recommend oil HONDA CIVIC 2008 8.G Owners Manual

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time. We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy, metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
A ll models except Si
Si model only
186
 — —

y
y
(+ y 

y

µµµ
µ
µ
µ
Ì Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability. 189
191
244
246
242
255
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
230
 — —

y
 y
(+ y y
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service f acility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out your Honda Service History or Canadian Maintenance Log.

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection.
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on the valve cover. Pour in
the oil slowly and caref ully so you do
not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
234
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
Si
DX, Canadian DX-G, LX, EX, EX-L
 — —

y
 y
(+ y y

Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km).
Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time. We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy, metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Do not tow a trailer.
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
A ll models except Si
Si model only
180
 — — y
 
y
(# y 
y

µµ
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Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmedup)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
228
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
232
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Bef ore Driving
187
 — — y
  y
(# y 
y

µµµ
µ
µ
µ
Ì Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Automatic transmission Check
the f luid level monthly. See page
.
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page .
U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all
maintenance services should be
perf ormed in accordance with the
intervals indicated by the
inf ormation display.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Make sure to
have the service f acility or person
reset the display as previously
described. Keep all receipts as proof
of completion, and have the person
who does the work f ill out your
Honda Service History or Canadian
Maintenance Log. Check your
warranty booklet f or more
inf ormation.
We recommend using Honda parts
and fluids whenever you have
maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
183
185
240 242
254
244
Maintenance Minder
Maintenance,
replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and
systems may be done by any
automotive repair establishment
or individual using parts that are
‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA standards.
Owner’s Maintenance Checks
228
 — — y

y
(# y y

Oil is a major contributor to your
engine’s perf ormance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certif ication Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle f or
optimum engine protection.
Reinstall the engine oil f ill cap, and
tighten it securely. Wait a f ew
minutes, and recheck the oil level on
the engine oil dipstick. Do not f ill
above the upper mark; you could
damage the engine.
Unscrew and remove the engine oil
fill cap on the valve cover. Pour in
the oil slowly and caref ully so you do
not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately. Spilled oil could
damage components in the engine
compartment. Recommended Engine Oil
A dding Engine Oil
232
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
Except Si Si
 — — y



y
(# y y

Remove the oil f ilter, and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
dealer) is required.Refill the engine with the
recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including f ilter):
Replace the engine oil f ill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator should go out within 5
seconds. If it does not, turn of f the
engine, and check your work.
Let the engine run f or several
minutes, then check the drain bolt
and oil f ilter f or leaks.
Install a new oil f ilter according to
the instructions that come with it.
Make sure to clean of f any dirt
and dust on the connecting
surf ace of a new oil f ilter.
Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten the drain bolt to:
Make sure the oil f ilter gasket is
not stuck to the engine block. If it
is, remove it bef ore installing a
new oil f ilter.
5. 6. 7. 8.
3.
4. Except Si Si
CONT INUED
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Maint enance
235
OIL FILTER
Except Si Si
3.9 US qt (3.7)
29 lbf·ft (39 N·m , 4.0 kgf·m) 4.6 US qt (4.4
)
 — — y

y
(# y  y

Î..................................
Saf ety Belts . 8, 18
.........
Safety Defects, Reporting . 308
.................................
Saf ety Features . 7
...........................................
Airbags . 9
.......................................
Seat Belts . 8
.............
Saf ety Labels, Location of . 52
..............................
Saf ety Messages . iii
.....................................
Seat Belts . 8, 18
...............
Additional Information . 18
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................
Tensioners . 19
................
Lap/Shoulder Belt . 14, 19
........................
Maintenance . 20, 250
Reminder Light and
................................
Beeper . 18, 59
..............
Panel Brightness Control . 73
........................
Park Gear Position . 203
...........................................
Parking . 206
...............................
Parking Brake . 103
Parking Brake and Brake
.................
System Indicator . 59, 279
.................................
Parking Lights . 72
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 302
........................
Playing a Disc . 124, 144
.........................
Playing a PC Card . 153
..................
Playing the Radio . 115, 132
.............................
PGM-FI System . 301
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 16
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 17
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 16
........................
Protecting Children . 33
.....................
General Guidelines . 33
...........................
Protecting Inf ants . 38
...........
Protecting Larger Children . 47
.............
Protecting Small Children . 39 ...................
Radiator Overheating . 275
.............
Radio/CD Sound System . 114
Radio/CD/PC Card Sound
........................................
System . 132
...........................
Readiness Codes . 278
Rear Lights, Bulb
.......................
Replacement . 247-249
..........................
Rear Seat, Folding . 95
..........................
Rear View Mirror . 102
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 74
...............
Reclining the Seat Backs . 91
.......
Recommended Shif t Speeds . 200
.............................
Reminder Lights . 59
................
Remote Audio Controls . 171
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 88
Replacement Inf ormation
..............
Dust and Pollen Filter . 250
................
Engine Oil and Filter . 234
..........................................
Fuses . 280
................................
Light Bulbs . 244
................
Maintenance Minder . 223
...........................................
Tires . 259
.............................
Wiper Blades . 251 Replacing Seat Belts Af ter a
............................................
Crash . 20
Reserve Tank, Engine ...............................
Coolant . 185, 236
...............................
Restraint, Child . 33
..................
Reverse Gear Position . 203
................................
Rotation, Tire . 258
Index
R
S
P
VI
 —
 —y
 y
(# y 
y

Service Inf ormat ion Summary
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Brake Fluid:
Gasoline:
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Recommended Engine Oil:
Fuel Tank Capacity: Manual Transmission Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid:Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page ).
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) (see page
).
Front/Rear:30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm
)
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm
)
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of 87 or higher.
Premium unleaded gasoline,
pump octane number of 91 or
higher.
4.6 US qt (4.4
)
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
API Premium grade 5W-30
detergent oil (see page ). 3.9 US qt (3.7
)
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page ).
13.2 US gal (50
)
33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3 kgf/cm
)
Spare Tire: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm
)
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30
or 10W-40 motor oil as a
temporary replacement (see page
).
Capacity (including differential): 1.5 US qt (1.4
)
1.6 US qt (1.5
)
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page ). DX, Canadian DX-G
Except Si Si
Except Si Si
233
233 Except Si Si 242
LX, EX, EX-L Si
240
241
All models except Si and
Canadian DX-G (M/T) 243
 —
 —y
y
(# y y