, and, consequently, your safety. When deciding whether to buy full synthetic oil or a blend, you’ll want to review what is important to you regarding performance and your budget. While a synthetic blend is cheaper and can work fine, we suggest going for quality in this case by choosing full synthetic.

The price difference you’ll pay for a better-quality product is minimal, and the benefits are immense. Putting full synthetic in your engine is best because it will perform better and can help extend the life of your engine through proper lubrication and maintenance.

Frequency of Oil Changes

While the owner’s manual will detail how best to decide on a maintenance schedule for your own Honda Civic, the typical timeline for most vehicles is every three months or 3,000 to 5,000 miles, whatever comes first. However, if you use full synthetic in your vehicle, you might be able to push the oil change back to every 10,000 miles. However, this change depends on your driving habits, road conditions, weather, and normal wear and tear on your vehicle.

The Damage of Poor Maintenance

Some vehicle owners may not see the value in routine maintenance at first, especially if your vehicle is new. However, the maintenance schedule is meant to keep you aware of vehicle changes and help you identify when to take proactive action to prevent irreparable damage. Failure to properly maintain oil levels in your engine, using the wrong oil, or not changing it when needed can result in long-term damage to your vehicle’s engine and the internal components.

So there you have it. Ike Honda has enjoyed sharing our thoughts on the best engine oil for your Honda Civic. Maintaining the appropriate oil level and using the right oil for your vehicle and needs will help prolong the life of your investment and keep you safe on the road. What do you think of our suggestions? Did we miss something you think is important? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we’ll be happy to check out what you have to say.