What fluids need to be changed in a Honda Civic?
In a Honda Civic, the fluids most commonly changed are the engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and, if your model uses hydraulic power steering, the power steering fluid. Here’s a practical guide to what to service, with notes on variations by year and drivetrain.
Core Fluids and Their Change Intervals
These are the standard fluids Civics typically require regular changes to protect the engine, transmission, braking system, and cooling system. Intervals can vary by model year, transmission type, and driving conditions, so always consult the owner’s manual or maintenance minder for your specific vehicle.
- Engine oil and oil filter — Replace at the interval recommended by Honda (often about every 7,500 miles under normal driving, with shorter intervals under severe conditions; the exact schedule is shown by the Maintenance Minder in cars equipped with it). Use the oil specification listed for your Civic (usually 0W-20 or 5W-20).
- Transmission fluid (automatic/CVT) — Use the recommended Honda transmission fluid; change interval commonly around 60,000 miles under normal driving, and sooner with severe conditions or heavy usage. CVT fluid service may involve a different procedure and interval from traditional automatics. Always refer to your manual for the precise requirement for your year and trim.
- Coolant/antifreeze — Replace with Honda-specified long-life coolant; many Civics are designed for about 10 years or 120,000 miles between changes, depending on the coolant type and climate. Do not mix coolant types and follow the manual’s procedure for draining and filling.
- Brake fluid — Typically every 2–3 years; moisture in the fluid can reduce braking performance, so a full flush with fresh DOT brake fluid is recommended at the interval shown in your manual.
- Power steering fluid — For Civics with hydraulic power steering, change the fluid according to the manual. Most newer Civics use electric power steering and do not require a hydraulic power steering fluid change.
Adhering to these maintenance guidelines helps protect the engine, transmission, braking system, and cooling performance, reducing the risk of wear or costly repairs. Always verify with your owner’s manual or dealership service department for the exact intervals on your specific Civic year and configuration.
Notes on Variations by Model Year and How to Check Your Manual
Intervals can vary by generation, engine, and drivetrain. Honda’s Maintenance Minder system can adjust reminders based on actual use, and the owner’s manual provides the definitive schedule. The following notes summarize practical expectations across common Civic configurations:
Engine oil specifics
Most Civics use synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-20 oil. Under normal driving, an oil change is generally recommended about every 7,500 miles, with more frequent changes under severe conditions or if the vehicle has high mileage or uses short trips frequently.
Transmission specifics
Automatic and CVT transmissions in Civics require specific Honda fluids. The typical maintenance interval is around 60,000 miles for normal operation, but severe driving or heavy load use can shorten this interval. Follow the manual or Maintenance Minder for exact guidance on your year and trim.
Coolant specifics
Honda Long Life Coolant Type 2 is commonly rated for about 10 years or 120,000 miles for many Civics, though climate and driving conditions can influence this. Use the specified coolant and follow the manual’s service steps for draining, flushing, and refilling.
Brake fluid specifics
Brake fluid should be replaced every 2–3 years in most Civics to prevent moisture buildup that can degrade braking performance. Use the correct DOT specification and perform a full brake fluid flush as recommended.
Power steering specifics
Electric power steering systems do not require hydraulic fluid changes. If your Civic uses hydraulic power steering, follow the manual’s guidance for fluid type and replacement intervals.
Summary
In short, the fluids you should plan to change in a Honda Civic are engine oil and filter, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and, where applicable, power steering fluid. Adhere to the Maintenance Minder or the owner’s manual for exact intervals and use the correct fluid specifications to keep your Civic running reliably.
How often do Honda Civics need transmission fluid change?
Change your Honda Civic's transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for a manual transmission and every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for an automatic. However, for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), some recommend changing it more frequently, such as every 30,000 miles, especially for models like the 2016+ Civic, particularly in heavy stop-and-go traffic or mountainous areas.
Manual Transmission
- Interval: 30,000–60,000 miles
Automatic Transmission
- Interval: 60,000–100,000 miles
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Interval: 30,000 miles is often recommended, especially for newer models, with some sources recommending as low as 25,000 miles for severe driving conditions.
- Note: Check your owner's manual for the specific interval for your model and year, as recommendations can vary.
Factors that may require more frequent changes
- Driving conditions: Frequent stop-and-go traffic, high-speed driving, or towing can require more frequent changes.
- Age: Older vehicles may need fluid changes even if they haven't reached the mileage limit.
Signs that your fluid may need changing sooner
- Transmission fluid leaks
- A strange or burning smell
- Delayed shifts
- Odd noises or grinding sounds when shifting
- Fluid that appears dark red, brown, or black
What fluids need to be changed in a Honda?
Without these important vehicle components, your Honda wouldn't be able to run properly. Your Honda will need several different fluids to function, including oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
Does Honda recommend transmission flush or drain and fill?
DW1. You will need to do this up to three times to remove all of the old transmission fluid to get it back to that nice new pink color and all new fluid draining will only remove almost four quarts.
Do I really need to replace brake fluid every 2 years?
YOU SHOULD REPLACE BRAKE FLUID EVERY FEW YEARS
And the best way to find out how often to change brake fluid is to follow your manufacturer's recommendations. Some manufacturers say you should replace your brake fluid every two years. Others recommend every three years, or every 45,000 miles.
