The 2012 Honda Civic LX has an oil capacity of 3.9 quarts. Keep reading for what type of oil your Honda Civic needs, how often to change it, and more!

Written by Jessica Gibson

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

2012 Honda Civic LX engine oil capacity
How often to change the oil on a 2012 Honda Civic LX
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

The 2012 Honda Civic LX is one of the most practical, fuel-efficient compact cars on the road today. But, if you want to keep your Honda running reliably, you’ve got to know its oil capacity.

Whether you’re topping up the oil in your Honda’s engine or doing a complete oil change yourself, it’s important to use the right oil and amount for your 2012 Honda Civic LX. If you’d rather not hunt for your car’s manual—or you just want some guidance—

Jerry

is here for you.

Jerry, the

car insurance

expert and

trustworthy super app

, has everything you need about your 2012 Honda Civic LX’s oil capacity. To save time and garage costs, keep reading.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

2012 Honda Civic LX engine oil capacity

So, just how much engine oil does a 2012 Honda Civic LX need?

Your Honda’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine has an oil capacity of 3.9 quarts, or 3.69 liters. Keep in mind that oil capacity, the amount of oil your vehicle needs for each oil change, isn’t the same as engine displacement—the volume that the cylinders take up (1.8 liters in the case of your Honda).

What kind of oil does a 2012 Honda Civic LX need?

You might be ready to rush out and buy engine oil, but you’ve got to know what oil is best for your Honda Civic. Honda recommends that you use genuine Honda motor oil—specifically, premium grade 0W-20.

If you can’t find genuine Honda motor oil, don’t worry. You can use a high-quality synthetic blend as long as it meets the same requirements—0W-20. These numbers tell you about the oil’s viscosity, which is how thick it is. With a range of 0W-20, this engine oil has no trouble lubricating your engine in cold weather or at higher temperatures.

If you’re not going with the premium Honda motor oil, here are some other options:

Additional manufacturer recommendations: Choose Honda’s Signature Series oil or Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil in 0W-20.

For high-mileage vehicles: Consider using Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 or Mobil 1 High Mileage 0W-20 oil.

For fuel efficiency: If you want to get the most mileage out of your Honda’s fuel tank, try Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 engine oil.

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How often to change the oil on a 2012 Honda Civic LX

You know your Honda’s engine oil capacity. You know what type of oil it needs. Now, you need to figure out if your 2012 Honda Civic LX needs an oil change.

Honda recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles—that’s the standard recommendation for most conventional oil. However, since Honda suggests using synthetic oil, you can get a lot more mileage and time between each oil change.

If you’re using synthetic engine oil, plan on changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

If you can’t remember when you last changed the oil on your 2012 Honda Civic LX, go ahead and check the oil level. While you’re at it, look for these signs that your car is overdue for an oil change:

Dark brown or black engine oil (it should be light brown or pale gold)

Motor oil feels sandy or gritty

Unfamiliar engine noises

Unpleasant smells, especially oily, smoky, or burning smells

Changes in how your car performs

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How to change your oil and oil filter

Ready to get your hands dirty? Gather all of your supplies—you’ll need a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, replacement filter, and five quarts of premium-grade 0W-20 engine oil. It also helps to have a funnel and some spare rags handy.

Turn on the engine and run it for up to five minutes so the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Then, switch off the Honda, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap—it’s the black cap with the oil grade printed on it

Get underneath the engine and find the old drain bolt

Set the drain pan directly below the bolt

Use the socket wrench to remove the oil drain bolt and washer

Drain all of the old oil and replace the drain bolt and washer

Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new one (don’t forget to spread a thin layer of oil around the edges of the filter, so it’s easier to remove next time)

Set a funnel in the engine and refill the engine with new 0W-20 engine oil (remember to screw the fill cap back on)

Just a few more steps before you’re done! Run the engine for 10 to 15 seconds and shut it off. Then, use the dipstick to check that the oil level is correct. You should see oil between the two marks or crosshatches on the dipstick. If it’s too low, pour in more oil and check the dipstick again.

Once you’re done with the oil change, it’s time for proper cleanup. You can’t pour dirty oil onto the ground or into the trash. Transfer it to a sealed container and take it to your local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Now that your 2012 Honda Civic LX is running great, take a few minutes to give your car insurance a check-up. After all, policies change, and you might have different coverage needs.

Enter

Jerry

, the car insurance expert and trusted comparison tool. Download the Jerry app and answer a few quick questions. In less than one minute, you’ll have competitive

car insurance

quotes sourced from over 55 of the nation’s top insurers.

The good news doesn’t stop there! Jerry will perform regular price maintenance, so you know you’re always getting the best rates on car insurance for your Honda Civic.

“I decided to try
Jerry
because my car insurance had been increasing drastically with each policy renewal. Jerry found me multiple ways to save after entering just a few pieces of info! I’m saving almost $70 a month after choosing Nationwide.” —Ish M.