Replace your Honda's engine oil in 8 simple steps

When was the last time you changed the oil in your Honda? Regularly changing your motor oil is very important for a properly functioning engine and a long lifespan of your car. With this step-by-step plan you will learn how to change the engine oil of your beloved Honda yourself. It's easier than you think!

For most Hondas it is recommended to change the oil every 10,000 km. Do you have a sportier driving style, or do you regularly take your Honda on the road? Then it is advisable to change the oil sooner, as the oil becomes much hotter than during normal use. 

Step 1: Briefly warm up your Honda's engine

Start with a cold engine and let it run for about 5 minutes. This will thin out the oil and make it easier to drain from the engine block. Then turn off the engine and wait until everything has cooled down.

Tip: Make sure your engine is not too hot to prevent injury from hot oil.

Step 2: Stably position your Honda

Make sure the car is level on a flat surface and always use sturdy axle stands and a good jack, when jacking up the car. A stable base prevents accidents and makes working under the car safer.

Step 3: Remove the oil drain plug

Place a drain pan under the crankcase and unscrew the crankcase plug with a ring spanner or socket wrench. Allow the old oil to drain completely from the engine. This may take a while, so take your time. To allow the oil to drain from the engine more quickly, it is also advisable to unscrew the filler cap on top of the engine. 

Be careful with your hands, the oil may be dirty and hot.

Order your drip tray and tools here 

Step 4: Replace your oil filter

Unscrew the old oil filter with a oil filter wrench. Apply a little new oil to the rubber ring of the new filter, fill it with oil and tighten it by hand.

Changing the oil filter is crucial with every oil change. The oil filter ensures that all the dirt and impurities from your oil are collected. This keeps your oil clean. 

Find the oil filter for your Honda here

Step 5: Tighten the oil drain plug

Check the oil drain plug and especially the ring (the sump plug gasket). This ensures that the oil does not leak. Always replace this when changing the oil.

Honda has been using the size M14 (14mm) as standard on most petrol engines since the 1990s.

Then tighten the oil drain plug back into place. Hand tight is sufficient – ??overtightening can cause damage.

Order a new sump plug and gaskets 

When you build a new engine or gearbox, fine metal particles are always released. If you use the standard drain plug, these particles will continue to circulate in the oil and can cause damage. You can prevent this with a magnetic drain plug. View APP's solution here

Step 6: Fill the engine with new oil

Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine and fill the engine with the correct amount and type of engine oil. Use a funnel to prevent spillage.

For a standard Honda, consult the manual. For tuned, turbo & other setups, it is necessary to use different oil. 

Are you unsure about the correct oil or amount for your Honda? Feel free to send an email, we're happy to help you!

The amount of oil you need is of course also very important. For example, the compact D-series engines, such as the D14A and D16Z6 from the Honda Civic, take an average of 3.5 to 3.8 liters of engine oil. B-series engines, such as the B16A and B18C from the Civic VTi and Integra, require a little more: approximately 4.0 to 4.7 liters. For the sportier K-series engines (K20A, K24A) from the Civic Type R and Accord, among others, this is between 4.5 and 5.0 liters. The H-series engines such as the H22A in the Prelude take around 4.5 to 5.0 litres, as does the F20C in the Honda S2000. 

View the range of motor oil 

Want to give your engine extra protection and make it run smoother? Then add an oil additive from MPM Oil . These additives improve lubrication, clean the oil circuit and extend the life of the engine.

Discover the MPM Oil additives here 

Step 7: Check the oil level

Start the engine briefly (1 minute) and check for leaks. Switch the engine off again, wait 5 minutes and then check with the oil dipstick whether the level is correct. If the oil is at the top of the dipstick, you know there is enough oil in it. If not? Add some more.

Step 8: Take the old oil to a collection point

Never just throw away old oil! Pour it back into an empty oil bottle and hand it in at a recycling center or collection point. This is better for the environment and also mandatory.

Change the engine oil in your Honda yourself? You'll always succeed with these tips

With these 8 simple steps, you now know exactly how to change the engine oil in your Honda yourself. Cheaper, educational and with the right products from AKR Performance it's a piece of cake.