2011 Honda CR-V: What Is the Oil Type and Capacity?

Proper car ownership means knowing how to care for your vehicle’s motor. 

And to do this, you need to know your car’s oil type and capacity. 

You should use type SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil in your 2011 Honda CR-V. As for the oil capacity, your 2011 Honda CR-V can hold up to 4.4 qt of motor oil. 

What Type of Oil Should I Use in a 2011 Honda CR-V?

For all trims of the 2011 Honda CR-V, you should use SAE 0W-20 engine oil. 

Can I Use 5W-20 Instead of 0W-20 in My 2011 Honda CR-V?

5W-20 and 0W-20 are very similar oils, and many people use them interchangeably. 

However, Honda has specifically formulated your CR-V’s engine to take 0W-20 motor oil. 

So, if you want your CR-V to perform at its best for as long as possible, you’ll only want to use 0W-20 motor oil. 

Is 0W-20 Safe?

Yes, 0W-20 is safe. 

A large percentage of cars made after 2010 use 0W-20, and in all this time, there has been no indication that it is not safe. 

What Is the Oil Capacity for the 2011 Honda CR-V?

All 2011 Honda CR-Vs, no matter the trim, have an oil capacity of 4.4 qt (4.2 L). 

What Class of Oil Does the 2011 Honda CR-V Require?

The 2011 Honda CR-V needs full synthetic oil to keep it running properly. 

When Should I Start Using High Mileage Oil in My 2011 Honda CR-V?

Generally, you should start using high mileage oil in your CR-V once it reaches 75,000 miles. 

High mileage oil is an excellent choice for older vehicles because it helps improve the life of your engine and can increase performance. 

Specifically, high mileage oil can: 

• Break up and get rid of built-up oil sludge 
• Decrease the chances and frequency of oil leaks 
• Prevent oil from burning 
• Protect older engines from wear and tear 

If I’ve Been Using Conventional Oil in My 2011 Honda CR-V, Can I Switch to Synthetic?

Yes, you can switch from conventional oil to synthetic whenever you’d like. 

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My 2011 Honda CR-V?

If you are using the recommended full synthetic oil for your 2011 Honda CR-V, you will only need to have the oil changed every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. 

For the average American driver, this means getting the oil changed every six to thirteen months. 

Or, if you put a synthetic blend in your Honda, you’ll need to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles or about every four to six months. 

For those using conventional oil, you’ll have to get the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three or four months. 

Signs That a 2011 Honda CR-V Needs an Oil Change

Overall, the best way to know if your CR-V needs an oil change is to pay attention to how many miles its been since your last change. 

Yet, if you aren’t sure how long it’s been, there are some other ways to tell if your vehicle is due for an oil change. 

Signs your 2011 Honda CR-V needs an oil change: 

• Your engine overheats even though it has enough coolant 
• Your engine sounds louder than usual or is making strange noises 
• You notice a pool of dark oil on the pavement under your car 
• Your oil pressure light comes on (If this happens, you should pull over immediately to prevent damage to your motor)
• There is an oily or burning smell coming from your car 

How Big Is the Oil Drain Plug for the 2011 Honda CR-V?

The oil drain plug on the 2011 Honda CR-V has a head size of 17 mm. 

Should I Only Use API-Certified Engine Oils?

Overall, it is best practice to use API-certified engine oils only. 

API (American Petroleum Institute) checks engine oil to ensure it meets certain standards. 

So, if you want to make sure you are getting quality engine oil, you should always use those that are API certified. 

How Do I Know if an Oil Is API-Certified?

You can tell an oil is API-certified by the starburst symbol on the product. 

Around the outside of the starburst, you will see the words “AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE CERTIFIED.” 

If you are buying the correct type of oil for a 2011 Honda CR-V, the inside of the starburst will read “FOR GASOLINE ENGINES.” 

The oil will also have a donut-shaped symbol on the back of the bottle that tells you the oil type along with some additional information. 

Do I Have to Use Honda Brand Oil for a 2011 Honda CR-V?

No, you do not have to use Honda brand oil for a 2011 Honda CR-V. 

However, Honda does recommend the use of its oils. 

Plus, Honda has expressly made these oils to suit their cars. 

So, if you want to make sure your vehicle performs at its very best and continues to do so for a long time, you should only use Honda brand fluids. 

When Did Honda Switch to 0W-20?

Honda first started using 0W-20 oil in the early 2000s in its hybrid cars. 

And since 0W-20 improves fuel economy and makes cold stalls less likely, the company soon began using this type of oil for more of its engines. 

By 2010-2011, most new Hondas took 0W-20 engine oil. 

Conclusion 

Your 2011 Honda CR-V will require SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil to run properly. 

Or, if you can’t get 0W-20, you can use 5W-20. 

As for oil capacity, a 2011 CR-V can take up to 4.4 qt (4.2 L) of oil.