What oil is recommended for a Honda Fit?
Short answer: For most Honda Fits, the recommended engine oil is 0W-20 full-synthetic. In practice, the exact specification can vary by model year and market, and the transmission type also dictates the correct fluid for the drivetrain. This article breaks down the engine oil and transmission fluid guidance to help you choose the right fluids for your Fit.
Engine oil recommendations
Key guidance on which engine oil to use in a Honda Fit, including viscosity and quality benchmarks.
- Use 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil for the majority of Honda Fit gasoline engines.
- Choose oil that meets or exceeds typical gasoline engine quality standards (API and ILSAC certifications) and is suitable for modern Honda engines.
- Some older Fits or certain regional specifications may call for 5W-20 instead of 0W-20; always refer to the owner's manual for your specific model year and market.
In summary, 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil is the default recommendation for most Honda Fits, with adjustments only if your manual specifies a different grade.
Transmission fluid guidance
Fluid requirements vary by the type of transmission installed in your Fit. The guidance below covers the common configurations.
- CVT-equipped Fits typically require Honda CVT Fluid NS-2. Some markets may also list NS-3; check your owner's manual to confirm the correct CVT fluid for your vehicle.
- Non-CVT automatics commonly use Honda ATF DW-1. If your manual specifies DW-1, use that fluid; otherwise verify the exact specification for your model/year with a Honda dealer or service guide.
- Manual transmissions (where applicable in your market) use the factory-specified manual transmission fluid or gear oil as outlined in the owner's manual.
In short, engine oil is typically 0W-20 full-synthetic for most Fits, while the transmission fluid depends on whether the car has a CVT or a conventional automatic, with DW-1 and NS-2/NS-3 as the common references. Always verify with the manual for your exact year and region.
Climate and maintenance considerations
Extreme temperatures, heavy stop-and-go driving, and aging engines can influence fluid change intervals and viscosity choices. Honda’s maintenance minder system provides guidance tailored to your drive, and many owners opt for synthetic oil for added protection in demanding conditions. If you’re unsure, consult your dealer or a trusted service technician.
How to confirm the exact specification
To ensure you’re using the correct fluids, consult the owner’s manual for your specific Fit model and year. If the manual is unavailable, use the vehicle’s information label under the hood or contact a Honda dealership with your VIN to obtain the precise oil viscosity and transmission-fluid specification required for your car.
Summary
For most Honda Fits, the engine oil recommendation is 0W-20 full-synthetic. Transmission fluid depends on the transmission type: CVT uses Honda CVT Fluid NS-2 (NS-3 in some markets), while conventional automatics typically use ATF DW-1. Always verify the exact specifications in your owner’s manual or with a dealer to ensure you’re using the correct fluids for your year, model, and market.
