Honda Element Engine Oil Capacity
If your Honda Element needs an oil change, we’ll walk you through the process.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If you’re in the market for a versatile, roomy SUV with a distinct flair, the boxy Honda Element might be just what you’re looking for. As with any car, though, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with its engine oil capacity if you want to keep it in good shape.
We’re sure that one day someone will invent a car that can fix itself, but until then, maintenance is the responsibility of the owner. It can be frustrating sometimes, to keep your car in good shape—not to mention expensive. Luckily, there are ways to lighten that burden. One method is to perform your own oil changes, so long as you know what you’re doing.
Don’t fret if you’ve never changed your Honda Element’s oil before, because
Jerry
, the app for easy car insurance
shopping and savings, is here to tell you everything you need to know about the process. Stick around and we'll also show you how to save more on your monthly Honda Element insurance costs
!Honda Element engine oil capacity
Let’s get right down to it: how much oil does a Honda Element need?
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the Element has an oil capacity of 4.4 quarts, or 4.2 liters.
Before we proceed, it’s important that you realize that
engine displacement
is not the same as oil capacity. The cylinders in the engine need a certain amount of oil to function properly, and that specific amount is referred to as displacement. Oil capacity, on the other hand, is the amount of oil needed to perform a complete oil change. Displacement and oil capacity are not the same thing, so don’t think that the numbers are interchangeable.Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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What kind of oil does a Honda Element need?
Now that you know how much to use, we’re going to cover the specific kind of oil your Element needs. Different engines take different kinds of oil, so don’t buy any just yet.
In case you were wondering, the letters and numbers give us some information about the oil itself. The numbers indicate the viscosity, or thickness, of it, while the “W” stands for winter. The 5 in the position before the “W” indicates that the oil maintains a low viscosity at 0°F, while the 20 tells us that it stays thin at an extremely hot 212°F.
Essentially, you want an oil with these ratings because it will perform well in very cold weather, and the low viscosity means less wear and tear on your engine.
If you’re still not quite sure what kind of oil to purchase, consider these three options:
How often to change the oil on a Honda Element
Since we’ve covered how much and what kind of oil you’ll need to use, it’s time to talk about actually changing your oil.
For conventional oil, the traditional approach is to have an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles. If you have a significant commute or otherwise drive every day, it might be a better idea to get your oil changed every six months.
Given that the Honda Element takes synthetic oil, you can actually wait a bit longer in-between oil changes. Experts typically recommend that synthetic oil should be changed out every 7,500-10,000 miles.
If you think you might have trouble remembering all of this, just know that it’s important to check your oil regularly. Once a month would be a good method, or maybe every other time you fill up with gas. On top of that, keep your eyes peeled for any signs that you need an oil change, including:
- You hear strange noises coming from the engine
- You notice an unpleasant smell, like oil, smoke, or burning
- You note changes in your vehicle’s performance
How to change your oil and oil filter
Put your mechanic shoes on, because it’s time to get out there and change your Element’s oil.
First, get all the necessary tools together. You’ll need a socket wrench, drain pan, and filter wrench, as well as a new oil filter and 5 quarts of synthetic 5W-20 engine oil.
Start off by letting your engine run for about 5 minutes so that it can reach a normal operating temperature. Then, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
- Remove the oil fill cap
- Slide under the engine and take off the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to leak into the drain pan
- Remove the old oil filter and keep letting the oil drain
- Put on the new filter
- Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and make sure it’s tightened to 29 lb-ft
- Top off the engine with new oil and replace the fill cap
Make sure you
use your dipstick
to verify that you put enough oil in the engine. Once that’s done, let the vehicle idle for a few minutes and watch out for any leaks. When the oil pressure light
on the dashboard switches off, your job is done.The last step is cleanup. Never pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it in the trash. Dirty oil is a serious pollutant, not to mention the fact that you could be fined for improper disposal. Always place the dirty oil in a sealed container and bring it to the nearest recycling center.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Good work! Feels pretty good to change your own oil, right? Performing steady maintenance and upkeep will save you plenty of time and money in the long run, plus it will keep your Element purring like new!
If you’re interested in other great ways to save time and money, check out the
Jerry
app. Using Jerry is the fastest and easiest way to shop for car insurance
online. All you have to do is download the app and enter your information. In seconds, you’ll get a personalized list of the most competitive quotes scanned from over 50 of the nation’s top insurers. If you want to switch, our team of experts can even help you cancel your old policy.
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