Okay, my first post here, and I just changed the oil in our 07 Civic EX last night with 2147 miles on the odometer. I just couldn't wait any longer regardless of the "break-in oil" Honda used. Went with Mobil 1 5W-20 and Mobil 1 filter. Just a few notes without repeating what's already been said:
- Ramps - Use 2 x 6 x 3' boards placed on ramps to provide transition halfway up the ramps.
- Oil Draining - Used my hand pump oil extracter from Griot's. Got this thing last Christmas from my son, and it didn't work in my 89 Toyota pickup or 96 Saleen Mustang, but works perfect for the Civic! Removed dipstick from hot motor, pushed tube down to bottom of oil sump, and pumped a dozen times. Took about 5 minutes to suck the oil out without removing the drain plug. Just to verify that it actually got all the oil, I removed the drain plug, and nothing else came out. Actually, I think the tube will settle the in a low spot near the drain plug and may have gotten more oil than by draining. And you don't have to worry about the crush washer, stripping the threads, mess, etc.
- Purchased an
oil filter magnet. I've never used one before, but it kinda makes sense. Plus it's cheap, and can't hurt!
My 2 cents....Ken