The 2010 Honda Accord's oil capacity is 4.2 qt (4 L) or 4.5 qt (4.3 L) for the 2.4-liter and 3.5-liter engines, respectively. If you use conventional oil, Honda recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For synthetic oils, aim for every 8,000 to 10,000.

If you keep up with your regular

maintenance schedule

, your 2010 Honda Accord can stay healthy for many years to come. Arguably, the most important bit of maintenance is keeping up with oil changes.

If you’re interested in changing your oil yourself,

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super app, has put together this guide to your oil change essentials. We will cover the 2010 Honda Accord oil capacity, oil type, change intervals, and steps for changing your oil, then throw in some tips for saving money on your

Honda Accord insurance costs

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2010 Honda Accord engine oil capacity

The 2010 Honda Accord came in two different engine sizes, and each oil capacity is slightly different. Make sure to check the oil level when you finish changing your oil.

The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine Accord takes 4.2 qt or 4 L of oil, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine accord requires 4.5 qt or 4.3 L. Keep in mind that these are the oil capacities if you also change your oil filter, which is recommended with every oil change.

If you are unfamiliar with oil capacity and engine size notation, it is important not to confuse oil capacity for engine displacement. When you see a 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engine, this refers to the engine displacement or the total volume swept by the engine’s pistons and describes an engine’s size. Engine displacement is not the same as oil capacity.

MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

What kind of oil does a 2010 Honda Accord need?

Honda recommends using SAE 5W-20 synthetic motor oil for the 2010 Accord.

This can be Honda's genuine oil or any equivalent. Although

Honda

recommends synthetic oil, the Accord can run well on conventional oil. However, synthetic oil will give you better performance and a longer change interval.

For those that don’t know, SAE 5W-20 refers to the oil’s viscosity. SAE simply stands for the regulating body–the Society of Automotive Engineers. “W” stands for winter, and the first number will tell you the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures (0°F). The second number is the oil viscosity at normal operating temperatures (212°F). So, a 5W-20 motor oil remains relatively low viscosity at cold and hot temperatures, meaning less wear and tear on your engine.

To stay true to the manufacturer's recommendation, use

Honda Genuine motor oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2010 Honda Accord

Now that you’re an expert on your 2010 Honda Accord oil capacity and oil type, it’s time to talk about actually performing the oil change. While you can, of course, get your mechanic to change your oil for you, doing it yourself can save upward of $100 per oil change.

The first thing you’ll need to know is when to change your oil. Honda recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every six months if using conventional oil. If you choose to use synthetic oil, one of the benefits is that you can get a lot more mileage out of your oil. You should aim to change your synthetic motor oil every 8,000 to 10,000 miles.

These are some pretty large ranges. To best know when it’s time to change your oil, get in the habit of checking your oil every month. These signs mean it is time for an oil change:

Dark brown or black oil is the main sign that it is time for an oil change. Clean oil should be amber or light brown and transparent.

Oil that feels coarse or gritty is building up a lot of debris and should be changed.

Unfamiliar sounds coming from your engine might indicate it’s time for an oil replacement.

Smells of burning, smoke, or oil could be the result of dirty oil.

Vehicle performance changes like reduced power or fuel efficiency can be a sign of your engine running on old oil.

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you have decided that it is time to change your oil, you’ll need to gather your

essential car tools and supplies

. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new oil filter, and 4.2 or 4.5 qt of 5W-20 motor oil. You may also need to put your car on jack stands to access the underside of your engine.

When you’re ready, follow these steps:

Run your engine for a few minutes to get it up to normal operating temperatures. Then, shut off the engine and pop the hood.

Locate and remove the oil fill cap.

Locate and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, and drain the old oil into the pan.

Remove the old oil filter and let the oil fully drain.

Install the new filter.

Replace the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft.

Pour in your new oil.

Use your dipstick to check that the oil level is correct.

Replace the fill cap.

Run your engine for a few minutes and check for any leaks.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

When you’re done, properly dispose of your old oil by putting it in a sealed container and taking it to a recycling center.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about “insurance maintenance.” By that, we mean regularly updating your insurance policy to make sure you are getting the best price available. For the best results, it’s recommended to do some insurance shopping every six months. If that sounds like a lot of work, then it’s time to introduce you to

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