How To Change Motor Oil In Honda Accord?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 22, 2023

Regularly changing the motor oil is paramount for the smooth operation of the Honda Accord’s engine. Oil is pivotal for lubricating all motor elements, cooling, and ensuring stable engine performance.

Devoid of oil, the engine’s lifespan will be a mere five minutes before it jams and malfunctions. Although essential, motor oil, unfortunately, degrades over time.

To prevent oil from compromising the engine, periodic replacement is a necessity.

Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be completed swiftly at any service station, faster than enjoying a cuppa!

However, if saving a few quid or indulging your inner car enthusiast is your game, keep reading to learn how to change the motor oil in your Honda Accord.

Key Takeaways:

• Regular motor oil changes are essential for the optimal operation of the Honda Accord’s engine.
• The Honda Accord’s recommended oil change interval is between 5,000 to 10,000 miles, contingent on the oil type.
• Utilizing aged engine oil can introduce harmful elements into the system, resulting in engine damage.
• Choosing the right oil, replacing filters, and responsibly disposing of used motor oil at designated centers is crucial.

How often should you change the oil in a Honda Accord?

For passenger cars like the Honda Accord, manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 7,500-10,000 miles.

Regardless of the miles clocked, the oil should be changed at least annually, even if the Honda Accord has been stationary.

The service manuals for the Honda Accord also provide insights into the oil change frequency, which largely depends on the driver’s usage pattern.

We offer a general guideline for the Honda Accord’s motor oil change.

Average Honda Accord oil replacement intervals:

• Conventional oil - 5-7 thousand miles or annually, whichever comes first;
• Synthetic lubricant - This can vary, with semi-synthetics needing a change every 7,500 miles, and full synthetics every 10,000 miles. Nonetheless, monitor your engine’s performance and act accordingly;
• We advocate for the simultaneous replacement of all filters, with the oil filter being compulsory, and air and fuel filters being optional yet recommended.

Why is it important to change the engine oil in a Honda Accord?

Operating the engine causes the oil to interact with all its components, collecting debris like soot, metal shavings, and carbon deposits. If neglected, these contaminants will circulate within the system, gradually impairing the engine.

Moreover, continuous exposure to high temperatures can cause inferior lubricants to lose their efficacy.

Consequently, the degraded oil will resemble water in consistency, compromising the lubrication and potentially leading to engine issues like overheating and seizing.

How to choose the proper oil for a Honda Accord?

The choice of oil is consequential. While they might seem similar, oils vary in their properties and can influence the engine’s performance significantly.

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting oil for your Honda Accord:

Price. Opt for oil that suits your budget but avoid overly cheap options. Counterfeit products can damage your engine. Remember, quality is paramount, so don’t compromise on oil;

Manufacturer. Renowned brands are less likely to be counterfeit. Ensure you purchase oil from certified sellers;

Viscosity. This is a crucial factor determining the oil’s flow resistance, indicated by numbers like 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.

The number preceding the “W” (standing for Winter) represents the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, while the succeeding number indicates the viscosity at 100°C. It is imperative to match the oil’s viscosity with the specifications of your Honda Accord and the prevailing climatic conditions.

API Classification. For any car, including the Honda Accord, the American Petroleum Institute (API) categorises oils based on their performance and engine type, be it petrol or diesel.

These API classifications are typically displayed on the oil container, labelled as "SN", "SM", "SL" for petrol engines, and "CK-4", "CJ-4", "CI-4" for diesel engines;

Additives. Various additives are infused in motor oils, each serving a distinct purpose, such as:

• Detergent additives: Essential for maintaining engine cleanliness;
• Dispersants: Act to avert sludge formation;
• Antioxidants: Crucial for averting oil oxidation;
• Anti-wear agents: Vital for the protection of engine components;
• Corrosion inhibitors: Inhibit corrosion;
• Friction modifiers: Enhance fuel efficiency.

Type of oil: Oils are categorised as mineral, synthetic, or a blend of both.

• Mineral oils: Derived directly from crude oil through refining processes;
• Synthetic oils: Formulated through chemical processes, offering superior performance, particularly at extreme temperatures.

If you’re scratching your head over the right oil for your Honda Accord, fret not; we’ve compiled a list of suitable oils for your car.

You can review the list of recommendations here.

If you wish to delve deeper into selecting the right oil, we recommend our detailed guide on choosing the appropriate oil. Here is the link.

How to change the oil in Honda Accord?

Changing the motor oil is relatively straightforward, but there are certain nuances to bear in mind to ensure smooth operation and prevent any potential mishaps.

Time required: 30 minutes

Level of difficulty: 2/5

People needed: 1-2

Necessary equipment: 

• A set of wrenches or sockets;
• Rag(s);
• A key for unscrewing the filter or a belt;
• A container for draining used oil;
• A new oil;
• A new oil filter

Preparation Setup

Before diving into the task, consider the attire. Opt for old clothes that you wouldn’t mind discarding post-task as oil stains are notoriously tough to remove.

Identify a suitable location with sufficient access to the car’s undercarriage. Here are some options:

• Drive the Honda Accord onto a ramp or into a pit in the garage;
• Utilise a lift, jack the car up securely;
• Ensure that the Honda Accord is stable and won’t fall – safety first!;
• Avoid changing oil immediately after a long drive; let the car cool down for at least 10–15 minutes to prevent burns from hot oil.

Locate and unscrew the oil cap on the engine

Locate and unscrew the oil filler cap, typically identified by an oil can icon or the word “oil”. Place it on a clean cloth and wipe off any oil or dirt if necessary.

Find the oil drain plug

Position yourself under the Honda Accord and locate the drain plug on the engine tray. Position a sufficiently large container beneath the plug to collect the used oil. Remember, a deep basin or bucket is optimal for this task.

Unscrew the Oil Plug

First off, ensure you have the correct key at hand. Ease it into position and begin the unscrewing process. It’s crucial to maintain finesse to avoid damaging the thread or the head, which, trust me, will save you a headache down the line. If it’s being stubborn, an impact wrench could be your best mate here.

Now, brace yourself—oil is going to make a quick exit as soon as you remove the plug. Have that container ready and mind your hands and clothes!

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Patience, Let the Oil Drain

Wait for the oil to make its escape. Having the oil filler cap off in advance hastens this process. Examine the drained oil critically. Any debris, shavings, or other undesirables? If yes, might be time for a chat with your mechanic.

Secure the Oil Plug Back in Place

Before refitting the plug, a clean wipe down is in order. A bit of degreaser or WD-40 can do wonders. This keeps future unscrewing efforts straightforward.

Be vigilant with the tightening—too loose and you’ll have leaks; too tight and you could damage the thread. The sweet spot for tightening can be found in the vehicle's owner’s manual.

Time to Unscrew the Oil Filter

The oil filter is next, located on the side of the engine block. A counterclockwise turn usually does the trick. A leather belt can offer some much-needed leverage if it proves difficult. Failing that, a specialised tool might be the way to go.

Be aware, some oil might still be lurking in the filter, so have a rag ready to avoid spillages.

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Fitting the New Oil Filter

Before the new filter takes its place, lubricate the seal with some engine oil. This small step can save you future hassle. Whether to pre-fill the filter with oil is up to personal preference, but ensure it’s fitted securely to avoid any leaks.

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Introduce the New Motor Oil

With everything back in place and secured, it’s time to introduce the new oil. You’ll find the oil filler cap on top of the engine, marked with an oil can icon. The amount of oil needed can be found here. Avoid overfilling; the repercussions aren’t pretty.

Regularly check the oil level using a dipstick and aim for the optimal level between the min and max marks.

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Disposing of Used Motor Oil

Once you’re done, responsible disposal of the used oil is key. Pouring it just anywhere won’t cut it—take it to a specialized recycling center. This contributes to minimizing environmental harm and is the responsible thing to do.

More information on oil disposal can be found here.