2012 Honda Civic: What Is the Oil Type and Capacity?

Whether you are performing an oil change yourself or having a professional do it, you should know what type of oil your 2012 Honda Civic requires. 

You should also be aware of the oil capacity to ensure you do not underfill or overfill your tank. 

All trims of the 2012 Honda Civic require type SAE 0W-20 engine oil. This oil should be fully synthetic. Also, all variations of the 2012 Honda Civic have an oil capacity of 3.9 qt. 

What Oil Type Does a 2012 Honda Civic Need?

Every 2012 Honda Civic, regardless of trim, requires SAE 0W-20 engine oil. 

Can I Use 5W-20 Engine Oil in My 2012 Honda Civic?

You really shouldn’t use 5W-20 engine oil in a 2012 Honda Civic. 

Although 0W-20 and 5W-20 are similar oil types, 0W-20 is better at preventing sludge buildup and engine wear. 

Additionally, 5W-20 isn’t a great choice if you live in a cold climate because it doesn’t perform as well in low temperatures. 

What Is the Oil Capacity of a 2012 Honda Civic?

All 2012 Honda Civics have an oil capacity of 3.9 qt (3.7L). 

What Class of Oil Does a 2012 Honda Civic Require?

In a 2012 Honda Civic, you should use full synthetic oil. 

However, you can use a conventional or synthetic blend in your Civic if you must, but doing so can cause extra wear and tear on your engine. 

Also, full synthetic oil gives you many advantages that other oils can’t match, such as: 

• Synthetic oils do not break down as easily, meaning they will protect the components of your engine for longer 
• Synthetic oils do not create as much sludge as other oils, which will keep your engine at peak performance for longer 
• Synthetic oils can handle extreme temperatures, leading to fewer stalls in the winter and less frequent overheating in the summer

If I’ve Been Using Conventional Oil, Can I Now Use Synthetic?

Yes, you can switch between conventional and synthetic oil when it’s time for your oil change. 

When Should I Start Using High Mileage Oil?

In general, you should start using high mileage oil once your car has 75,000 miles on it. 

Or, you can switch whenever your car starts to show signs of aging, such as a decline in performance. 

High mileage oil benefits older cars by decreasing their oil consumption and reducing the chance of leaks. 

It also helps aging cars pass emissions inspections. 

The average person will need to start using high mileage oil in their car once it reaches six years old. 

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My 2012 Honda Civic?

If you are using full synthetic or synthetic blend engine oil, you should get an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. 

For the average American driver, this means getting an oil change every four to eight months. 

If you use conventional oil, you should get the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or about every two to four months. 

Should I Change the Oil Filter Every Time I Get an Oil Change?

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you get an oil change. 

Yet, whether you need to change the filter that often depends on certain factors, such as the type of conditions in which you drive your vehicle. 

If you aren’t sure whether you need a filter replacement during an oil change, you should ask an experienced mechanic for their opinion. 

How Long Can a 2012 Honda Civic Go Without an Oil Change?

How long a 2012 Honda Civic can go without an oil change depends on several factors, such as the conditions you most often drive in and what type of engine oil you use. 

Yet, even under the best circumstances, a 2012 Civic should never go more than 15,000 miles without an oil change. 

And for the most part, you should always get an oil change as soon as your oil type recommends it. 

Thus, for conventional oil, you should change the oil at least every 5,000 miles, whereas, with full synthetic, you should change it before you hit 10,000 miles. 

If you are using a synthetic blend, you should get the oil changed every 7,500 miles. 

What Are the Signs Your 2012 Honda Civic Needs an Oil Change?

If you aren’t sure when the last time you got an oil change was, there are a few ways to determine when your car is due. 

Signs your 2012 Honda Civic needs an oil change: 

• Your engine is louder than usual 
• Your engine is making strange sounds 
• You notice black, thick oil on the ground under your Honda 
• The oil pressure light comes on (If this happens, you should immediately stop driving to prevent engine damage)
• You smell oil when you drive 

These signs can also indicate something more serious, so if you change the oil and these problems persist, you should take your car to a licensed mechanic. 

How Much Is…

In the following sections, I’ll discuss some of the typical prices you will face concerning the engine oil in your 2012 Honda Civic. 

0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil?

The average 5 qt (4.7L) bottle of SAE 0W-20 synthetic engine oil will cost between $20 and $30. 

And remember that you won’t need the entire 5 quarts to change the oil in your Civic. 

So, to save money, you can use some of that leftover engine oil for the next oil change. 

Just keep in mind that engine oil will break down over time, so you shouldn’t use opened oil if it is over a year old. 

Also, when storing your oil, choose a place with a constant temperature between 40°F and 80°F (4°C and 27°C) to prevent premature degradation. 

Additionally, do not keep your oil in a dusty area because dust can cause the oil to break down. 

An Oil Filter for a 2012 Honda Civic?

You can expect to pay between $6 and $16 for an oil filter. 

An Oil Change for a 2012 Honda Civic?

Between paying for the oil, the oil filter, and the required labor, you will most likely spend between $70 and $110 for an oil change for a 2012 Honda Civic. 

Overall, the price mainly depends on whether you get conventional or synthetic oil and if you have to pay for a new filter. 

Why Did Honda Switch to 0W-20 Engine Oil?

Honda began to switch to 0W-20 engine oil around the year 2000 because it helps with gas economy, which is good for both the environment and your wallet. 

Is 0W-20 a Safe Engine Oil? 

Yes, 0W-20 engine oil is safe. 

0W-20 has been one of the main engine oils used in the past decade, and there is no indication that it is unsafe. 

Is 0W-20 Motor Oil Always Synthetic?

0W-20 motor oil is always a full synthetic or a synthetic blend. 

You can not get 0W-20 as conventional engine oil. 

Conclusion 

All 2012 Honda Civics, no matter the variation, require full synthetic SAE 0W-20 engine oil. 

They all also have an oil capacity of 3.9 qt (3.7L).