2022 Honda Civic — Complete Fluid Type Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine oil	0W-20, API SP/ILSAC GF-6; Honda Genuine 0W-20	1.5L turbo: ~3.7 qt (3.5 L) w/ filter; 2.0L NA: ~4.4 qt (4.2 L) w/ filter — verify in owner’s manual/OEM info
Engine coolant	Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (blue), phosphated OAT (P-OAT), premix 50/50	Approx 1.0–1.3 gal (3.8–5.0 L) total system — verify by engine/body style
Automatic/CVT transmission	Honda HCF-2 Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid	Drain & fill typically ~3.5–4.0 qt (3.3–3.8 L); total dry capacity higher — verify
Manual transmission (Si and select hatch trims)	Honda Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), GL-4 75W-80 equivalent	~1.8–2.4 qt (1.7–2.3 L) — verify by transmission code
Transfer case	Not applicable (FWD; no separate transfer case)	n/a
Front differential	Integrated with transaxle (uses CVT fluid or MTF as above)	n/a separate fill
Rear differential	Not applicable (no rear final drive on FWD Civic)	n/a
Brake fluid (and clutch hydraulic, 6MT)	DOT 3; Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3	System capacity ~0.7–1.0 L; typical flush uses ~1 qt (0.95 L)
Power steering	Electric power steering (EPS) — no hydraulic fluid	n/a
Windshield washer	Conventional methanol/ethanol-based washer fluid, winter-rated as needed	~1.5–2.5 qt (1.4–2.4 L) — verify
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	Not applicable (gasoline engines only)	n/a

Engine oil

• Spec: 0W-20 meeting API SP and ILSAC GF-6. Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20 is recommended, but any oil meeting API SP/ILSAC GF-6 is acceptable. Do not use dexos-specific oils unless they also meet API SP/ILSAC GF-6.
• Capacity: 1.5L turbo (L15B-series) ~3.7 qt (3.5 L) with filter; 2.0L NA (K20-series) ~4.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter. Always verify for your exact trim/engine in the owner’s manual or OEM service info.
• Interval: Follow Honda Maintenance Minder. Typical normal service is up to 10,000 miles/12 months; severe use may shorten intervals. Replace the drain plug washer at each oil change.
• Pitfalls: Do not overfill—small sumps make level sensitive. Use an API SP/ILSAC GF-6 0W-20; heavier grades may impact fuel economy and VTC spool performance, especially in cold climates.

Engine coolant

• Spec: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (blue), pre-mixed 50/50. Chemistry is phosphated organic acid technology (P‑OAT), silicate/borate/nitrite/amine‑free.
• Capacity: Approximately 1.0–1.3 gallons (3.8–5.0 L) for the complete system depending on engine and body configuration. A typical drain-and-fill exchanges less than total capacity.
• Interval: Initial fill typically 10 years/120,000 miles, then 5 years/60,000 miles thereafter, or as indicated by the Maintenance Minder.
• Pitfalls: Do not mix with universal green, Dex‑Cool, or silicated coolants. Mixing OAT/HOAT chemistries can reduce corrosion protection and water pump seal life. Use only demineralized/distilled water if topping off concentrated coolant (Honda Type 2 is premixed and should be used as-is).

Transmission fluid — CVT (most 2022 Civic trims)

• Spec: Honda HCF‑2 Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid. No substitutes or “universal CVT” fluids.
• Capacity: Typical drain-and-fill ~3.5–4.0 qt (3.3–3.8 L). Total dry capacity is higher; multiple drain/fills may be needed for thorough exchange. Verify by transmission code.
• Interval: Per Maintenance Minder; many owners see 30,000–60,000 mile intervals depending on driving conditions. Sooner if towing (rare) or severe stop‑and‑go service.
• Pitfalls: Never use ATF, DW‑1, Dexron/Mercon, or generic CVT fluids. Incorrect fluid can cause belt/chain slip and judder. Ensure fluid temperature and fill level procedures are followed during service.

Transmission fluid — 6‑speed manual (Si and some hatchbacks)

• Spec: Honda Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), GL‑4 75W‑80 equivalent. Avoid GL‑5 gear oils; the higher EP additives can affect synchronizers.
• Capacity: Approximately 1.8–2.4 qt (1.7–2.3 L) depending on transmission variant. Always confirm by VIN/service info.
• Interval: Commonly 60,000 miles under normal use; sooner for track/autocross or heavy urban duty. Follow Maintenance Minder where applicable.
• Pitfalls: Do not overfill. Use only GL‑4 MTF with proper cold‑flow for shift quality. Clutch hydraulic system uses brake fluid (see Brake fluid).

Differentials and transfer case

• The Civic is front‑wheel drive with a transaxle. There is no separate front or rear differential service fill, and no transfer case. The differential shares the CVT fluid (HCF‑2) or MTF depending on transmission.

Brake fluid (and clutch hydraulic on 6MT)

• Spec: DOT 3 brake fluid; Honda Heavy Duty DOT 3 recommended. DOT 4 is compatible but stick with DOT 3 unless higher boiling point is needed and compatible fluids are used consistently.
• Capacity: Entire system roughly 0.7–1.0 L. A typical pressure or manual flush will consume about 1 quart (0.95 L). The 6MT clutch shares the brake fluid reservoir; bleed clutch circuit during service as needed.
• Interval: Every 3 years regardless of mileage, or per Maintenance Minder.
• Pitfalls: Keep fluid dry—hygroscopic absorption reduces boiling point. Do not spill on paint. Use only new fluid from sealed containers.

Power steering

• The 2022 Civic uses electric power steering (EPS); there is no hydraulic power steering pump, reservoir, or fluid to service.

Windshield washer fluid

• Spec: Conventional automotive washer fluid appropriate for climate (winter-rated de-icer where required). No manufacturer-specific spec.
• Capacity: Approximately 1.5–2.5 qt (1.4–2.4 L); verify by body style.
• Interval: Check monthly and before long trips. In freezing climates, avoid diluting with water.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

• Not applicable. All 2022 US‑market Civics are gasoline engines; there is no DEF system.

Notes on verification: Capacities can vary by engine (1.5L turbo vs 2.0L NA), body style (sedan vs hatchback), trim (Touring, Sport, EX, Si), and transmission. When in doubt, verify in the owner’s manual or OEM service information for your exact VIN.

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