Your 2016 Civic EX-T is a fantastic car, blending efficiency with a surprising amount of pep thanks to its turbocharged engine. Keeping that engine running smoothly for years to come hinges on one of the most fundamental aspects of car maintenance: using the correct oil. It might seem like a simple detail, but for a modern, high-performance engine like the one under your hood, the right oil is its lifeblood. Getting the 2016 Civic EX-T oil type and capacity right is the first and most important step in any oil change.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just want to be an informed car owner when you take it to the shop, knowing the specifics for your EX-T model is crucial. Using the wrong oil or incorrect amount can affect everything from your fuel economy and engine performance to the long-term health of the turbocharger. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the official recommendations to practical tips for a successful oil change.
What Kind of Oil Does a 2016 Civic EX-T Need?
Honda is very specific about the oil required for the 1.5L turbocharged engine in your EX-T. The gold standard, as recommended in your owner’s manual, is a synthetic 0W-20 oil. Let’s break down what that means.
The “0W” refers to the oil’s viscosity (or thickness) in cold weather (the “W” stands for winter). A 0W oil is very fluid, allowing it to flow quickly to critical engine parts during cold starts, reducing wear. The “20” is the viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature. This thinner viscosity helps reduce friction within the engine, which directly improves fuel efficiency. Since your EX-T’s engine uses a turbocharger that spins at incredibly high speeds and generates intense heat, a high-quality synthetic oil is not just recommended; it’s essential. Synthetic oil is engineered to withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, providing superior protection for both the engine and the turbo.
Official 2016 Civic EX-T Oil Type and Capacity
Let’s get straight to the numbers you came for. For a standard oil and filter change on your 2016 Civic EX-T, you will need:
Oil Capacity: 3.7 US quarts (3.5 liters). It’s always a good idea to have a full 4 quarts on hand, as you will use almost all of it.
Oil Type: Synthetic 0W-20. Honda specifically recommends oils that bear the API (American Petroleum Institute) certification mark, often labeled as “Starburst.” Look for this symbol on the bottle to ensure the oil meets the latest industry standards.
When you’re at the auto parts store, you’ll find that most major brands offer a 0W-20 synthetic oil. While Honda does sell its own Genuine Honda Motor Oil, other reputable brands like Mobil 1, Pennzoil, and Valvoline are perfectly acceptable as long as they meet the 0W-20 specification and have the API certification.
Why Sticking to 0W-20 is So Important
You might wonder if you can use a slightly thicker oil, like a 5W-20 or 5W-30, especially in hotter climates. The answer is that you should always stick with 0W-20. Your Civic’s engine was meticulously designed and calibrated to operate with this specific oil viscosity. Using a thicker oil can lead to a few problems.
First, it can cause a slight decrease in fuel economy because the engine has to work harder to pump the thicker fluid. More importantly, it may not flow as quickly to the turbocharger’s bearings upon startup, potentially leading to increased wear over time. The engine’s variable valve timing system also relies on specific oil pressure, which can be disrupted by the wrong oil viscosity. In short, deviating from 0W-20 can compromise the performance and longevity Honda engineered into your car.
A Simple Guide to Changing Your Oil
If you’re planning to change the oil yourself, it’s a very straightforward job. Here’s a quick overview of the process and what you’ll need.
You’ll need a set of sockets and a ratchet, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and, of course, a new oil filter and 3.7 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil. Always use a new crush washer for the drain plug to prevent leaks. The OEM Honda oil filter part number is 15400-PLM-A02, but many high-quality aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, WIX, or Purolator will also work perfectly.
Ensure your car is on a level surface and the engine is warm but not hot. Locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine and carefully drain the old oil into your pan. Once drained, replace the drain plug with its new crush washer and tighten it to specification—do not over-tighten. Next, remove the old oil filter, lubricate the gasket of the new filter with a bit of fresh oil, and install it. Finally, add the new oil through the engine bay, starting with about 3.5 quarts. Check the dipstick and add more as needed to bring it to the full mark.
Caring for Your Turbocharged Engine
Your EX-T’s turbo is a key component that benefits greatly from proper oil care. Turbochargers spin at over 100,000 RPM and get extremely hot. Because of this, it’s a good practice to let your engine idle for 20-30 seconds after a long drive or spirited driving. This allows oil to continue circulating and cooling the turbocharger rather than letting it cook the stationary oil inside when the engine is shut off immediately. This simple habit can significantly extend the life of the turbo.
Additionally, always wait for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature before doing any hard acceleration. This gives the oil a chance to thin out and properly lubricate all the components, including the turbo.
In summary, your 2016 Civic EX-T thrives on 3.7 quarts of synthetic 0W-20 oil and a high-quality filter during each change. Adhering to this specification is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure your efficient and peppy turbocharged engine continues to perform reliably for many thousands of miles. A little attention to this detail goes a very long way.