that can add years to your car's life. If you know how much oil your Honda CR-V needs and what kind of oil works best, you can do this work yourself and save a lot of money.

In this

car repair

article, we'll talk about the 2005 Honda CR-V's engine oil capacity—as well as the right types of oil to use and how to change the oil yourself.

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2005 Honda CR-V engine oil capacity

To properly perform your own oil change, you need to know your vehicle's engine oil capacity.

Your 2005 Honda CR-V has a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that requires 4.4 quarts (or 4.2 liters) of oil. If you want to double-check, you can always look in your CR-V’s owner's manual, but be careful not to mistake the oil capacity listed there for the engine's displacement, because they’re not related.

The volume of your engine’s cylinders is your displacement—2.4 liters. Oil capacity is the amount of oil required to keep an engine's moving parts functional and well-lubricated.

If you went by your 2005 CR-V’s displacement rather than your true oil capacity, you could risk permanently damaging your engine by underfilling it. This is also why checking your oil level with your dipstick is so important!

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What kind of oil does a 2005 Honda CR-V need?

Now that you know your CR-V's oil capacity, let's take a look at the oil type! That's right, any old oil won't do. When maintaining your 2005 Honda CR-V, Honda recommends SAE 5W-20 oil. Let’s break the meaning of these numbers down.

You can keep your Honda CR-V engine running smoothly through the winter and beyond by using low-viscosity oil. The "W" indicates that the oil is suitable for use during the winter months, and the “5” it’s paired with represents its viscosity when cold starting in freezing temperatures. The “20” represents its viscosity at standard engine operating temperatures.

The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is the organization responsible for setting industry standards for oil viscosity.

Synthetic oil is also okay to use, as long as you pick out the correct viscosity grade.

MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?

How often to change the oil on a Honda CR-V

Oil changes for a 2005 Honda CR-V should be performed at least every 10,000 miles, according to the 2005 CR-V’s owner’s manual. The oil should be changed at least once a year, no matter how often or how far you drive, to prevent debris buildup from turning into sludge.

However, if you’re driving your CR-V under more taxing conditions, it’s possible you may need to change your engine oil sooner than you’d expect, which is why it’s important to check it on a regular basis.

The oil level should be checked using the dipstick whenever you fill up with gas, or at the very least, once a month. Besides that, if you've noticed any issues, it's probably time for an

oil change

It's probably time to swap the oil in your Honda CR-V if you notice any of these warning signs:

Oil with a gritty or rougher texture

Black or dark brown oil

Strange smells, particularly anything that smells burnt or smoky

Strange noises coming from engine

Changes in your car's performance

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How long does an oil change take?

How to change your oil and oil filter

When changing your oil, always replace the oil filter too. If you're handy and want to save some money, you can do this project at home! You’ll just need the following tools:

Jacks

Socket wrench

Filter wrench

Drain pain

New filter

New 5W-20 oil

Rags

Before beginning the oil change, it’s recommended to warm up the engine for a few minutes until it reaches its normal operating temperature. Then, open the hood and do the following:

Use jack stands to raise the car so you can get to the engine.

Pull the oil drain plug out. Use the drain pan to catch the dirty oil that pours out.

Take out the old oil filter while the oil drains.

Put a thin layer of fresh oil on the gasket of the new oil filter before putting it in its place, and follow additional package instructions as necessary. Don't tighten your oil filter too much; just screw it on until it feels snug.

Reinstall the oil drain bolt and tighten it to 33 lb-ft with the torque wrench.

Put fresh 5W-20 motor oil in your 2005 Honda CR-V.

Then, just use your dipstick to check for oil leaks and ensure there is enough oil in the engine.

Getting rid of the dirty oil is the final step of any oil change! Bring your used oil to a recycling location that accepts it in a sealed container. You can check with your municipality to find out about drop-off locations if you’re having trouble locating any yourself. You shouldn't just toss it or leave it on the road!

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