Steps to Reset the Honda Civic Oil Life Service Interval (2005-2012)
Turn the engine ON or put the ignition into the RUN position.
Press the SEL RESET button on the left side of the steering wheel until the information display screen shows the current Oil Life Percentage.
Hold down the SEL RESET button until it starts flashing.
Let go of the SEL RESET button.
Hold down the SEL RESET button until the Oil Life Percentage resets to 100%.
The Honda Civic maintenance reminder should only be reset after changing the oil and oil filter on the car.
Why It's Important to Reset the Maintenance Light
It’s essential to reset the maintenance light on your Honda Civic to keep track of when oil changes are due and the state of the current engine oil. Additionally, maintaining a log of each oil change and vehicle service is essential.
Honda Civic Oil Type and Quantity
The 2008-2012 Honda Civic 1.8L 4 cylinder engine requires 3.9 quarts of 5W-20 Synthetic oil.
How Often Should You Change the Oil on the Honda Civic?
We advise you to perform an oil change on your Honda Civic every 3,000 miles. Although numerous service centers and dealerships might suggest extending the interval between oil changes, sticking to the 3,000-mile interval for changing oil is best. This practice ensures that your engine remains in excellent condition and helps to avoid potential issues with your vehicle.
General Honda Civic Maintenance Tips
Check the Tire Pressure and Tire Tread
Find the recommended tire pressure for your Honda Civic by opening the driver’s side door and looking for the white sticker. Inflate the tires when they are cold to prevent overinflating them. To check the wear on each tire’s tread, you can use the penny test or a tread depth gauge.
Rotate Tires
We recommend rotating your tires every other oil change, (if you are changing your oil at our recommended 3,000 mile interval) or every 6,000 miles.
Check the Coolant Level
Visually check the coolant level to make sure the coolant is at the required level in the coolant reservoir. Using a flashing light makes this easier. The coolant system is a closed system, this means if your coolant levels are very low, you are leaking coolant.
Check Brake Pads and Rotors
Use a flashlight to check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads, be sure there is plenty of brake pad remaining. Check the rotors for rust and other anomalies.
Check Engine and Cabin Air Filters
Open the air filter compartment and take out the air filter. If it’s dirty, clean it using a vacuum or by shaking out the debris and leaves, or consider replacing it with a new one. If it’s clean, simply reinsert it. Additionally, there’s a cabin air filter located behind the glove box in the Honda Civic, which purifies the air circulating inside the cabin. Inspect this filter and replace it if it’s dirty or never been replaced.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes in Honda Civic
With a decade of experience as an automotive technician, I’ve noticed that vehicles not receiving consistent maintenance tend to suffer from both regular and significant problems. Despite some car manufacturers advising oil changes every 5,000 to 15,000 miles, my advice is to opt for an oil change every 3,000 miles, even if Honda’s recommendations differ. In the case of the 2005-2012 Honda Civic, frequent oil changes are essential for preserving its performance and extending its life. Fresh oil decreases friction in engine parts, thereby improving efficiency and potentially boosting fuel economy by as much as 2%. It also ensures the engine runs cleaner, avoiding the buildup of deposits that can shorten the engine’s lifespan.