What Type of Oil Does the Civic Use?
3 Answers
For both the Honda Civic 1.0T and 1.5T models, the recommended oil type is 0W20 (5L), using fully synthetic oil with a replacement interval of 10,000 kilometers. Recommended brands include international options such as Mobil, Shell, and Castrol, as well as domestic brands like Great Wall, Tongyi, and Kunlun, all of which are suitable. Honda Civic Oil Filter Replacement Guide: 1. Open the Engine Cover: Lift the four clips on the cover. 2. Extract the Oil: This can be done using a lift or an electric oil pump. Remove the oil dipstick, insert the extraction tube into the dipstick hole, ensuring it reaches the bottom to fully extract the oil. 4. Install the New Oil Filter: After extracting the oil, use a wrench and socket to remove the old oil filter. Clean any excess oil from the contact surface and install the new oil filter. (Note: Most oil filters are located on the top, but some models have them installed near the engine oil pan.) 5. Check the Oil Level: After adding new oil, check the oil level to ensure it is neither too high nor too low using the dipstick. First, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a tissue, reinsert it, then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick for normal operation.
I've been driving a 10th-gen Civic for three years, and the manual clearly states to use 0W-20 oil. This viscosity is particularly suitable for Earth Dreams engines, providing smooth cold starts like silk-stocking milk tea. During my last maintenance at the dealership, I noticed they used Idemitsu full synthetic oil with the API SP certification marked on the barrel. If you frequently drive on highways, you might consider upgrading to 5W-30—I felt the engine sound was more robust at high RPMs during my last long trip. A reminder: avoid using mineral oil, as modern direct-injection engines are quite sensitive. My neighbor used cheap oil and ended up with the check engine light on at just 5,000 km. Also, don’t exceed an 8,000 km oil change interval—the dealership mechanic mentioned that Honda’s oil filters are relatively small, so shortening the interval is safer.
The experienced mechanic at the repair shop told me that the Civic isn't picky about oil. While the manufacturer recommends 0W-20, older models can use 5W-30, especially for cars over ten years old. Once I helped check a burning-oil Civic for a customer, and switching to 5W-40 viscosity immediately improved the situation. The key is to ensure it's genuine oil—there are too many fakes in auto parts markets. Last week, I received an engine with cylinder scoring due to fake oil; even the bearing shells were scratched. For DIY maintenance, trusted brands like Shell Helix Ultra are safer. Oh, and in northern winters, it's best to use 0W-grade oil—it can still start the engine at minus twenty degrees Celsius.
