How to Change Engine Oil and Filter In 2012 Honda Civic 2006-2015

Tools/Items Needed

This is a video on how to change your engine oil and filter. This specific vehicle is a 2012 Honda Civic LX with the 1.8L 4 cylinder engine. This process is the same for all Civics (Except SI) from year 2006-2015. Most other cars are very similar as well.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions.

Thanks for watching!

[melicanpelican]

23 year old female who has never really been hands on, but i'm on a budget and changing my own oil would seem to cost less! Thank you for your clear instructions and confidence building video :)

[oobaka]

Did this yesterday on my father's '12 Civic.
He was a mechanic but lately he's having trouble remembering.
He actually started taking off the plug for the transmission fluid before I stopped him.
He gets mad when I am forced to tell him he's mistaken. Usually says something like "I've done more oil changes than you ever will".
Anyway...one great thing he did was build a very large ramp to drive most vehicles onto so we can sit on stools while working under the car. Tires are at shoulder height. Don't have to lay on the ground at all. He used an I-beam for the ramp. Solid as a rock.

[russellpawlett]

Awesome video, two things I would suggest is starting with the oil filter instead of the pan and turn it a notch, puncturing the bottom to get the oil out more smoothly and then move to the oil pan. Another thing is once you turn on the car more oil goes into the filter so its always good to check after running the car or just fill the oil filter

[majin_duke]

Never been a car guru and it’s my first vehicle. Finally deciding to start doing my own oil change; big help.

[gzelaya]

I am a 22 year old female, I don't know SHIT about cars and this gave the confidence to try it myself . I hate depending on people and I'm not about to spend 60$ for a untrustworthy mechanic to do it ESPECIALLY when they won't take the time to go above and beyond, like for example, lubing the rubber thing from the filter when you put it back on . Thank you so much sir !!! You have helped me. #2011HondaCivicOwner

[phillipwelshans]

Very helpful video. I own a 2012 Civic and have been meaning to learn how to do more of the straightforward maintenance myself. This was super helpful; I'm going to start doing this myself and save the trip to the dealership.

[amikatz]

Eric, thanks so much for an easy video to follow. I really appreciated the little tips, like putting a little oil on the rubber of the new oil filter. Newbies like me don't always know that unless told. I used to pay $70 for every oil change because I "have synthetic oil and why not pay more because you require less changes!" is what shops say around here in Sonoma County, California. Thank you so much. You'll be saving me at least $30 every oil change and now I have the satisfaction of knowing that I actually can do a simple oil change.

[MrRangerZr]

Thanks. Just did my 2014 EX-L today. I feel proud of myself LOL

[barrygkx]

Very informative video. I pre fill my oil filter before I install the new one. That's less time the engine runs with no oil being sent to the bearings.
Barry

[eemerald]

Should've filled up the oil filter with oil before installing it. Because now when the oil pump tries to pump the oil then there will be a lapse where the oil pump could be damaged. Also you should've left the drain bolt out and let it drip longer while you changed the filter. New filter goes in first before the drain bolt.

[emoskakidd]

I just bough a 2015 honda civic. My first vehicle ever. I enjoyed your video. It gives me an idea on what to look for. Looking forward for more videos!

[phil]

Just my 2 cents. I use ramps so the car is angled. I fill so that the Dip stick reads a little over the limit. I start the car, roll it down the ramps so it's level. Shut it off then recheck the level. Assuming the oil filter wasn't prefilled, you'll lose quite a bit of reading on the dip stick. For me, usually drops back down to the low end of the reading. Refill a little bit until the stick reads mid to full. Thanks for the vid.

[jessisamessica]

Thank you! Made it super easy to take care of my oil change and figure out where everything was.
Super clear instructions
My 2012 civic oil pan bolt was a 14mm tho

[coryharper]

Great video, only change I would suggest is that a honda oil filter is superior to any other brand, their patented system is unmatched by any other filtration system

[kenhilson]

I've heard that oiling the filter gasket is a must, not optional. normally practice I believe is to turn filter until gasket hits sealing surface then an additional 3/4 turn.

[PhickNillips]

People like you make the world go round. Thank you lol

[akindeleslibrary]

Thanks for putting this out there. I'm changing mine next time by myself.

[larkija]

Thank you! This is my go-to video everytime I change mine and forget what to do.

[joerosas]

This guy gave me a headake camera was flying every where, good video.

[svjim]

Yeah I had a real hard time getting the oil bolt loose. The mechanic also made the oil filter really tight as well. I had a tool though that fits over the end of the filter but even with that it was hard getting it loose. The new filter has a rough surface on that end so you can grip it good for a hand tight. That surface won't allow for the tool.