2014 Civic oil change questions

Matsweeper

Matsweeper

Well-Known Member
289
136
New Jersey
Vehicle Model
Civic
Body Style
Sedan
Hello, I currently have 6,089 miles on my new civic and the minder says 30%. I have a few questions and would like to get input from you guys here at the forum as this is my first honda.

1)What size wrench do I need for the oil bolt?

2)I can simply remove the oil filter by hand and put the new one on by hand as well in terms of tightness, right?

3)My friend says he always tops off his oil and never lets it get near 50% and then he just changes his oil every 6 month. He said he wouldn't let my oil get to 15%. I told him that the minder recommends at 15% not sure if that means i only have 15% oil left. Would you guys agree that I should just follow the minder, put my full synthetic oil and oil filter and then replace it when it hits 15%?

3)I hear people purchased a different magnetic oil pan bolt or drain bolt for their car, would you guys recommend this? and where would be the best place to buy?

4)Manual says requires 3.9qt for oil change... I can use 4?

Things I have on hand:
Mobil1 0w-20 oil (5qt bottle, but will use 4qt)
Mobil1 extended oil filter
oil funnel
oil pan for so the oil doesnt fall on the ground
rhyno change lift.

need wrench size, and bolt recommendations.

I'm planning on maybe getting a DIY for this 2014 model as I didn't see one.

thanks again.
 
1)What size wrench do I need for the oil bolt?

DIY: http://9thcivic.com/forum/threads/2012-civic-si-how-to-change-your-oil.5826/

2)I can simply remove the oil filter by hand and put the new one on by hand as well in terms of tightness, right?

No and no. Use a wrench designed for the oil filter and torque it properly.

3)My friend says he always tops off his oil and never lets it get near 50% and then he just changes his oil every 6 month. He said he wouldn't let my oil get to 15%. I told him that the minder recommends at 15% not sure if that means i only have 15% oil left. Would you guys agree that I should just follow the minder, put my full synthetic oil and oil filter and then replace it when it hits 15%?

Ignore your friend and go by the Maintenance Minder....unless your friend has specialized knowledge related to oil and engine engineering. If he knows something Honda doesn't he should hit them up for a job.

3)I hear people purchased a different magnetic oil pan bolt or drain bolt for their car, would you guys recommend this? and where would be the best place to buy?

Any autoparts store will have them. Brand doesn't matter. They are nothing special. Unless you want to over pay and buy a blingy one.

4)Manual says requires 3.9qt for oil change... I can use 4?

4 is fine, but you should be checking the level to make sure it doesn't go over the top mark. Overfilling can cause engine damage.

I'm planning on maybe getting a DIY for this 2014 model as I didn't see one.

Engines are the same for both the 2014 and 2012.
 
squiggy said:
1)What size wrench do I need for the oil bolt?

DIY: http://9thcivic.com/forum/threads/2012-civic-si-how-to-change-your-oil.5826/

2)I can simply remove the oil filter by hand and put the new one on by hand as well in terms of tightness, right?

No and no. Use a wrench designed for the oil filter and torque it properly.

3)My friend says he always tops off his oil and never lets it get near 50% and then he just changes his oil every 6 month. He said he wouldn't let my oil get to 15%. I told him that the minder recommends at 15% not sure if that means i only have 15% oil left. Would you guys agree that I should just follow the minder, put my full synthetic oil and oil filter and then replace it when it hits 15%?

Ignore your friend and go by the Maintenance Minder....unless your friend has specialized knowledge related to oil and engine engineering. If he knows something Honda doesn't he should hit them up for a job.

3)I hear people purchased a different magnetic oil pan bolt or drain bolt for their car, would you guys recommend this? and where would be the best place to buy?

Any autoparts store will have them. Brand doesn't matter. They are nothing special. Unless you want to over pay and buy a blingy one.

4)Manual says requires 3.9qt for oil change... I can use 4?

4 is fine, but you should be checking the level to make sure it doesn't go over the top mark. Overfilling can cause engine damage.

I'm planning on maybe getting a DIY for this 2014 model as I didn't see one.

Engines are the same for both the 2014 and 2012.
Click to expand...



Hahaha and "buy a blingy one" but yes, what he said.
 
You will also need a new drain bolt washer
 
Monk said:
For what a washer cost, why not put a new one on???????
Click to expand...
Dennis Rockholt said:
:yeahthat:
Click to expand...

Because sometimes you forget or don't realize you are out and already have the oil drained. It doesn't hurt to reuse them once (or more).

Hell, I had one car for 8 years that I reused the same one without ever having a leak. I have even had cars where I didn't have a washer period...no leaks. Point being, just make sure you aren't leaking oil if you don't use a new one (or at all).

Anyway, I have a giant bag of them now that will last for a long time.
 
Ok great guys! Thanks! I will check out the discussion on a new drain bolt washer. I'm excited to do my first oil change on this car and can't wait for it to hit 15%.

I followe the advice on oil filter wrench. It covers the filters bottom and has a hole fr me to attach a wrench to it. My local advance auto parts don't have wrench that is measured by lb per pressure. Maybe sears? I don't want to over tightened it either.
 
Matsweeper said:
Ok great guys! Thanks! I will check out the discussion on a new drain bolt washer. I'm excited to do my first oil change on this car and can't wait for it to hit 15%.

I followe the advice on oil filter wrench. It covers the filters bottom and has a hole fr me to attach a wrench to it. My local advance auto parts don't have wrench that is measured by lb per pressure. Maybe sears? I don't want to over tightened it either.
Click to expand...
Post a pic of the torque wrench you choose and how much you pay for it
 
@squiggy , I buy a bag of them as well........

My point is, all some ppl need, not to do something correctly, is to say something that leaves an inexperienced person thinking the easy way will be ok. It doesn't take much.........

I just think we need to keep a good reputation as ppl that give the correct advise........
 
Monk said:
@squiggy , I buy a bag of them as well........

My point is, all some ppl need, not to do something correctly, is to say something that leaves an inexperienced person thinking the easy way will be ok. It doesn't take much.........

I just think we need to keep a good reputation as ppl that give the correct advise........
Click to expand...

Which is why I pointed to a thread with some further discussion. The onus is then on them to do their research. I personally never take any advice at face value and will do some fairly exhaustive research before executing anything. I tend to be quite thorough and detail oriented with everything...I am pretty sure my DIYs portray that quite well.
 
squiggy said:
...I am pretty sure my DIYs portray that quite well.
Click to expand...

The advise given was great and I appreciate everyone's help. I used to do my own oil change on my dimmer and now look forward to it on my honda. I've spend hours picking the oil company that suites me, and the filter.

I was not aware that the 2012 were same as 2014 in terms of where everything is. The DIY seems pretty good and I will follow to get it done.

Glad to be part of this forum. Thanks!
 
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