A Complete Step by Step Guide

That maintenance light popped on your dashboard again, or maybe you just hit another three thousand miles and know it’s time. Either way, it’s time for a fresh oil change in your Honda Accord. You have two choices: pay a shop seventy bucks or do it yourself for half that.

I’ve done this on multiple Accords over the years a 98 coupe, a 2012 sedan, even a 2023 hybrid a friend brought over last month. The process stays mostly the same and is one of the easiest Honda Accord change oil jobs you will ever do on any car. Let me walk you through it.

Why Change Your Own Oil

Firstly, dealers charge anywhere from sixty to ninety dollars for an oil change. In contrast, doing it yourself costs about twenty-five to thirty-five bucks depending on the oil you buy. That means you save money every single time.

Secondly, you know exactly what goes into your engine. You see the drain plug, the old oil coming out, and you control the quality of the filter and the type of oil. No shortcuts. No upsells.

Plus, working on your own car builds confidence. Once you do this, other maintenance tasks feel possible too.

What You Need Before  Starting

Before anything else, gather everything first. Nothing is worse than being under the car and realizing you forgot something.

Tools and Supplies

• A drain pan that holds at least five quarts

• A socket wrench with extensions

• The right size socket for your drain plug (most Accords use 17mm)

• An oil filter wrench (cap style works best)

• A new oil filter (choose a quality one)

• Fresh engine oil (check your owner manual for the correct weight)

• A new crush washer for the drain plug

• Latex or nitrile gloves

• Shop rags or paper towels

• A funnel

• Jack and jack stands or ramps

• Wheel chocks

Most Honda Accords take about 4.2 to 4.5 quarts of oil with a filter change. Therefore, buy a five quart jug so you have a little left over.

Choosing the Right Oil and Filter

Engine Oil

This matters more than many people realize. Honda engines are built with tight tolerances. For most modern Accords, 0W20 full synthetic is recommended. Older models may use 5W20 or 5W30. Check your oil fill cap or the owner manual.

In addition, stick with trusted brands like Mobil 1, Pennzoil, or Valvoline. Store brands may work, but the big names give peace of mind.

Oil Filters

Genuine Honda filters are excellent. They have the correct bypass valve pressure and proper filtering media. Fram, Mobil 1, and Purolator also make quality options. Avoid cheap, no name filters they can collapse or leak, risking engine damage.

Preparing Your Accord

Park on level ground. Flat driveways or garage floors are best. If using the street, choose the flattest spot.

Run the engine for a few minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely. Five minutes of driving or idling is enough. However, do not let it get too hot.

Turn off the engine and pop the hood. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine. This lets air in and helps oil drain faster.

Lifting the Car Safely

Using Jack Stands

Locate the proper lift point behind the front wheels. Jack up the car, then place jack stands under the frame rails or pinch welds. Lower the car onto the stands and shake gently to ensure stability.

Using Ramps

Ramps are easier if available. Drive slowly up until front wheels are fully on. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Either method works as long as you are safe.

Draining the Old Oil

Slide under the car with your drain pan. The drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan, often facing slightly toward the passenger side. Clean around it first to avoid contamination.

Loosen the plug with a socket wrench, then hand-turn to remove. Oil starts flowing immediately, so move the plug aside carefully. Let it drain for five to ten minutes.

Meanwhile, inspect the crush washer on the plug. Replace it every time it’s cheap and prevents leaks.

Removing the Old Filter

Move your drain pan under the filter. Oil will spill, so be ready. Use your oil filter wrench to break it loose, then unscrew by hand. Keep it upright to control mess. Check the engine block for leftover gaskets. Remove any old gasket; two stacked gaskets cause leaks.

Installing the New Filter

Rub fresh oil on the new filter gasket to help it seal. Screw it on by hand until the gasket touches the engine block, then tighten an additional three-quarter turn by hand. Hand-tight is enough do not use a wrench.

Tip: Some fill the filter with oil first. Optional, but it reduces dry-start time.

Installing the Drain Plug

Wipe the drain plug area clean. Place a new crush washer on the plug. Screw it in by hand, then tighten with a socket wrench to about 30 foot-pounds. Avoid overtightening, as stripped oil pans are costly.

Adding New Oil

Lower the car and add oil using a funnel. Pour most of it first about 3.5 to 4 quarts to start. Most Accords take 4.2 quarts with a filter change.

Start the engine for thirty seconds. The oil pressure light should turn off. Check under the car for leaks. Tighten if needed.

Checking the Oil Level

Turn off the engine, wait five minutes, then use the dipstick. Wipe clean, reinsert, and check again. Add oil gradually until it reaches the full mark. On newer Accords, the dipstick has plastic tips—look for where the oil wets it.

Cleaning Up

Wipe any spilled oil and remove tools. Dispose of old oil at a recycling center or auto shop. Never pour down drains or throw in trash. Reinstall any undercovers and fasteners. Reset maintenance minder if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtightening the drain plug

• Forgetting the crush washer

• Not oiling the filter gasket

• Double gasketing the filter

• Underfilling or overfilling

• Running engine without oil

How Often to Change

Follow your maintenance minder. Otherwise, 5000-7500 miles with synthetic oil works well. Severe driving conditions may require sooner changes. Overly frequent changes (every 3000 miles) are safe but costly.

Special Notes for Hybrid Models

Hybrids require maintenance mode to run the engine alone. The filter location is excellent easy to reach. Follow your manual for exact steps.

Final Thoughts

Changing oil on a Honda Accord is one of the easiest DIY jobs. Engineers designed it with accessibility in mind. Take your time the first time, follow steps carefully, and soon you’ll complete it in thirty minutes. Your Accord will thank you with reliable performance and your wallet will thank you for saving on service costs.