What you need before you start
Changing oil in a Honda Accord requires four things: the right oil type and amount for your model year, a new oil filter, an oil drain pan, and basic tools you likely have at home. The entire job takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $60 in materials if you do it yourself, compared to $50 to $100 at a shop.
Before you begin, locate your owner's manual or check Honda's website for your specific model year — oil capacity and filter type vary. A 2015 Accord, for example, holds 3.7 quarts with a 0W-20 synthetic blend, while a 2008 model holds 3.5 quarts with 0W-20 conventional. Running the wrong viscosity or overfilling shortens engine life and can trigger warning lights.
You will also need an oil filter wrench (a $10 tool that grips the filter), a socket wrench set, a jack and jack stands if you need clearance under the car, and newspaper or cardboard to catch spills. Work on level ground in daylight or with a work light — you need to see the drain plug and filter clearly.
Key Takeaways
- Honda Accords require specific oil viscosity and capacity by model year; check your owner's manual before buying anything.
- The drain plug is underneath the engine; you must warm the engine first so old oil flows freely, then let it drain for at least five minutes.
- The oil filter sits on top of the engine and requires an oil filter wrench to remove without spilling; hand-tighten the new one until the rubber gasket touches, then turn it three-quarters more.
- Overfilling or underfilling triggers warning lights and damages the engine; use the dipstick to check level after the first start and again after five minutes of idling.
Warming the engine and locating the drain plug
Start the engine and let it idle for two to three minutes, then turn it off. Warm oil flows faster and carries out more debris than cold oil. Do not run it so long that the engine is too hot to touch — you want warm, not scalding.
Locate the drain plug underneath the engine, toward the front. On most Accords it is a 17mm bolt. Slide under the car or use a jack and stands to get clearance. Place your drain pan directly under the plug before you loosen it — old oil will spray if you are not ready.
Use a socket wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it slowly and let it fall into the pan. The oil will still be warm, so be careful. Let the pan sit under the engine for at least five minutes; old oil will continue to drip.
Removing and replacing the oil filter
The oil filter on a Honda Accord sits on top of the engine, usually on the driver's side. Slide your drain pan underneath it — there is always oil inside the filter that will spill when you remove it. Wrap an old rag around the filter to catch drips.
Use an oil filter wrench to grip the filter and turn it counterclockwise. Once it is loose, unscrew it by hand and set it in the drain pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with a clean rag to remove any old rubber gasket material or debris.
Take your new filter and coat the rubber gasket (the ring on top) lightly with fresh oil. This helps it seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct.
Reinstalling the drain plug and adding new oil
Wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and screw it back in by hand. Once it is snug, use your socket wrench to tighten it — most Accords need about 30 foot-pounds of torque, but hand-tight plus a quarter turn is close enough if you do not have a torque wrench. Do not over-tighten; you can strip the threads in the aluminum pan.
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol. Twist it counterclockwise and remove it. Place a funnel in the opening and pour in the amount specified in your manual. Most Accords take between 3.5 and 4 quarts, but do not guess.
Replace the oil filler cap and twist it clockwise until it is snug. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, watching the dashboard for warning lights. Turn it off and wait five minutes for the oil to settle in the pan, then check the level with the dipstick.
Checking the oil level and what to do if it is wrong
Pull the dipstick out completely and wipe it clean with a rag. Reinsert it all the way, then pull it out again and look at the level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below minimum, add a half-quart, wait five minutes, and check again.
If you overfilled the pan, you must remove the excess. Loosen the drain plug slightly and let oil drip into the pan until the level is correct, then tighten the plug again. Overfilling causes the engine to work harder, can damage the catalytic converter, and may trigger a check engine light.
Take the old oil and filter to a recycling center or auto parts store — most accept them free. Never pour oil down the drain or into the trash. Once you have disposed of the old oil, you are done. Record the date and mileage in your manual for your next change.
Common mistakes that damage the engine
The most common error is using the wrong oil viscosity. Honda specifies 0W-20 for most modern Accords; using 5W-30 or 10W-30 reduces fuel economy and can trigger a low-oil-pressure warning. Check your manual, not the bottle at the auto parts store.
The second mistake is overfilling. Many people add oil until the dipstick reads full, then add more because they think they missed some. This causes the crankshaft to whip oil into foam, which cannot lubricate properly. Add oil in half-quart increments and wait between checks.
The third is forgetting to tighten the drain plug or filter. A loose drain plug will leak and empty the pan while you drive. A loose filter will do the same. Take five seconds to confirm both are snug before you start the engine.
When to change your oil and filter
Honda recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months for synthetic oil, whichever comes first. Conventional oil requires a change every 5,000 miles or six months. Check your owner's manual for your specific model year — older Accords may have different intervals.
If you drive mostly short trips in cold weather, tow a trailer, or idle frequently, change your oil more often. These conditions break down oil faster because the engine does not reach full operating temperature. Your manual will list these conditions and recommend shorter intervals.
Set a phone reminder for your next change date or write it on your calendar. Skipping oil changes is the leading cause of engine failure in used cars and voids any remaining warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?
Yes. The filter traps metal particles and debris; a clogged filter restricts oil flow and can damage the engine. Changing the filter takes two extra minutes and costs $8 to $15. Skipping it defeats the purpose of changing the oil.
What if I spill oil on the driveway?
Wipe up what you can with rags or paper towels and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a recycling center. For larger spills, sprinkle cat litter or sand on the spot to absorb the oil, let it sit for 15 minutes, then sweep it up. Do not hose it into the storm drain.
Can I change the oil without jacking up the car?
On most Accords, you can reach the drain plug and filter without lifting the car if you are comfortable lying on your back. If you cannot fit underneath, use a jack and jack stands — never rely on a jack alone, as it can slip and cause serious injury.
What happens if I use the wrong oil viscosity?
Thicker oil (like 5W-30 instead of 0W-20) reduces fuel economy and can trigger a low-oil-pressure warning light. Thinner oil may not protect the engine in cold weather. Either way, the engine works harder and wears faster. Stick to what your manual specifies.
How do I know if my oil filter is on tight enough?
After hand-tightening until the gasket touches, turn it three-quarters of a turn more. You should not be able to turn it further with your hand. If you use a wrench, you have over-tightened it and may strip the threads when you remove it next time.