What oil does a 1.8L Honda Civic take?

Most 1.8‑liter Honda Civics (model years 2006–2015) are designed to run on SAE 0W‑20 full‑synthetic engine oil that meets API SP and ILSAC GF‑6A (or newer) specifications. Earlier manuals (especially 2006–2011) often list 5W‑20, but Honda back‑approves 0W‑20 for these engines and it is the current service fill. Typical capacity with a new filter is about 3.9 US qt (3.7 L), though you should verify by model year and market. Below is a deeper look at year-by-year guidance, specs, capacities, and practical tips to keep your R18 engine healthy.

Recommended viscosity and specifications

Honda’s R18 1.8L engine was engineered for low‑viscosity oil to reduce friction and improve fuel economy. Today, Honda dealers generally use 0W‑20 full‑synthetic on all 1.8L Civics, including earlier years that originally specified 5W‑20. The critical point is to choose oil that meets modern certifications.

Use this list to identify the specification details you should look for on the oil bottle:

• Viscosity: SAE 0W‑20 (preferred across climates; 5W‑20 acceptable if explicitly listed in your owner’s manual).
• Certifications: API SP and ILSAC GF‑6A (or newer superseding standards). “Resource Conserving” starburst is typically present.
• Type: Full‑synthetic is strongly recommended for 0W‑20; Honda Genuine 0W‑20 is synthetic.

Choosing oil with these markings ensures proper cold‑start protection, deposit control, and compatibility with Honda’s Maintenance Minder system.

By model year at a glance

The 1.8L Civic (R18 series) spanned multiple generations and markets. Use the quick reference below to align your car with the most appropriate viscosity and notes.

• 2006–2011 (8th gen, R18A): Owner’s manuals commonly specify 5W‑20; Honda later back‑approved 0W‑20. Today, 0W‑20 full‑synthetic is preferred. Typical capacity with filter: about 3.9 US qt (3.7 L).
• 2012–2015 (9th gen, R18Z1): Factory‑spec 0W‑20 full‑synthetic. Typical capacity with filter: about 3.9 US qt (3.7 L).
• Markets outside North America (through ~2016 in some regions): Most list 0W‑20 or 5W‑20 depending on climate; follow the local owner’s manual if it specifies regional standards.

If your oil cap or under‑hood label states a viscosity, follow that guidance; otherwise, 0W‑20 full‑synthetic meeting API SP/ILSAC GF‑6A is a safe, Honda‑aligned default.

Oil capacity and filter details

Capacity varies slightly by year and filter choice, but the 1.8L Civic typically takes just under four quarts with a filter change. The notes below cover what most owners will need for a routine service.

• Capacity (with new filter): ~3.9 US qt (3.7 L). Add most of the oil, run the engine, then top up to the dipstick full mark.
• Capacity (without filter change): ~3.6–3.7 US qt (3.4–3.5 L).
• Drain plug torque: 29 lb‑ft (39 N·m). Always install a new aluminum crush washer on the 14 mm drain bolt.
• Oil filter: Genuine Honda 15400‑PLM‑A02 (or superseding part, such as 15400‑RTA‑003, depending on region/stock). Quality aftermarket equivalents are fine if they meet OEM fit and filtration standards.

Always confirm capacity in your owner’s manual and use the dipstick as the final authority. Overfilling can cause foaming and engine issues; underfilling risks lubrication loss.

How to confirm for your exact car

While the guidance above fits most 1.8L Civics, verifying your specific vehicle’s requirements is best practice—especially if you’re outside North America or have special operating conditions.

1. Check the owner’s manual: See the “Engine Oil” section for viscosity and capacity.
2. Look at the oil cap: Many caps are stamped “0W‑20” or “5W‑20.”
3. Find the under‑hood emissions/spec label: Some include oil viscosity notes.
4. Use your VIN on Honda’s official site or your dealer’s parts portal to pull exact specs.
5. Follow the Maintenance Minder: Change oil when the indicator reaches 15% life (or annually if you drive very little).

These checks eliminate guesswork and ensure you’re using oil tailored to your car’s calibration and climate.

Practical tips and change intervals

Honda’s Maintenance Minder adjusts oil change timing based on driving conditions. With modern 0W‑20 synthetics, many owners see 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–16,000 km) between changes, but severe use (short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads) can shorten that interval.

• Use quality 0W‑20 full‑synthetic oil meeting API SP/ILSAC GF‑6A.
• Replace the crush washer every oil change and torque the drain plug correctly.
• Warm the engine before draining to improve flow and contaminant removal.
• Check the oil level monthly; top up with the same viscosity/spec as needed.
• Avoid oil additives; they aren’t necessary with modern oils and can disrupt additive balance.
• Dispose of used oil and filters responsibly at a recycling center or auto parts store.

Sticking to these basics will help the R18 engine deliver its hallmark reliability and efficiency.

FAQ quick checks

These common scenarios come up when choosing oil for the 1.8L Civic.

• Can I use 5W‑30? Not recommended as a routine fill; it can slightly reduce economy and isn’t specified. In an emergency, small top‑ups won’t harm the engine—return to 0W‑20 at the next change.
• Can I mix 0W‑20 and 5W‑20? Mixing in a pinch is acceptable. Aim to run a single, correct viscosity after the next full change.
• Is conventional oil okay? 0W‑20 is typically synthetic by formulation. Use full‑synthetic 0W‑20 to meet Honda’s intent and modern performance standards.
• How many quarts should I buy? Four US quarts (one gallon) covers a standard service with a little left for top‑off.

When in doubt, default to 0W‑20 full‑synthetic that meets API SP/ILSAC GF‑6A, and verify with your manual.

Summary

The correct oil for a 1.8L Honda Civic is SAE 0W‑20 full‑synthetic meeting API SP/ILSAC GF‑6A (or newer). Earlier 2006–2011 cars that listed 5W‑20 are back‑approved for 0W‑20 and commonly serviced with it today. Expect about 3.9 US qt (3.7 L) with a filter, use a new crush washer torqued to 29 lb‑ft, and follow the Maintenance Minder for change intervals. Confirm specifics in your owner’s manual or by VIN to account for regional variations.

What kind of oil does a 2007 Honda Civic 1.8 L take?

For a 2007 Honda Civic 1.8L engine, the recommended oil type is 5W-20. This viscosity is suitable for all temperatures and helps with fuel economy, according to a car parts website. When changing the oil, you’ll need approximately 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) of oil, plus the amount needed for the oil filter. 
Additional details:

• Capacity: The 2007 Civic 1.8L engine takes about 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) of oil with a filter change. 
• Drain Plug Torque: The oil drain plug should be torqued to 29 ft-lbs. 
• Oil Filter: A new oil filter is recommended with each oil change. 
• Oil Level Check: After refilling, it’s crucial to check the oil level with the dipstick and add more if needed. 
• Oil Type: While 5W-20 is the recommended viscosity, some users online have also mentioned using synthetic oil like Mobil 1 5W-20 for extended change intervals. 
• Where to find information: You can find this information in your owner’s manual or by consulting online resources from reputable sources like car parts websites or auto parts retailers. 

How many quarts of oil does a 1.8 Honda Civic take?

A Honda Civic with a 1.8L engine typically takes 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) of oil with an oil filter change. 
For a more specific answer, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic. Different model years or variations of the 1.8L engine might have slight variations in oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a Honda Civic 1.8 take?

0w20 is recommend by honda.

Which oil works best for a 2010 Honda Civic 1.8 L?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20 5 Quart.