2019 Honda Civic Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	0W-20, Honda HFS-4, API SP / ILSAC GF-6	3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter
Engine Coolant	Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue, Phosphated HOAT)	1.29 US Gallons (4.9 Liters)
Transmission Fluid (CVT)	Honda HCF-2 Transmission Fluid	3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters)
Transmission Fluid (Manual)	Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)	1.7 US Quarts (1.6 Liters)
Brake Fluid	Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3	As needed, check reservoir
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power Steering (EPS), no fluid required	N/A
Washer Fluid	Honda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent	Approximately 0.6 US Gallons (2.3 Liters)

Engine Oil

For the 2019 Honda Civic, especially models equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine and the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, the factory-recommended engine oil is 0W-20 viscosity. It is crucial to use oil that meets or exceeds API SP and ILSAC GF-6 classifications. Honda specifically recommends its own Honda HFS-4 oil, but any 0W-20 oil meeting the specified API and ILSAC standards will be suitable. These newer specifications are designed to protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), a common concern in modern turbocharged direct-injection engines.

Capacity: The typical capacity for the 2019 Honda Civic engine, including replacing the oil filter, is approximately 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters). Always verify the exact capacity in your owner's manual for your specific engine variant, as slight differences can occur.

Interval: Honda's Maintenance Minder system will illuminate a wrench icon and display the oil life percentage. Generally, this indicates an oil change is due between 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions and habits can influence this. Adhering to the Maintenance Minder is highly recommended.

Common Pitfalls: Using an incorrect oil viscosity or an oil not meeting the API SP / ILSAC GF-6 standards can lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential issues like LSPI. Never use conventional oil if synthetic is specified. Always replace the oil filter with a new one during every oil change.

Engine Coolant

Your 2019 Honda Civic requires Honda Type 2 Coolant. This is a prediluted, phosphated HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant and is typically blue in color. It is crucial to only use Honda Type 2 coolant or an aftermarket equivalent that explicitly states compatibility with Honda vehicles and, ideally, matches the phosphated HOAT chemistry. Mixing different coolant types (e.g., OAT with HOAT) can lead to chemical reactions, gel formation, and corrosion within the cooling system, potentially causing severe engine damage.

Capacity: The cooling system capacity is approximately 1.29 US Gallons (4.9 Liters). This includes the radiator and the overflow reservoir. When topping off, ensure the engine is cool and fill the reservoir to the "MAX" line. For a full flush and fill, follow Honda's specific bleeding procedures to prevent air pockets.

Interval: Honda recommends replacing the engine coolant every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. After the initial replacement, subsequent replacements are typically recommended every 60,000 miles or 5 years. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate service intervals.

Common Pitfalls: Using water instead of coolant (leads to corrosion and freezing/boiling issues), mixing different coolant types, or not adequately bleeding the system after a refill can all cause significant cooling system problems. Always use prediluted coolant or dilute concentrate with distilled water, never tap water.

Transmission Fluid

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Most 2019 Honda Civics are equipped with a CVT. For these models, you must use Honda HCF-2 Transmission Fluid. This fluid is specifically designed for Honda CVTs and has unique friction modifiers essential for the proper operation and longevity of the transmission. Never use generic "universal" ATF or any other type of transmission fluid. Doing so will almost certainly lead to rapid transmission wear and failure.

Capacity: The approximate capacity for a drain and fill of the CVT is around 3.7 US Quarts (3.5 Liters). A complete flush would require more, but typically only a drain and fill is recommended for routine maintenance. Always check the fluid level according to the owner's manual procedure (usually with the engine at operating temperature and off, after cycling through gears).

Interval: Honda's Maintenance Minder system will indicate when a CVT fluid change is due, typically around 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions, but potentially sooner with severe use. Adhering to the Maintenance Minder is crucial for CVT longevity.

Common Pitfalls: Using incorrect fluid is the most common and catastrophic pitfall. Incorrect fluid will cause shuddering, slipping, and eventually irreversible damage to the CVT.

Manual Transmission

For 2019 Honda Civic models equipped with a manual transmission, the specified fluid is Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF). This fluid is formulated to provide optimal shifting performance and component protection for Honda manual gearboxes.

Capacity: The manual transmission typically holds about 1.7 US Quarts (1.6 Liters). Always check the fill level according to the owner's manual.

Interval: The Maintenance Minder system will also advise on manual transmission fluid changes, usually around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

Common Pitfalls: Using standard gear oil (like 75W-90) not specifically designed for Honda manual transmissions can lead to difficult shifting, excessive wear, and damage to synchronizers.

Differential/Transfer Case

The 2019 Honda Civic is primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. Some models may offer all-wheel-drive (AWD), though this is less common for the Civic platform and more prevalent in CR-V or HR-V models. For FWD Civics, there is no separate transfer case or rear differential to service. The transaxle (which contains the differential) uses the same fluid as the transmission itself (either HCF-2 for CVT or Honda MTF for manual).

If you have an AWD Civic (verify in your owner's manual, though unlikely for most 2019 Civics), there would be a rear differential and potentially a separate transfer case (usually integrated with the transmission in Honda AWD systems). These would require specific fluid types, typically Honda's Dual Pump Fluid II (DPSF-II) for the rear differential. Always consult your owner's manual or an authorized Honda service center to confirm if your vehicle is AWD and for the precise fluid specifications.

Brake Fluid

The 2019 Honda Civic uses Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. This is a glycol-ether based fluid. While DOT 4 can sometimes be mixed with DOT 3, Honda specifically recommends DOT 3. It is critical to use fresh, sealed brake fluid as it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion in the brake system.

Capacity: The brake fluid system capacity varies, but you will top off the master cylinder reservoir as needed. For a complete flush, typically 1-2 liters are sufficient, but ensure you have enough on hand to thoroughly bleed the system.

Interval: Honda recommends inspecting the brake fluid level and condition at every service interval. A full brake fluid flush and replacement is generally recommended every 3 years, regardless of mileage. This helps prevent corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, and master cylinder caused by moisture absorption.

Common Pitfalls: Using an incompatible brake fluid (e.g., DOT 5 silicone-based fluid will damage the system), using old or contaminated fluid, or not properly bleeding the system after any brake component replacement can lead to dangerous brake performance issues.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2019 Honda Civic utilizes an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This means there is no hydraulic power steering pump or fluid reservoir to service. The system is entirely electric, reducing maintenance and improving fuel efficiency.

Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, it is recommended to use Honda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or any commercially available high-quality washer fluid. Good quality washer fluid provides freeze protection, cleans effectively, and helps prevent streaking. In colder climates, ensure you use a fluid rated for low temperatures to prevent freezing in the reservoir and lines.

Capacity: The washer fluid reservoir typically holds approximately 0.6 US Gallons (2.3 Liters).

Common Pitfalls: Using only water can lead to freezing in cold weather, poor cleaning performance, and potential growth of mold or bacteria in the reservoir. Avoid using household detergents, as they can damage paint and rubber components.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2019 Honda Civic is not a diesel vehicle and therefore does not require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This fluid is exclusive to diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce NOx emissions.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.