DIY Oil Change: Honda Fit (2015-2020 Models)

Performing an oil change on your 2015-2020 Honda Fit is one of the most straightforward and rewarding maintenance tasks you can undertake. Not only does it offer significant cost savings compared to garage services, but it also gives you direct control over the quality of parts and fluids used, ensuring your beloved Fit receives the best care possible. This guide is specifically tailored for Honda Fit models from 2015 through to 2020, all of which feature the efficient 1.5L engine and share consistent service intervals. If you own an older model, such as a 2001-2008 Honda Fit, a different procedure may apply, so please consult an alternative guide.

Why Take On a DIY Honda Fit Oil Change?

Many car owners shy away from DIY maintenance, but an oil change is an excellent entry point into understanding your vehicle better. Beyond the financial benefits, which are considerable given the frequency of oil changes, doing it yourself fosters a deeper connection with your car. You'll gain a sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of knowing you're proactively maintaining your investment. Furthermore, you can choose specific brands of oil and filters that you trust, rather than simply accepting whatever is used by a service centre. This level of control contributes directly to the longevity and performance of your Honda Fit's engine.

Understanding Your Honda Fit's Engine Oil Requirements

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your Honda Fit's 1.5L engine. It performs several critical functions: lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear, helping to cool the engine by dissipating heat, cleaning internal components by suspending dirt and contaminants, and sealing gaps between engine parts. Over time, oil degrades and becomes contaminated, losing its effectiveness. Regular oil changes, as indicated by your car's maintenance minder system, are therefore paramount.

For the 2015-2020 Honda Fit, the manufacturer typically recommends a 0W-20 full synthetic oil. This low-viscosity oil is designed to flow easily in cold temperatures, providing immediate lubrication at start-up, and maintain its protective properties at high operating temperatures. Always refer to your owner's manual for the precise oil specification, but 0W-20 synthetic is generally the correct choice for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Essential Tools and Parts for the Job

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and parts. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient. Patience and safety are key!

Tools Needed:

• 17mm socket and torque wrench: Crucial for tightening the sump plug to the correct specification, preventing leaks or damage.
• 17mm spanner: For initially loosening the sump plug.
• Flat head screwdriver: To release the retaining clips on the skid plate.
• Oil filter wrench: Essential for removing the old oil filter, which can often be very tight.
• Oil fill funnel: To prevent spills when pouring new oil into the engine.
• Drain pan with at least 4-quart capacity (approx. 3.8 litres): To collect the old engine oil. Ensure it's large enough to avoid overflow.
• Clean rag or shop towels: For cleaning up spills and wiping surfaces.
• Vehicle ramps or a jack and jack stands: Absolutely vital for safely raising the front of your car to access the sump plug and oil filter. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Parts Needed:

• Engine oil: Approximately 3.5 quarts (approx. 3.3 litres) of the recommended 0W-20 full synthetic oil. It's always a good idea to buy a 4-quart bottle or two smaller ones to have a little extra for topping up if needed.
• New oil filter: Ensure it's the correct filter for your 2015-2020 Honda Fit. Using a high-quality filter is just as important as using the correct oil.

Step-by-Step Honda Fit Oil Change Procedure

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful and safe oil change for your Honda Fit.

1. Warm Engine to Operating Temperature: Drive your car for 5-10 minutes. Warm oil flows more easily, allowing for a more complete drain and carrying more contaminants out with it. Be cautious, as the engine and oil will be hot.
2. Check Engine Oil on Dipstick: Before you start draining, a quick check of the dipstick can confirm there are no existing issues with oil level or appearance that might indicate a larger problem.
3. Raise the Front End Safely: Drive your Honda Fit onto sturdy vehicle ramps, ensuring they are properly seated. Alternatively, use a reliable jack to lift the front of the car, then immediately place robust jack stands under the designated jacking points. Never work under a car supported solely by a jack. Engage the parking brake.
4. Locate and Drop the Skid Plate: Most Honda Fits are equipped with a plastic skid plate underneath the engine. Using your flat head screwdriver, gently pop the centre pins of the retaining clips down, then pull the clips out. Carefully remove the skid plate to gain access to the sump plug and oil filter.
5. Drain the Engine Oil: Position your drain pan directly beneath the oil sump. Using your 17mm spanner, loosen the oil sump plug. Once loosened, carefully unscrew it by hand (it will be hot!). Be prepared for the oil to gush out. Let the engine oil drain completely into the drain pan. This may take 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove the Oil Filter: Once the oil flow has significantly slowed or stopped, locate the oil filter. It's usually near the sump plug. Place the drain pan underneath it, as some oil will spill out. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter. Once loose, unscrew it by hand. Be quick to pull it away and let the remaining oil drain into the pan.
7. Clean Surfaces: Use a clean rag to wipe clean the oil sump plug and the oil filter mounting surfaces on the engine. Ensure there's no old gasket material or debris that could prevent a good seal.
8. Prepare and Install New Oil Filter: Take your new oil filter. Dip your finger in some new engine oil and apply a thin film to the rubber O-ring gasket on the new filter. This lubrication helps create a proper seal and makes future removal easier. Screw the new oil filter on by hand until it's snug. Then, tighten it an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the filter or its housing.
9. Reinstall and Tighten Oil Sump Plug: Replace the old crush washer on your sump plug with a new one (often supplied with the new oil filter or sold separately). Reinsert the sump plug into the oil sump by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once finger-tight, use your 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it to the specified torque of 29 lb ft (approximately 39 Newton-metres). This torque setting is critical for preventing leaks without damaging the oil pan.
10. Fill Engine with New Oil: Remove the oil fill cap from the top of the engine (usually clearly marked). Place your oil fill funnel into the opening. Slowly pour approximately 3.5 quarts of the new engine oil into the engine. Reinstall the oil fill cap securely.
11. Start Engine and Check for Leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two. This allows the new oil to circulate throughout the engine and fill the new oil filter. While it's running, quickly check underneath the car for any leaks around the sump plug or oil filter. If you see any, shut off the engine immediately and investigate. Once satisfied, shut the engine back down.
12. Reinstall the Skid Plate (if equipped): Reattach the skid plate using the retaining clips. Push the centre pins in to secure them.
13. Lower the Front End: Carefully lower your Honda Fit off the ramps or remove the jack stands and lower it with the jack. Ensure the car is on level ground before proceeding to the next step.
14. Check Engine Oil Level: Once the car is on level ground and the engine has been off for a few minutes (allowing oil to drain back into the sump), pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. The oil level should be between the 'min' and 'max' marks. Top off with a small amount of oil if necessary, then recheck. Do not overfill.
15. Reset Your Maintenance Minder Dash Light: This is a crucial step to ensure your car's computer accurately tracks future service intervals. The exact procedure varies slightly by model year and trim, but typically involves navigating through the multi-information display using steering wheel controls and holding down a button to reset the oil life percentage. Consult your owner's manual for precise instructions.

Honda Fit Maintenance Schedules and Costs: DIY vs. Garage

The Honda Fit is renowned for its reliability and relatively low running costs. Its maintenance schedule is designed to keep it running optimally for many miles, often exceeding 150,000 miles with proper care. This schedule includes various services, from basic oil changes to more complex inspections and component replacements.

While a full service at a garage for your Honda Fit can range from approximately £200 to £300+ (using the provided estimate of $244 - $358 as a guide for typical service costs), a simple oil change DIY is significantly cheaper. The cost for the oil and filter alone is usually in the range of £30-£60, depending on the brands you choose. This represents a substantial saving, especially when you consider that an oil change is recommended at least once a year or every 7,500-10,000 miles (or as indicated by your maintenance minder).

Comparative Overview: DIY vs. Professional Oil Change

Below is a simplified comparison to help you weigh your options:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple task like an oil change can go wrong if not performed carefully. Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Overtightening the Sump Plug or Oil Filter: This can strip threads, crack the oil pan, or deform the filter, leading to costly repairs. Always use a torque wrench for the sump plug and tighten the filter by hand, plus a small turn.
• Under-tightening: Leads to leaks and potentially catastrophic oil loss.
• Using the Wrong Oil: Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended oil type and viscosity (e.g., 0W-20 synthetic for your Fit).
• Not Replacing the Crush Washer: The crush washer on the sump plug is designed to deform and create a seal. Reusing an old one often leads to leaks.
• Forgetting to Lubricate the New Filter's O-ring: A dry O-ring can tear or not seal properly, causing leaks.
• Not Disposing of Used Oil Properly: Engine oil is a hazardous waste. Never pour it down drains or into the ground. Most local recycling centres or auto parts shops will accept used oil for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I change the oil in my 2015-2020 Honda Fit?

Your Honda Fit is equipped with a maintenance minder system that will tell you exactly when an oil change is due, based on your driving habits and engine conditions. Generally, this is around 7,500 to 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Always follow your car's maintenance minder for optimal results.

What kind of oil should I use for my Honda Fit?

For 2015-2020 Honda Fit models with the 1.5L engine, 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil is typically recommended. Always check your owner's manual for the precise specification and capacity (around 3.5 quarts or 3.3 litres).

My oil light is still on after changing the oil. What's wrong?

The oil light you're seeing is likely the maintenance minder light, indicating that the oil life percentage needs to be reset. This isn't a fault with your oil change, but a system reminder. You need to manually reset it through your car's dashboard controls, as detailed in your owner's manual (often by navigating to the oil life display and holding down a button).

Can I use conventional oil instead of synthetic?

It's strongly recommended to stick with the manufacturer's specified oil type, which for modern Honda Fits is typically full synthetic 0W-20. Synthetic oil offers superior protection, especially at extreme temperatures and over extended drain intervals, which conventional oil cannot match. Using conventional oil may reduce engine lifespan and affect fuel economy.

What do I do with the old engine oil?

Used engine oil must be disposed of responsibly. Do not pour it down drains or into the environment. Collect it in a sealed container and take it to your local recycling centre, a participating auto parts shop, or a garage that accepts used oil for recycling.

Do I need to change the oil filter every time I change the oil?

Yes, absolutely. The oil filter traps contaminants from the oil. Reusing an old filter would immediately reintroduce those contaminants into your fresh oil, defeating the purpose of the oil change. Always replace the oil filter with a new one every time you change the oil.

Changing the oil on your Honda Fit is a rewarding and cost-effective way to ensure its longevity. By following these steps and prioritising safety, you'll not only save money but also gain valuable insights into the care of your vehicle. Happy motoring!

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