2019 Honda Civic Coolant Capacity & Type

Your 2019 Honda Civic holds approximately 6.0 to 6.3 quarts (5.7 to 5.9 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine and transmission combination.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 6.0 - 6.3 quarts (5.7 - 5.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Honda Blue Type 2 (Silicate-free, Phosphate-based OAT/Hybrid OAT)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mixed

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Honda recommends an initial flush of the cooling system at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, whichever comes first. After the initial flush, subsequent flushes are recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years.

For vehicles driven under severe conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, heavy stop-and-go traffic, mountainous driving, or towing), it's advisable to shorten these intervals to 90,000 miles (144,000 km) for the initial flush and 45,000 miles (72,000 km) for subsequent flushes.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding your 2019 Honda Civic's cooling system is crucial to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating.

1. Drain the System: With the engine cool, place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the radiator drain cock (usually a white plastic wing nut on the bottom of the radiator) and remove the radiator cap. Some models may also have an engine block drain plug, consult your service manual.
2. Close Drain & Flush (Optional): Once drained, close the drain cock. If flushing, fill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on for 10-15 minutes, then drain again. Repeat until the water runs clear.
3. Refill: Close the radiator drain cock. Slowly pour the pre-mixed Honda Blue Type 2 coolant into the radiator filler neck until it reaches the top. Fill the overflow reservoir to the MAX line.
4. Burp Air Pockets: Leave the radiator cap off. Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature with the heater on full blast and fan on high. As the engine warms, air bubbles will rise and escape. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge bubbles.
5. Maintain Level: As the coolant level drops in the radiator, continue to top it off with coolant.
6. Install Radiator Cap: Once the thermostat opens (you'll feel the upper radiator hose get hot and coolant will circulate) and no more bubbles are visible, install the radiator cap.
7. Final Check: Drive the vehicle for a short period, then let it cool down completely. Recheck the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and top off if necessary. Repeat this check for the next few days.

Note: For vehicles equipped with a bleed screw, typically located near the thermostat housing or on the upper radiator hose, open it when refilling to allow air to escape more easily. Close it once a steady stream of coolant emerges.

Common Cooling System Issues

This generation of Honda Civic (2016-2021) can experience a few common cooling system issues:

• Cracked Radiator Hoses: Over time, the rubber hoses can degrade and crack, leading to leaks. Regularly inspect for swelling, stiffness, or cracks.
• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump seal can eventually wear out, causing coolant to leak. Look for pinkish-white residue around the pump area.
• Thermostat Failure: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to overheat (if stuck closed) or run too cool (if stuck open). Erratic temperature gauge readings are a symptom.
• Radiator Fan Motor Issues: The cooling fans are crucial for dissipating heat, especially in traffic. A failing fan motor can lead to overheating. Listen for unusual noises from the fans or observe if they fail to turn on.
• Head Gasket Leaks (Less Common, but Possible): While not as common as in older Honda models, head gasket issues can still occur, leading to coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, or coolant contamination with oil.

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