For most 2012 Civics with the 1.8-liter engine, the recommended oil is SAE 0W-20 full synthetic. The sporty Civic Si, which uses the 2.4-liter engine, requires SAE 5W-30 full synthetic. Always confirm with your owner's manual or the under-hood label for your exact model.
Oil requirements by engine
The 2012 Civic offered two primary engine options. The following guide reflects Honda's factory recommendations for those engines.
- 1.8L i-VTEC engine (LX, EX, EX-L): SAE 0W-20 full synthetic. Oil capacity with filter: about 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters).
- 2.4L i-VTEC engine (Civic Si): SAE 5W-30 full synthetic. Oil capacity with filter: about 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters).
Conclusion: Always verify the exact specification for your car model by checking the owner's manual or the under-hood oil fill sticker. The above specs cover the two most common 2012 Civic configurations.
Summary
The 2012 Civic typically uses 0W-20 synthetic oil for the 1.8L engine and 5W-30 synthetic for the 2.4L Si engine. Check your manual or label for the precise requirements and oil capacity before changing the oil.