🔧 Civic - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with fresh oil. This keeps your engine lubricated and helps prevent wear and sludge buildup.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the car with jack stands, not just a jack.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be very hot; let the engine cool 15-30 minutes.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the drive belt and exhaust to avoid smoke/odor.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 6-quart)
• 17mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lb range)
• Oil filter wrench 64mm 14-flute
• Funnel
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 4 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (helps it drain smoothly).
• Lift the front using a floor jack and support with jack stands at the proper front support points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Set up your drain pan

• Slide the drain pan (at least 6-quart) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves to protect from splashes.

Step 2: Remove the oil drain plug

• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug (counterclockwise).
• Finish unthreading by hand while pushing inward slightly, then pull it away quickly to reduce splashing.
• Let the oil drain for 5-10 minutes until it slows to an occasional drip.

Step 3: Replace the drain plug crush washer and reinstall the plug

• Remove the old washer and install the new drain plug crush washer (a soft metal washer that seals the plug).
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench with a 17mm socket: Torque to 39 N·m (29 ft-lb).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan
• Use an oil filter wrench 64mm 14-flute to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the old filter (it can stick to the engine).

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Put a small film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface.
• Tighten by hand an additional 3/4 turn after gasket contact (do not overtighten).
• Wipe around the filter with shop rags so leaks are easy to spot later.

Step 6: Refill with fresh engine oil

• Lower the car off the jack stands using the floor jack (refill on level ground for an accurate dipstick reading).
• Insert a funnel into the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 3.6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic first.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 7: Start the engine and check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and look underneath with safety glasses for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off as needed.
• Typical total fill is about 3.9 quarts with a filter change; add small amounts and recheck.

Step 8: Reset the oil life (Maintenance Minder)

• Turn ignition to ON (do not start).
• Use the SEL/RESET (trip) button to display the oil life.
• Press and hold SEL/RESET until the oil life starts blinking.
• Release, then press and hold SEL/RESET again until it resets to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the dipstick after a short 5-10 minute drive; top off if needed.
• Look under the car again for any seepage at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly (most auto parts stores accept used oil).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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