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My 02 EX has 71k and it needs an oil change. When it had some over 50k, I switched to synthetic. Now, my question is that since this oil change I will be doing it myself and I'm curious on which oil to use (Mobil 1, ect...)?. A few members from this site also suggested to change the Bolt and washer from the oil pan after removing it. Personally, I've never heard of that and the dealership has never told me anything like that before. And final, What brand of oil filter should I get? Any advice would really help.

 
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Mobil1 is good, or any brand name synthetic oils. I use Penzoil synthetic myself. Stick with the weight of 5w20 or 0w20. Best oil filter is the OEM filter from Honda and while your there pick up a washer for the bolt. You dont need to change the bolt, only the washer. If your need help changing your oil, there is a DIY in the DIY sub-section.

 
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i was using castrol syntec, but my last oil change i used amsoil. i think its alot better, i'm at about 4800 mi, since then, and the oil looks and feels like i just poured it in. you don't need to change the bolt just the washer, which you should get with the oem filter. mine is always taped on the filter when i buy it.

 
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Thanks, I appreciate it. Where is the DIY sub-section??? I've been trying to look for it for a while and still can't find it.

 
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Its just right under the heading where you click for the DIY section, but since you are new, I'll post a link of the DIY oil change.
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=154961

 
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Can you actually feel any difference after an oil change? I don't. Runs the same regarless. Didn't notice when switched to syn either.

 
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with conventional oil i noticed a difference at about 2500mi, and would change my oil every 3000mi. with syn i don't feel any difference, but i change my oil every 5000mi and it looks cleaner.

 
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synthetic doesnt break down as quickly, it holds its viscosity longer, no matter what brand, and hence does not burn as quickly. ive been working at quick lubes of different sorts for like 4 or 5 years now, and penzoil seems to be a sludge master, at least in conventional form, not sure about syn, never seen anyone use it. As for me, i just use fram and mobil 1 5w20, i get a discount, plus all the gaskets i could ever want, but yes, you should change the plug gasket at every oil change, since they are supposed to be crush gaskets. mostly oil is about preference, but safe bet is syn

 
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What's up with the Oil filter? You speak of personal preferences, but I'm concerned about what's good for my car. Some of you say to stick with the Honda OEM filter, some say Fram, and some say K&N. I will stick to the Mobil1 5W-20. I'm buying the supplies tomorrow so that I can change the oil on Saturday.

 
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There is a massive write-up on Honda-tech on which oil to use. I think the bottom line is that the most important thing is to actually change it.

I'm running Royal Purple. It's supposed improve lubrication and therefore add HP. I know it's marketing BS I've read a few testamonials on forums that say they can feel a difference. They also claim that oil changes are only required every 12k miles.

For what it's worth, years ago I read an article in Consumer Reports that rated Castrol the best.

 
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pick up a oem filter and just compare the weight to a fram or purolator. mobil1 and k&n are the closest to weight and structure.

 
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Isn't royal purple expensive? What does the weight of the oil filter have to do with how good it works?

 
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the heavier the filter the more material inside and the better construction the better the filtration.

 
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So which would be the heaviest? If you mean that the heavier it is, the better it works.

 
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What a bunch of crap. Filter weight has nothing at all to do with how well a filter performs.

You should change the oil drain plug washer after every single oil change. I don't care how many people say they've never changed it and never had a problem.. It costs about 20 cents at the dealer, its stupid not to change it.

Any SM GF-4 oil will do just fine in your civic. If money is tight, use something like motorcraft 5w-20. If money is not a concern, you can go ahead and buy red line, amsoil, mobil 1, and the other pricey brands. Just know that.. There will really be no difference. Our engines don't need synthetic, and don't really benefit from synthetic. They produce pretty much the same amounts of wear with both. Synthetic will do a better job of keeping things clean, but thats not to say using a conventional will sludge up your motor.. It wont, as long as you keep your oil change interval reasonable, say 5000mi for conventional, and under 10k with synthetic.

I've been using synthetic (mostly mobil 1) for 113k.. and I regret using it. Sure, it has kept my valvetrain very, very clean.. But it's just overkill.

In regards to what oil filter to use.. It doesn't really matter. If money is tight, supertech or purolator premium plus would work great. If you want to spend a little more money.. Wix, Napa Gold, Mobil 1..

 
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CTX66- Thanks, I have to buy the supplies today so I can change the oil tomorrow.