What kind of oil does a 2012 Honda Civic EX take?

0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil is required, and the engine holds about 3.6 quarts with the filter when you change the oil.

For the 2012 Civic EX, powered by the 1.8-liter i4 engine, Honda specifies a low-viscosity oil to support fuel economy and performance. Using the correct oil helps maintain engine protection and reliability over its service life.

Oil specification and capacity

Key specifications you should know when purchasing oil for this model.

• Oil type: 0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil


• Oil capacity: 3.6 quarts (3.4 liters) with the filter replacement


• Oil standards: API SN or newer; ILSAC GF-5 or newer

By adhering to these specifications, you ensure compatibility with the engine design and preserve the oil's protective qualities between changes.

Branding and sourcing considerations

Choose a reputable brand that offers 0W-20 full-synthetic oil meeting API SN/ILSAC GF-5 standards. Honda Genuine Motor Oil or other major brands with these specs are appropriate choices.

Maintenance and service reminder

Oil change intervals depend on driving conditions and the vehicle’s maintenance minder system. With full-synthetic 0W-20, many owners see intervals around 5,000–7,500 miles, but follow the Maintenance Minder indicated on the dashboard and the owner's manual for the exact schedule.

Summary

The 2012 Honda Civic EX requires 0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil, with a capacity of about 3.6 quarts including a filter. Use a product that meets API SN and ILSAC GF-5, and follow the Maintenance Minder for service intervals.

Can I use 5w30 instead of 0w20 Honda?

You should stick with the recommended 0W−200 cap W minus 200𝑊−20 oil for your Honda, as using a thicker 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 oil can reduce fuel economy and may cause increased wear over time. While it might not cause immediate damage, especially in warmer climates, it's not advisable to stray from the manufacturer's specification unless the owner's manual explicitly allows for it in certain conditions, like extreme heat or heavy use. 
Potential impacts of using 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30

• Fuel economy: 0W−200 cap W minus 200𝑊−20 oil is designed to be more fuel-efficient. Using a thicker 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 oil will likely decrease your miles per gallon (MPG). 
• Engine wear: The recommended 0W−200 cap W minus 200𝑊−20 is selected for the specific engine design. Using a thicker oil can impede the flow of oil to crucial engine components, potentially leading to increased wear over the long term, particularly on cold starts. 
• Engine efficiency: A thicker oil can reduce overall engine efficiency, and in some modern engines, it can affect the performance of parts designed for the thinner oil. 
• Warranty: Using the wrong oil could potentially void your warranty, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendation to avoid issues. 

• Owner's manual: Check your owner's manual to see if it lists 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 as an acceptable alternative for specific conditions, such as very hot weather or if 0W−200 cap W minus 200𝑊−20 is unavailable.
• Extreme heat: In a very hot climate, some manuals might suggest a thicker oil like 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 for heavy-duty use, such as towing. However, this is an exception, not the rule, and you should confirm it in your manual. 

What kind of oil does a Honda Civic EX take?

The recommended oil for a Honda Civic EX is a full synthetic 0W-20. It is important to use a high-quality oil that meets this specification to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Always check your owner's manual or the oil filler cap for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle's model year. 

• Oil Type: Full synthetic is the recommended type for modern Honda Civics. 
• Viscosity: The correct viscosity grade is 0W-20. 
• Certification: Look for an oil with the API Certification Seal for protection and performance. 
• Why 0W-20? This grade is specified for optimal fuel economy and engine protection, especially in newer models. Using a thicker oil like 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30 in newer cars can lead to lower fuel economy and higher engine loads. 

What kind of oil does a 2012 Honda use?

The recommended oil for a 2012 Honda is 0W-20 full synthetic oil, according to Honda and Firestone Complete Auto Care. This includes models like the Accord, Civic, and most other Honda vehicles of that year. 

• Oil type: 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil. 
• Verify with your oil cap: For certainty, you can also check the oil type recommendation on the vehicle's oil cap. 
• Engine oil capacity: Check your owner's manual for the exact oil capacity, as it varies by model. For example, a 2012 Honda Civic 1.8L engine requires about 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters), while a 2.4L engine needs about 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters). 

What oil does a 2012 Honda Civic EX take?

Oil Grade: API*

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.