It is essential to keep your vehicle in good working order by doing routine maintenance. One of the essential parts of a vehicle’s maintenance is changing the oil. There are many different types of oils out there, but which are the best oil for honda civic?
Read on!
List of the Best Oil for Honda Civic
Idemitsu Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil SP – Our Top Pick
Features:
- 5 Quart bottle of full-synthetic 5W-30 engine oil – API SP, ILSAC GF-6
- Combines a friction-reducing additive with synthetic base oils to enhance fuel economy
- Minimizes the formation of deposits and provides outstanding engine protection
- Reduces oil consumption through engineered piston cleanliness
Our top pick is the Idemitsu Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil SP. The synthetic fuel-efficient engine oil is designed to extend your car’s life, lowers emissions, and saves you money. With this oil, you can get the best of both worlds. You’re able to achieve maximum fuel economy without sacrificing protection or performance for your engine.
Engine wear is a major issue for drivers everywhere. Deposit build-up, on the other hand, can be hard to manage. But not with this product! This oil offers protection against engine damage while minimizing the formation of deposits even under extreme conditions like heavy traffic and steep hillsides.
The Idemitsu Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil SP reduces engine emissions thanks to its clean-burning formula. It is specially formulated to protect turbocharged engines and direct injection engines from the effects of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
We rated this the best oil for honda civic because the oil helps with engine wear, reduces deposits and LSPI. Thus, it is a great choice for Honda Civic drivers looking for an efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly engine oil.
Mobil 1 (120769) High Mileage 5W-30 Motor Oil -Best Oil For Mileage
Features:
- Provides excellent overall lubrication and wear protection
- Protects critical engine parts in higher-mileage engines
- Outperforms conventional high mileage oils
- Reduces deposits and sludge that can arise from conventional oils
- Helps prevent excessive leaks from the engine.
Overview:
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 Motor Oil is a synthetic motor oil used in conventional and high-performance gasoline engines. When in use, it provides excellent overall lubrication and protection.
It helps protect critical engine parts in higher mileage engines to help reduce the sludge and deposits that conventional oils can leave behind. This oil also helps prevent leaks by working to seal gaskets and keep fluids where they belong.
Mobil has been a trusted name in automotive products for over 100 years and they are committed to delivering exceptional quality and performance at an affordable price.
We’ve rated this the best for mileage because it helps extend the shelf life of your Honda’s engine. For drivers that have a Honda civic with over 75,000 miles and need an oil change soon, Mobil-One High Mileage is a perfect choice. You can’t go wrong with synthetic oils because they are specially formulated to help protect against engine wear as you drive farther distances.
AmazonBasics Conventional Motor Oil – 5W-30 – 5 Quart -Best Budget Option
Features:
- Prevents build-up that can lead to rust and corrosion.
- Reduces friction in your engine to prevent unnecessary wear.
- Fluidity and thermal stability
- Reduces emissions
Overview:
AmazonBasics Conventional Motor Oil – 5W-30 is specially formulated to provide the best engine protection at an affordable price. The premium formula provides extended drain intervals when used in certain vehicles with advanced engines.
This conventional motor oil has been designed to meet API SN specifications and is compatible with other conventional motor oils. It’s an excellent choice for most passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs under normal driving conditions.
The AmazonBasics Conventional Motor Oil is designed to protect your vehicle’s engine by providing superior lubrication. This oil helps prevent build-up that can cause rust and corrosion, reduces friction for less engine wear, high resistance to Viscosity and thermal breakdown, and helps reduce exhaust emissions.
The AmazonBasics Conventional Motor Oil – 5W-30 is ideal for those on a tight budget. It’s affordable yet still provides quality performance in all weather conditions, making it a great option when you’re on the go and don’t want something too expensive but need more than just plain oil.
Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Conventional Motor Oil
Features:
- Contains advanced protection against Viscosity and thermal breakdown for increased performance
- Reduces oil consumption
- Superior engine sludge protection
- Anti-wear additives and premium quality base oils to help improve the life of your engine
Overview:
Fourth on our list is the Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Conventional Motor Oil. It’s a high-quality mix of synthetic materials and advanced technology that will help you avoid the sludge build-up in your engine. It also protects against Viscosity & thermal breakdown while minimizing oil consumption!
Its premium quality base oil and anti-wear additives will help you to keep your engine running smoothly. Both help increase the longevity of your engine by minimizing oil consumption.
Castrol GTX 10W-30 meets or exceeds industry standards for API SN/SM/SL/SJ, ILSAC GF-5, GF-4, GF3, and GM dexos1 Gen 2 requirements. Castrol is also environmentally friendly and contains no lead, sulfuric acid, or phosphorus additives. Thus making it a recommended oil choice for genuine honda enthusiasts.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
Features:
- Provides excellent engine heat
- Ensure that critical engine parts are protected with oil changes up to 20,000 miles apart.
- Meets ILSAC GF-6 standards to help provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)
- Helps extend engine life by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge build-up
Overview:
Last but not least, the Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 is perfect for high-performance and racing cars. It helps protect critical engine parts for up to 20,000 miles between oil changes.
Also, it has low-friction properties for maximum horsepower. Mobil One is the most trusted in car oil, and its Full Synthetic Motor Oil will keep your engine parts running smoothly.
Mobil 1® Extend™ Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil has been upgraded to provide even better protection for your engine. It prevents damaging sludge and damaging deposits from building up while creating a barrier against internal engine heat. For this reason, it provides advanced heat protection for the internal engine (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperatures (to -30 degrees F).
Another reason why we like this product is due to its high performance. This oil meets ILSAC GF-6 standards for LSPI prevention and timing chain wear protection while keeping your engine clean and helping your fuel economy. For car enthusiasts who need better performance out of their vehicle, this is the right choice.
So let’s get started!
Buying Guide
Whether you are a genuine honda vehicle enthusiast or this is your first vehicle, understanding the complexity behind automotive oil can make a big difference in your engine’s performance and longevity.
“What Oil Works Best for My Climate?”
“How often should I change my engine oil?”
“What brand should I buy?”
These are questions that every honda motor owner asks themselves at some point. Fortunately, we have an answer to these common queries in our comprehensive buying guide below!
Types of Engine Oils
There are a lot of different types of engine oil available to users. To know which type is best for your car, you first need to be able to distinguish the major distinctions between each type.
- Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is man-made oil that can last up to three times longer than conventional oil. It is a mixture of petroleum-based products that are chemically synthesized to improve performance over time without using any natural resources. Plus, it’s more resistant to heat changes with prolonged use– as well as the natural breakdown in engines caused by friction between metal parts (i.e., pistons).
Ever since its development in 1929, synthetic oil has been used for high-performing machinery and vehicles. However, it was not until the early 2000’s when they became popular among drivers and engine owners.
These types of oils tend to be more expensive than conventional oil on average. If you’re looking for something that will provide maximum protection against engine wear and better fuel economy, this type might be your best choice.
- Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is a mineral oil that’s created by fossil fuels. This type of oil is the cheaper option, but it doesn’t offer as much longevity and protection against engine wear.
Unlike synthetic oil, conventional oil is easier to produce and is widely available in stores. It reduces the friction in your engine, and it can help you save on gas. It’s a good choice for those that want to be cost-effective and maintenance-free.
Now you know the difference between synthetic and conventional oils. There are infinite types out there with a variety of different strengths to choose from. Keep this guide handy when choosing your next car oil for your honda!
- Synthetic Oil Blend
As its name suggests, synthetic oil blend is mixed with both conventional and synthetic oil. They are designed for heavy-duty engines and have a higher viscosity rating than conventional oil.
This hybrid oil is a popular choice for SUV drivers that want a balance between fuel efficiency and protection. It combines the best qualities of synthetic oil with a lower price point than pure synthetic oils.
- Higher Mileage Oil
Today’s cars last longer than their previous models. On average, 66% of on-road vehicles have over 75,000 miles, meaning that most drivers tend to keep their vehicles instead of trading them for cars with lower mileage. If you plan to own your Honda Civic for the long-term and drive over 150,000 miles, you must switch to a higher mileage oil.
Higher mileage oil is formulated to go the distance. It can stay stable for extended periods of time, and it’s designed with an additive package that protects against wear caused by heat and friction. You’ll enjoy better fuel economy with higher-mileage oils because they’re formulated without detergents or other additives that clean up deposits inside your engine.
- Oil Shelf Life
Car oils have a shelf life average of 4-5 years. However, oil can be considered “bad” if it is not used within a year of the manufactured date. If the oil remains unused throughout the time, the effectiveness is decreased, and it could cause the vehicle to wear down.
Oil also becomes acidic with time, leading to corrosion on metal parts such as the engine pistons. That’s why it is important to check the engine oil levels every time the vehicle is started to ensure that there are no problems.
How to Read the Kinematic Viscosity
Here’s a scenario: You’re shopping around online, and you see a synthetic engine oil that has “SAE-20-40” written on it. But how can you determine if this oil is the right one for your Honda Civic?
The first thing you need to know when deciding on what type of oil for your Honda Civic engine is its KINEMATIC VISCOSITY. Kinematic Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. The larger the value, the more viscous (resistance to flow) it becomes.
To read the kinematic Viscosity of an oil, know that it is divided into 3 different sections:
- SAE = Society of Automotive Engineers
- 20 = Oil viscosity at 20 degrees Fahrenheit (“W” stands for winter-grade oil)
- 40 = Oil viscosity at 212 degrees Fahrenheit
The first thing you need to take note of is the viscosity rating. The lower the viscosity rating, the faster it will start up in colder temperatures. If the engine oil has a higher number, it will be more efficient in hotter climates.
How to Change Your Car Oil
Changing your engine oils for your honda may seem like a daunting task, but it isn’t as difficult as you may think. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your car oil:
Step 1: Raise the Car
First, you’ll need to lift your car high enough so you’ll have room to work with it. Use jack stands, ramps or a hoist stand for safety and stability.
Before moving onto Step 2, check the area for oil leaks. If you notice one and think it would be worth a closer inspection by a professional mechanic, speak to them ASAP!
Step 2: Unplug and Drain the Oil
Place the oil receptacle under your vehicle and turn it upside down to let the engine’s excess lubricant drain. Make sure you place it correctly or else, there will surely be quite a mess on the ground.
Most cars have a gallon of oil below their crankcase, but some models hold more than that. Loosen or unscrew the plug using an offset wrench to get all that gunk out!
Step 3: Remove the Old Filter
Look for the oil filter. It’s a cylindrical component that’s located on the engine. Using either a wrench or a filter wrench, loosen the drain plug. Turn it counterclockwise and remove it with a rag or your gloved hand, so you don’t get any residue on skin.
The old filter will probably be very dirty inside. You can scrape off some of the dirt using an oil-soaked rag if necessary before removing this part by unscrewing.
When it comes to oil for your honda, engine filters are critical. Make sure that you have the right filter gasket before installing this new one – an old rubber O-ring left behind could be a disaster!
Step 4: Replace the Drain Plug and Filter
Replace the drain plug with a new one. Make sure that the rubber seal is in place and tighten it down very firmly. Don’t tighten it too much! Overtightening will damage the drain plug and the oil pan.
Next, replace the oil filter. Grab your new oil filter and add a light coating of oil on the filter’s rubber gasket. This creates a proper seal when you install it.
Note: Make sure that you have an old rag or a glove handy to unscrew and handle dirty parts easier. If you don’t, your hands will be coated in engine grime which can cause nasty skin burns and infections!
Step 5: Fill the New Filter With Oil
After changing out the drain plug and filter, tighten up the oil cap on your car. Remove the oil cap that has an oil-can symbol located on it. Then, use a funnel to pour the manufacturer’s recommended amount of oil into the engine.
Step 6: Take a Look at Your Oil Level and Watch for Leaks.
After waiting a few minutes for the oil to reside in the pan, use a dipstick to ensure the oil is at the correct level. To check the oil, pull the dipstick from the tube, wipe excess oil with a towel, and reinsert it.
The oil should reach the full mark on the dipstick, which marks your engine capacity for one quart of oil and is about halfway up the stick.
Now that you have successfully changed your engine oil, your automotive vehicle and its engines should be running more efficiently. For the best driving experience, always keep your car in top condition. Remember to change out that pesky drain plug and filter!
Oil Additives
Oil additives can be used to reduce engine wear and increase fuel efficiency. They are typically added into the oil tank during an oil change or when a top-off is needed. Here are the important ingredients that are found within each oil additive:
- Friction Modifiers: These products can reduce sludge, wear particles, and increase fuel efficiency by improving lubrication of metal parts within the engine.
- Corrosion or rust inhibitors: These additives are used to prevent metal from rusting or corroding.
- Oxidation stabilizers: These products can help reduce sludge build-up on engine parts by preventing oil degradation.
- Viscosity-index improvers: These additives are used to make the oil more resistant to viscosity change with heat.
- Pour point depressants: These products can be used when very cold temperatures might lead to engine damage due to blockages or freezing. They reduce the temperature required for an engine oil’s pour point (the lowest temperature at which it will flow).
- Detergents: These products clean the engine of sludge and other deposits.
- Foam inhibitors: These additives are used to prevent the creation of foam in an engine under high pressure.
- Antioxidants: These products can help reduce oil breakdown and keep it stable with heat exposure.
Some of the best oils on the market will have various ingredients, while others can only offer some protection against one or two items listed above. These products should be checked before adding to an oil tank as they may cause negative reactions with various car models and brands.
F.A.Q
Ask yourself the following questions before buying engine oil.
What Oil Works Best for My Climate?
The climate of the place you live impacts what type of oil you should buy. If in doubt, always follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation. They will know which oil is fuel-efficient for your vehicle.
Motor oils for colder weather will always have a lower digit after the “W” or winter grade. These are to be used in cold temperatures up to ten degrees Fahrenheit. Winter grade oils with higher numbers, such as 10w30, can operate at hotter temperatures than their lower grades of 5w20.
When Should I Change My Oil?
The engine oil in your car is responsible for keeping the moving parts of the vehicle lubricated. You can just top it up, but an oil change is important too, and that involves draining out all of the old, dirty stuff before putting new, fresh-smelling stuff inside!
As a rule of thumb, you should change your oil every six months or every 20,000 miles. Taking the time for a complete change will ensure you’re keeping everything clean, fresh, and running at its best!
What Oil Brand Should I Buy?
Thousands of brands, thousands of choices. How do you find the best? Check out our product review section for recommendations and reviews on your Honda Civic model!
Conclusion
As a Honda Civic owner, you can’t afford to be without the precision and peace of mind that comes with knowing your engine is well-protected. The first step in ensuring this starts by routinely checking up on–among other things–your oil levels, so there’s never any question about whether or not it needs changing.
To protect our engines from unnecessary wear and tear, we must keep track of their condition at all times: as soon as you notice an issue has arisen (like a decrease in energy), address the problem immediately before it becomes unmanageable! By following this guide, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your engine is well protected.
What type of engine oil do you use for your Honda Civic? Tell us in the comments below!