2008 Honda Pilot Engine Oil Capacity
The 2008 Honda Pilot has an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. Here’s what to know.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Bellina Gaskey
With ample storage space and cargo room, along with impressive crash test scores, the 2008 Honda Pilot remains a safe and reliable choice for drivers today. But to keep this midsize crossover SUV running smoothly for miles to come, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.
While the 2008 Honda Pilot boasts near-luxurious appeal in a family-friendly package, it takes regular maintenance and repairs to keep any older vehicle performing well on the road. When combined with the price of
car insurance
and fuel, however, your vehicle costs can add up fast. Fortunately, there are ways to save on your Honda, including completing maintenance tasks—like changing your oil—at home! Here, we’ll go over your 2008 Honda Pilot engine oil capacity and the steps to complete an oil change in your own garage.
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Before you can start changing your oil, you’ll need to know some basic information about your Honda, like how much engine oil your 2008 Pilot needs. The 2008 Honda Pilot has an engine oil capacity of 4.5 quarts, or 4.3 liters.
Be careful not to mix this number up with your engine’s displacement. While the two volumes sound similar, they do not refer to the same thing. Your engine displacement refers to the 3.5-liter volume its cylinders take up, while your oil capacity tells you how much oil you’ll need each time you perform an oil change.
What kind of oil does a 2008 Honda Pilot need?
Another key piece of information you’ll need to find out about your vehicle is the type of oil it needs. Different oils will perform differently in each vehicle, so it’s important to use the one most compatible with your Honda.
Look for an 0W-20 full synthetic oil, preferably a Honda Genuine motor oil. That’s what Honda suggests.
The numbers in the oil grade (0W-20) tell us that the oil will perform well in cold weather conditions and that it won’t prematurely wear down your engine.
How can you tell? Each number in the grade refers to the oil's viscosity —i.e., how thick it is—while the “W” stands for winter. The number 0 in front of the “W” tells us that this oil has a low viscosity at 0°F (i.e, cold temperatures) and the number 20 tells us that the oil will maintain its lower viscosity at the blazing operating temperature of 212°F. Finally, a synthetic oil will provide greater protection for your engine than a conventional motor oil.
How often to change oil on a 2008 Honda Pilot
Now that you have some information about your Honda’s oil type, you can
change your oil
! So how do you know when your oil actually needs to be changed? According to Honda, you should have your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But that’s if you’re using conventional oil. If you’re using a synthetic, you can let more distance go by between changes, with experts recommending changing synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Another factor to consider when assessing your oil change interval is how often you drive your vehicle. If your vehicle isn’t being driven consistently, you can wait around six months before you should swap out your oil.
If you’re still unsure when to change your oil, there are some signs to look out for to ensure you’re changing it at the right time. If you notice that your oil appears dark brown or black or coarse and gritty in texture, it’s time to change your oil. Likewise, if you hear unfamiliar sounds or smell smoke coming from your engine, it’s probably due time for an oil change.
How to change your oil and oil filter
Now that you know it’s time to change your oil, you can collect the supplies you’ll need to change it. Ensure you’re equipped with a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter. Don’t forget a replacement filter and your five quarts of 0W-20 engine oil!
To start, let your engine reach its normal operating temperature by running the engine for a few minutes. Once it’s at the right temperature, turn off the engine and pop the hood of your Pilot.
Locate the oil reservoir under the hood and remove the oil fill cap. You’ll also need to remove the oil drain bolt and washer.
Let the old oil drain out into the drain pan while removing the old oil filter. You can then install the new filter and replace the bolt and washer.
Next, fill the reservoir with your fresh oil and tighten the fill cap.
Before you hit the road, let your engine run again for a few minutes to ensure there aren’t any leaks or issues with the new oil. If everything looks good, your dashboard’s
oil pressure light
should turn off. The final step: cleanup! Avoid dumping the dirty oil on the ground or putting it into a garbage bin. Instead, seal the oil in a container and take it to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Key Takeaway Your 2008 Honda Pilot takes 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. When changing your oil, make sure to replace the filter every time and dispose of the oil in a safe, legal way.
MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?
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