That trusty 2007 Honda Fit in your driveway has likely been a faithful companion for years, hauling groceries, friends, and adventures with surprising ease. To keep its spirited 1.5-liter engine running smoothly for many miles to come, nothing is more fundamental than using the correct oil. It’s the lifeblood of your car’s engine, reducing friction, dissipating heat, and keeping internal components clean. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “What type of oil does a 2007 Honda Fit require?” you’ve come to the right place. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced performance, lower fuel economy, and even long-term engine damage, so getting it right is crucial.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a new car owner looking to understand your vehicle’s needs better, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll look up the official specifications from Honda, discuss the different oil viscosities, and break down the choice between conventional and synthetic oils. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to pour into your Fit to keep it humming happily.
What Type of Oil Does a 2007 Honda Fit Require? The Official Answer
According to the 2007 Honda Fit owner’s manual, the official recommendation is clear. Your car requires 5W-20 viscosity engine oil that is API (American Petroleum Institute) certified for the best performance and protection. This specification is non-negotiable for ensuring your engine operates as designed. The “5W” refers to the oil’s viscosity (or thickness) in cold weather (the “W” stands for winter), allowing it to flow easily for quick lubrication during cold starts. The “20” refers to its viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature, providing a protective film that isn’t too thick, which helps with fuel efficiency.
For the exact quantity, your 2007 Honda Fit with the 1.5L engine needs 3.9 US quarts (3.7 liters) of oil during a standard oil and filter change. It’s always a good practice to check the dipstick after refilling to ensure the level is perfect—not too low and not overfilled.
Conventional vs. Synthetic: Making the Right Choice
While the manual specifies the viscosity, you often have a choice between conventional and synthetic oil. For a car of this age, this decision can have a real impact.
Conventional Oil: This is a refined petroleum-based oil. It’s a perfectly acceptable choice, especially if you’ve been using it for the life of the vehicle and it’s running well without any oil consumption issues. It meets the required 5W-20 specification and will do the job if you stick to a strict oil change interval.
Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil is engineered in a lab to have a more uniform molecular structure, providing superior performance in several key areas. It offers better protection against extreme temperatures, both high and low. It flows more freely in cold weather for even better start-up protection and resists breaking down under high heat. Synthetic oil also does a better job of preventing sludge and deposit buildup, which is a great benefit for an older engine.
For a 2007 Honda Fit, many mechanics and enthusiasts would recommend a high-quality synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. The added protection and cleaning properties can be particularly valuable for extending the life of an engine that has seen many years of service.
Why Oil Changes Are Your Fit’s Best Friend
You might know you need to change the oil, but understanding why can be a powerful motivator to stay on schedule. Over time and miles, engine oil degrades. It becomes contaminated with tiny bits of metal, soot, and fuel. Its additives, which help clean and protect, get used up. Fresh oil performs several critical functions:
- Reduces Friction: It creates a slippery layer between moving metal parts, preventing them from grinding against each other and wearing out prematurely.
- Cools Engine Components: The oil circulates through the engine, absorbing heat from critical areas like the piston rings and bearings.
- Cleans the Engine: Detergents and dispersants in the oil hold contaminants in suspension until the oil is drained, preventing sludge from forming.
- Protects Against Corrosion: Oil additives help neutralize acids that form from combustion, protecting internal parts from rust and corrosion.
Finding Your Oil Change Rhythm
The classic question is always, “How often should I change it?” For a 2007 model, the answer depends a bit on your driving habits and the type of oil you use.
The original maintenance minder system in your Fit will alert you when it’s time for a change based on your actual driving conditions. However, as a general rule of thumb for a vehicle of this age:
- Using Conventional Oil: Aim for every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Using Synthetic Oil: You can safely extend this to every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
If you primarily take short trips (less than 5 miles), drive in extreme temperatures, or frequently sit in stop-and-go traffic, you should lean toward the more frequent end of these intervals. These are considered “severe” driving conditions that cause oil to break down faster.
A Quick Guide to a Successful Oil Change
If you’re planning to tackle the oil change yourself, here’s a simplified checklist to ensure it goes smoothly:
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need 4 quarts of 5W-20 oil, a new oil filter (a Honda OEM filter is always a safe bet), a wrench for the drain plug, a funnel, a drain pan, and gloves.
- Warm Up the Engine: Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains more completely and quickly.
- Drain the Old Oil: Safely jack up the car, locate the drain plug underneath, and drain the old oil into your pan.
- Replace the Filter: Remove the old oil filter, lubricate the gasket on the new filter with a bit of fresh oil, and screw it on hand-tight.
- Refill with Fresh Oil: Refill the engine with the new 5W-20 oil through the oil fill cap on top of the engine. Start with about 3.5 quarts, then check the dipstick and add more gradually until you reach the full mark.
- Check for Leaks and Reset the Minder: Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then check under the car for any leaks. Finally, don’t forget to reset your maintenance minder light.
Keeping your 2007 Honda Fit healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. By sticking with the recommended 5W-20 oil, choosing a quality synthetic for enhanced protection, and adhering to a consistent change schedule, you are providing the best possible care for your car’s engine. This simple routine is the single most effective way to ensure your versatile and economical Fit remains a reliable partner on the road for years to come.