The 2018 Honda Civic EX-T is one of the best cars in its class. It has excellent fuel economy and high performance, and manages to be both comfortable and athletic to drive. The EX-T in particular comes with impressive tech features, but sometimes you’ve got to go back to basics: engine oil. The Honda Civic EX-T oil capacity is 3.9 quarts.

Like any car, there’s more to this turbocharged car than special features. Knowing your car’s oil capacity is just as important as knowing how and when to change it. While you can usually find this information in your manual, we’re making it easy.

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has dug into the 2018 Honda Civic EX-T’s oil capacity so that you don’t have to. Here’s all the info you need to make sure your oil changes run as smoothly as your vehicle—plus some tips to find the best

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2018 Honda Civic EX-T engine oil capacity

So, how much engine oil does a 2018 Honda Civic EX-T need?

The 1.8-liter engine that powers the 2018 Civic has an oil capacity of 3.9 quarts or 3.7 liters. Be sure not to get mixed up between this and the engine’s displacement, which is the volume its cylinders take up. The oil capacity is the amount of oil required for each oil change—don’t assume those numbers are interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2018 Honda Civic EX-T need?

Once you know how much oil you need, it’s almost important to know what kind of oil to use. Pay attention to the recommendations from the manufacturer to make sure you’re giving your ride what it needs.

The Honda Civic EX-T owner’s manual recommends Premium-Grade 0W-20 Genuine Honda Motor Oil. The important details in the name explain the viscosity of the oil, or how thick it is. The first number is how viscous it is at 0°F. In this case, 0 means it’s not very viscous at all. The number 20 refers to its viscosity at 212°F.

There are other options available, though, so here are our top three suggestions for the 2018 Honda Civic EX-T:

The genuine article: To follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, use Honda Engine Oil.

For high-mileage vehicles: If you prefer to use conventional oil, Valvoline High Mileage Synthetic Blend Motor Oil 0W-20 is a great affordable option.

A high-quality synthetic blend: If you want to wait longer between oil changes you can give this a go - Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2018 Honda Civic EX-T

Now comes the potentially difficult part. You know how much oil your Honda Civic needs, but are you ready to

perform an oil change

yourself?

Honda recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil, while synthetic oil lasts longer and should be replaced every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

You should still be checking your oil regularly—at least once a month or every time you refuel your Honda. Watch for these signs that your car needs an oil change:

Dark brown or black oil

Coarse or gritty oil

Unfamiliar noises

Changes in performance

Smell of oil, smoke, or burning

MORE:

Can you add oil to a hot engine?

How to change your oil and oil filter

Before you get started changing the oil, you need to gather together the tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench, as well as a replacement filter and the new oil.

Here’s what you need to do:

Run the engine for about five minutes

Shut the engine off and open the hood

Remove the oil fill cap

Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, draining the old oil into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Run the engine for a few more minutes to check that the oil change has gone well, keeping an eye out for any leaks. Your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should turn off, too.

When disposing of the dirty oil, be sure not to leave it on the ground, pour it down a drain, or put it in the garbage. It needs to be taken in a sealed container to a local recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Looking after your oil will help to keep your 2018 Honda Civic EX-T running smoothly for years to come and you can be saving both time and money by doing it at home! If you want to save money on other car expenses, start with your

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