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What kind of oil does a Honda Civic take?

I am helping a buddy do some maintenance on his car. I know the basics, but am not familiar with the specifics of the model he drives. What kind of oil does a Honda Civic take?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How nice of you to help out your friend! You are smart to make sure you have the right oil for the vehicle. Using the wrong one can harm your engine’s performance.
A
Honda Civic
takes synthetic SAE 0W-20 rated oil. The Honda Civic engine is built to work best with the lower viscosity of synthetic oils, so make sure you stay away from conventional oil.
Using the right engine oil is important because it performs several functions in your car:
  • Oil reduces friction in your car’s moving parts. As the oil coats the parts, it provides a barrier that keeps parts from rubbing against each other. Without oil, or without the right oil, metal parts will wear down easier and are more likely to corrode.
  • Oil helps keep your engine cool. The right oil transfers energy and heat so that it is evenly distributed throughout the engine, making sure that no one area overheats.
  • Oil helps your engine stay clean— especially synthetic oil which is free of impurities. The oil keeps particles suspended inside it so that they are carried to the oil filter instead of settling onto your engine parts. Synthetic oils can also contain detergents that isolate, break down, and neutralize minerals and particles that may be in your engine.
Once you’ve got the right oil, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how often you should change the oil. Keeping to the recommended maintenance schedule is one way to extend the life of your car.
Another way to keep your car on the road is by making sure you are covered against accidents, vandalism, and theft. The car insurance experts at
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