Featuring a capable powertrain, plenty of entertainment, and space to spare, the 2018 Honda Pilot is an excellent midsize family SUV. Need some stats to keep it well-maintained? The 2018 Honda Pilot has a 5.7-quart oil tank.

With so many moving parts in a car, it's a miracle you don't hear more clunking, banging, and screeching under the hood. Actually, it's not a miracle at all—it's engine oil! Oil lubricates and draws heat away from every moving component in your car's engine, ensuring smooth and continuous operation. That’s why maintaining your car’s oil is so important for extending its life.

Whether it's how much oil to use, how to change it, or what grade to use,

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has you covered! You'll find every slippery detail about your Honda Pilot 2018 below, plus an extra little tip to help you save on your

Honda Pilot insurance costs

2018 Honda Pilot engine oil capacity

The oil tank in a 2018 Honda Pilot holds 5.7 quarts.

If that number seems off, you might be thinking of your Pilot's 3.5L V6 engine—but that number actually refers to your

engine displacement

. Engine displacement doesn't equal oil capacity. Engine displacement measures how much space your car's cylinders take up under the hood, while oil capacity refers to how much oil the oil tank holds. These numbers aren’t interchangeable, so always check your owner’s manual to be safe.

What kind of oil does a 2018 Honda Pilot need?

The

2018 Honda Pilot owner's manual

gives you three options when it comes to topping off your oil:

Genuine Honda Motor Oil

, as recommended by the owner’s manual

Any generic premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal

Any generic synthetic premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal, such as

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum

The first recommendation is pretty straightforward: Genuine Honda Motor Oil is Honda's proprietary blend. Honda says it's "specially formulated to meet Honda's exact quality standards." You can buy it online or at your local dealership, but it's expensive.

Any manufacturer's premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil will work if you prefer a generic option. “Zero” indicates viscosity, while “W” stands for winter. Therefore, 0W oil flows freely even at low temperatures. “20” means it remains relatively thin even at the other end of the temperature spectrum, around 212°F.

It's also possible to use synthetic premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil, as long as it's API-certified. An API Certification Seal indicates the oil meets the American Petroleum Institute’s engine protection and fuel economy standards. Lastly, detergent oil contains additives that prevent corrosion, rust, and sludge. It's worth noting that Honda recommends synthetic over conventional oil for your Pilot's engine.

By following these requirements, your car will perform its best in cold and hot weather and experience the least engine wear and tear possible!

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change the oil on a 2018 Honda Pilot

Depending on the oil you use and how often you drive, how often you need an

oil and filter change

can vary. Here are a few tips:

If you’re using Genuine Honda Motor Oil or generic oil: change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles

If you don’t drive very much: change your oil every six months

If you’re using synthetic oil: change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles

However, the best way to determine when to change your oil is to check it regularly—maybe once a month or every other refuel. If you notice any of these signs before or during a check, it's time for an oil change:

Dirty, dark brown, or black motor oil

Coarse or gritty oil

Unfamiliar engine noises

An oily, smoky, or burning smell

Changes in your car’s performance

MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?

How to change your oil and oil filter

So what do you do when your

car maintenance schedule

says its time to change your Hona Pilot's engine oil? You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench. Buy at least five quarts of motor oil that meet the standards outlined in the previous section, plus a replacement oil filter.

First, let your 2018 Honda Pilot’s engine run until it reaches a normal operating temperature. Unless it’s really cold, it shouldn't take more than five minutes. Now shut off the engine and

open the hood of your car

. Here's what you need to do:

Remove the fill cap on top of the oil tank

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer from the underside of the engine

Drain 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 with a new washer and tighten it using 29 lb-ft of torque

Refill the oil tank and replace the fill cap from the top of the engine

Check your engine's oil level using a dipstick, then run your Pilot for a few minutes to see if there are any leaks. The

oil pressure light

on your dashboard should turn off if you've done everything correctly.

Last but not least: cleanup. You shouldn’t dump dirty oil on the ground or in the garbage—it’s a major toxic pollutant. Take it to a local recycling center in a sealed container instead.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

So now that you know how to change your oil—does your insurance policy need a change? If your coverage or your premiums don’t work for you, download

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