Change conventional oil in an older Honda Fit every 3,000 miles. You may last as long as 7,5000–10,000 miles between oil changes with the right synthetic oil.

Written by Rachel Rigolino

Edited by Melanie Krieps Mergen

Updated on Apr 14, 2023

Table of Contents

How often does a Honda Fit need an oil change?
What kind of oil does a Honda Fit need?
How much does an oil change cost for a Honda Fit?
How to change the oil in a Honda Fit yourself
What happens if you don’t change the oil in a Honda Fit?

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Your Honda Fit may need an oil change as often as every 3,000 miles with conventional oil or up to every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with a synthetic option, depending on its requirements.

How often you should change your Honda Fit’s engine oil will depend on your model year, engine type, and what kinds of driving conditions are typical for you.
Your Honda Fit’s model year and the type of engine it has will also determine what oil type it requires.
To save time and money, you can change the oil in your Honda Fit at home.

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How often does a Honda Fit need an oil change?

Your owner’s manual will tell you how often your Honda Fit will need an oil change. Your Fit’s model year, engine type, and typical driving conditions can all have an impact on how often your motor oil will need to be changed.

If your Honda Fit is 2008 or older, change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles when using conventional motor oil.

If you are using full synthetic motor oil or a synthetic blend in a newer model (2009+), change your oil and filter every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Keep in mind: Your Honda Fit’s oil life is also determined by your driving conditions. If you drive short distances in stop-and-go traffic, or your area experiences extreme temperatures, you may want to change your Honda Fit’s oil and filter earlier than that, even if you use synthetic oil.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on your engine oil level and condition between oil changes (ideally around once a month). If your dipstick shows your motor oil level is low, you may need to top it off, and if the oil is dark brown or black and gritty, you might be past due for an oil change.

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What kind of oil does a Honda Fit need?

Your owner’s manual will also tell you the correct motor oil type for your Honda Fit’s particular model year and engine type. Be careful to choose the appropriate ILSAC GF-4 and GF-5 oil for your Honda Fit. Typical oil viscosity requirements for the Honda Fit are 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30.

It’s important to know your Honda Fit’s required oil type, because using the incorrect kind can result in serious (and expensive) damage to your engine components, as well as other parts of your vehicle.

How much does an oil change cost for a Honda Fit?

A Honda Fit oil change price will vary depending on whether professionals change your oil and what type of oil you are using.

Professional cost

The cost of a professional oil change service for your Honda Fit may range from $92 to $107.

Keep in mind: Most service outlets and car dealerships also throw in a multi-point inspection of key components and may check and fill your tires, top up your power steering fluids, and perform a tire rotation.

DIY cost

If you own a Honda Fit, you can save money by changing the oil and filter yourself. A quart of 5W-20 costs between $4 and $13, but you can find 5 quarts for between $10 and $40. You’ll also need to buy a filter ($10-15).

How to change the oil in a Honda Fit yourself

These instructions are based on changing the oil in a 2008 to 2013 Honda Fit. You can apply the basic principles to other models/years, but always consult your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle.

What you’ll need:

4 quarts of oil (check your owner’s manual for specific type and grade)

Honda Fit oil filter (for your model)

Honda Fit oil filter wrench (for your model)

17 mm wrench

Car jack

Jack stands

Drain pan

Plastic container to dispose of old oil

Wheel chocks (recommended)

Disposable gloves and protective eye gear (recommended)

1. Warm up the engine

If the weather is cold, start your engine and let it run to thin out and help the oil flow better. Make sure to park your Honda Fit in a level area. Then turn off the engine once the engine is warmed up.

2. Secure the car

Jack up your car and use jack stands to secure it in place. Use wheel chocks for added stability.

3. Drain the old oil

Open your car’s hood and unscrew the oil fill cap. Get underneath the car and remove the drain bolt and washer using the 17mm wrench. Let the oil drain into your drain pan for at least 15 minutes.

Note: Many Honda Fit models have a skid plate protecting the oil pan. If your model does, you will need to take off the skid plate to get to the drain bolt.

Install a new washer in your drain plug to prevent leaks. Then, be sure to reinstall and tighten the oil drain plug.

4. Remove the old filter

Take out the old filter and O-ring using the Honda Fit oil filter wrench. Check that the filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine’s surface.

5. Install the new oil filter

Wipe away any dirt and residue from the engine block. Lubricate the new oil filter O-ring with oil and install the new filter.

Pour 3.5 quarts of oil into the oil fill opening. Replace the oil fill cap, making sure that it’s screwed in tightly, and start the engine. Check for leaks from the drain bolt and oil filter while you run the engine for a few minutes.

6. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, stop and wait for 3 minutes. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if necessary.

If you have a skid plate, be sure to reinstall it once you have checked for leaks.

7. Reset the oil change reminder

Use your car’s multi-information display to reset the oil change reminder.

8. Dispose of the old oil according to regulations

Never dump old oil onto the ground or put it into a garbage can as this can harm the environment. In most states, retailers that sell motor oil or perform oil changes will take your old oil.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in a Honda Fit?

The combustion process that takes place in your engine is what allows you to put your Honda Fit in motion—and the right motor oil keeps parts working smoothly to ensure it happens.

Without proper lubrication, serious problems with engine parts—including total engine failure—can result.

Changing your Honda Fit’s oil is a bit like going to a doctor for a checkup. It’s part of preventative maintenance—and while oil changes cost money upfront, they can extend the life of your engine and prevent more expensive problems down the road.