What oil goes in a 2008 Honda Accord?

Short answer: Use 5W-20 engine oil (synthetic or synthetic blend) for the four-cylinder and typically 5W-30 for the V6, with about 4.4–4.5 quarts for the four-cylinder and about 5 quarts for the V6. Always verify with your exact engine and the owner’s manual.

The 2008 Honda Accord was offered with two engine options, and each has specific oil recommendations. Getting the right viscosity and capacity is important for engine longevity and performance. This guide breaks down the oil needs by engine type, notes the standard and acceptable alternatives, and provides practical steps for choosing and changing the oil.

Engine options and oil requirements

2.4 L inline-four engine

The most common powertrain in the 2008 Accord is the 2.4 L four-cylinder. The manufacturer’s guidance is to use 5W-20 motor oil, with both synthetic and synthetic-blend options acceptable. Oil capacity with a filter change is roughly 4.4 to 4.5 quarts. Use oil that meets API SN or newer and ILSAC GF-5 or higher, and look for Honda certification on the bottle when possible.

• 5W-20 oil (synthetic or synthetic blend) recommended for routine service


• Approximately 4.4–4.5 quarts capacity with filter

When you follow the recommended grade and capacity, you help ensure proper lubrication, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity for the 2.4 L engine. If you live in unusually hot or cold climates, always cross-check the latest manual or dealer guidance for any climate-based allowances.

3.0 L V6 engine

The 2008 Accord with the V6 uses a slightly different viscosity recommendation. Many owners and service guides indicate 5W-30 as the proper grade for the 3.0 L V6, with an oil capacity of about 5 quarts when changing the filter. As with the four-cylinder, use oil that meets API SN or newer and ILSAC GF-5 or higher, and consider a synthetic-blend or full synthetic for longer intervals and better high-temperature protection.

• 5W-30 oil (synthetic or synthetic blend) is commonly recommended for the V6


• Approximately 5 quarts capacity with filter

If you’re unsure which engine is in your car, or if your vehicle has an earlier or different spec, consult the owner’s manual, the under-hood oil sticker, or a Honda dealer to confirm the exact viscosity and capacity for your VIN.

How to select and change the oil

Below are practical steps to ensure you use the right oil and perform a change correctly. This guidance mirrors common maintenance practices for a 2008 Accord, but always follow the exact instructions in your owner’s manual and on the vehicle’s under-hood label.

1. Identify your engine type (2.4 L or 3.0 L) from the owner’s manual, VIN, or under-hood badge.


2. Choose the correct viscosity (5W-20 for the 2.4 L; 5W-30 for the 3.0 L) and select a high-quality oil that meets API SN or newer and ILSAC GF-5 or higher. Synthetic or synthetic-blend formulations are commonly preferred.


3. Use a new oil filter during every change and pour in the correct total oil capacity (about 4.4–4.5 quarts for the 2.4 L; about 5 quarts for the 3.0 L).


4. After adding oil, run the engine briefly, turn it off, wait a few minutes, then check the level with the dipstick and top off if needed to reach the full mark.


5. Reset any maintenance minder or service reminder if your model includes it, and dispose of used oil responsibly at an appropriate recycling facility.

Regular oil changes with the right oil help maintain engine cleanliness, efficiency, and longevity. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Honda service professional for guidance tailored to your vehicle’s exact configuration.

Notes and reminders

Oil recommendations can vary by market and production run. Always verify the exact specification for your vehicle using the owner’s manual, the oil-filler cap, and the under-hood label. If you don’t have the manual handy, a Honda dealership or certified mechanic can confirm the correct viscosity and capacity for your specific car.

Summary

For a 2008 Honda Accord, the standard guidance is to use 5W-20 engine oil for the 2.4 L four-cylinder and 5W-30 oil for the 3.0 L V6, with capacities of roughly 4.4–4.5 quarts and about 5 quarts respectively (both with filters). Oil should meet API SN or newer and ILSAC GF-5 or higher, with synthetic or synthetic-blend formulations commonly preferred. Always verify exact specs in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label, and follow recommended service intervals to keep the engine running smoothly.

What kind of oil do I need for a Honda Accord 2008?

The correct oil for a 2008 Honda Accord is 5W-20 viscosity oil. Full synthetic oil is recommended for better engine protection, but conventional or synthetic blends are also acceptable options. The 4-cylinder engine typically requires about 4.2 quarts, and the V6 may require a different amount, so it is best to check your owner's manual to confirm the exact capacity and oil specifications for your specific engine. 

• Viscosity: Use 5W-20 oil for all temperatures. 
• Type: A full synthetic, synthetic blend, or conventional 5W-20 oil will work. Full synthetic is the best option for longevity and performance, especially in colder climates. 
• Capacity: The 4-cylinder engine requires approximately 4.2 quarts of oil. 
• Certification: The oil should meet the specifications for your vehicle, which can be found in your owner's manual. 
• Best practice: Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate information regarding oil type and capacity for your specific model. 

What engine is in a 2008 Honda Accord 2.4 L?

The LX is powered by a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC inline-4 engine making 177 hp mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission, and is equipped with anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, front and rear disc brakes, air ...

What's the best oil for a Honda Accord?

The best oil for a Honda Accord depends on the model year, but generally, newer models (2011 onwards) require 0W-20 full synthetic oil, while older models (2003-2010) may use 5W-20. It's best to use a premium 0W-20 synthetic with an API Certification Seal or refer to your owner's manual for the most precise recommendation. 
For most modern Honda Accords (2011 and newer)

• Recommended oil: 0W-20 full synthetic oil 
• Why: This viscosity is designed to provide optimal lubrication, temperature management, and performance for your engine. 
• Certification: Look for oil that has an API Certification Seal. 
• Brands: Reputable brands like Mobil 1 and Pennzoil are good choices. 

For older Honda Accords (2003-2010)

• Recommended oil: 5W-20 oil 
• Note: While 5W-20 was the standard, you may also be able to top off with 0W-20. Check your owner's manual for the specific requirements of your model year. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific vehicle is always in your owner's manual. 
• Avoid additives: Using extra oil additives is not recommended, as they can potentially harm your engine's performance. 
• Synthetic vs. conventional: Modern Accords are designed to use synthetic oil, which provides better protection and performance. 

Can I put 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 on a Honda Accord?

You can likely use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in your Honda Accord, but you should check your owner's manual first, as the recommended oil can vary by model year and engine. Using a slightly thicker oil is sometimes done for older or high-mileage engines, but it may slightly decrease fuel economy, as the lighter 5W-20 is often specified for better efficiency. 
Potential effects of using 5W-30

• Fuel economy: Thicker oil requires more energy to pump, which can lead to a slight reduction in gas mileage. 
• Engine performance: Engineers design engines for specific oil viscosities. Sticking to the recommended 5W-20 ensures optimal performance and protection according to the manufacturer's specifications. 
• Engine wear: In some cases, using a heavier oil in a high-mileage engine might be beneficial, especially if you're experiencing oil consumption issues. Some mechanics recommend a 5W-30 in older Honda engines to help with this, but it can also increase engine friction if the engine wasn't designed for it. 

What to do

• Check your owner's manual: The most important step is to consult your car's owner's manual for the exact oil viscosity recommendation for your specific model and engine. 
• Consult a mechanic: If you're concerned about your engine's performance or have a high-mileage vehicle, a mechanic can provide advice tailored to your car's condition.