Which oil do I use? It’s a question asked time and time again. Well now, you can find out here, with our definitive oil guide.

It appears that Honda are using 10w-40 for running in. After the run-in period, these are the oils/fluids you should use as per the Manufacturers recommendations.

Lubricant report for: Honda, Civic 2001, Civic 2.0 16V Type R, (2.0 Typ R VTEC),2001-
Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Drive type: f.w.d.
Cylinder capacity: 1998 cc
Power output: 200 HP/147 kW at 7400 rpm

Engine: petrol, 4-stroke, water cooled, 4 valves/cyl.
Capacity: 4.50 liter
Filter capacity: 0.20 liter
Note: Change every 20000 km or 12 months & Check daily

OEM recommendation: Year-round API: SJ-EC SAE 0W-20
Year-round API: SJ-EC SAE 0W-30
Year-round API: SJ-EC SAE 0W-40
Year-round API: SJ-EC SAE 5W-30
Year-round API: SJ-EC SAE 5W-40

Component note: Under severe conditions change fluid every 10000km/6 months.

Transaxle / Gearbox: manual
Capacity: 1.50 liter
Gears forward: 6
Gears reverse: 1
Note: Check every 20000 km or 12 months
Note: Change every 120000 km or 72 months
Note: Check for leaks

OEM recommendation: Year-round Special Honda MTF-II –

Lube group note.
If Honda MTF-II is not available, in emergency cases a motor oil API: SG or SH with viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be used. This can lead to a heavy gear change and excessive wear.

Component note. 
When driving in extreme temp.(>32°C) or when driving with caravan or in the mountains, change fluid every 60000km/48 months.

Power steering. 
Check every 20000 km or 12 months
Special service: Top up only (filled for life).

OEM recommendation.
Year-round Special power steering fluid, Honda.

Lube group note.
Do not use other fluids!

Hydraulic brakes/clutch system: ABS
Capacity: 0.60 liter
Check: every 20000 km or 12 months
Change: every 36 months
Check: check for leaks

OEM recommendation.
Year-round Brake fluid: DOT 3 
Year-round Brake fluid: DOT 4

Cooling system. 
Capacity: 5.30 liter
Check: Every 20000 km or 12 months
Change: Every 100000 km or 60 months
Check: Check for leaks
Special Service: First change at 200000Km, or 120 Mths

Ensure that the API is either SJ or SL for the engine oil. The latest is SL and as these are backwardly compatible it’s best to use the latest spec which is SL.

Hope this helps,

Cheers.
Simon @ Opie Oils. 

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-1586-oils-fluids-more.aspx