The 2014 Honda CR-V is quite possibly the best mixture of practicality, comfort, and reliability available in an SUV. But if you want your CR-V to continue running smoothly, you should be aware of its engine oil capacity. All 2014 CR-Vs have an oil capacity of 4.2 quarts or 4.0 liters.

When it comes to cars, one of the best ways to save money is to keep your vehicle in good repair. A few dollars in preventative care can save you thousands in repair. Changing your car’s oil is one of the small things you can do yourself to make sure your car stays healthy, but you’ll need to know your vehicle’s oil type and capacity to do it right.

You can find that information in your owner’s manual, but if you’ve misplaced it, you’re in luck:

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2014 Honda CR-V engine oil capacity

The first thing you need to know if you’re going to change your CR-V’s oil is exactly how much oil your CR-V holds.

All 2014 CR-Vs are outfitted with the 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, with an oil capacity of 4.2 quarts or 4.0 liters. Oil capacity should not be confused with engine displacement, which is the combined 2.4-liter volume of your engine’s cylinders. Oil capacity is the amount of oil you’ll need to put in your engine every oil change.

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How to test an oil pump

What kind of oil does a 2014 Honda CR-V need?

The next thing you’ll need to know is what kind of oil to put in your Honda CR-V. The owner’s manual for your 2014 CR-V recommends that you use 0W-20 Honda Genuine Motor Oil.

The numbers refer to the oil’s viscosity—or how easily it flows—and the “W” stands for winter. A low number before the “W” means the oil has a low viscosity in wintertime, and a high number like 20 means the oil gets fairly thin in hot weather. Low viscosity means the oil will create a thick enough barrier in your cylinders while minimizing wear and tear on your engine.

Using the wrong kind of oil can lead to all sorts of problems including:

Loss of power

Loss of fuel efficiency

Engine breakdown

Some signs that you may have put the wrong oil in your engine are:

Your engine has trouble starting in the winter

Your car is leaking oil

Your car is burning oil

You hear a ticking sound coming from your engine in wintertime

You notice a dip in fuel efficiency

When looking for engine oil, it's best to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendation to use

Honda Genuine Motor Oil 0W-20

MORE:

What’s the difference between synthetic and conventional oil?

How often to change the oil on a 2014 Honda CR-V

The third thing you need to know is when to

change your oil

Honda recommends having your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. How long it takes for you to drive that much depends on your particular habits, so keep an eye on your odometer. If you don’t drive much, you can probably get away with scheduling your oil changes every six months.

Synthetic oil typically breaks down slower than conventional oil, so, if you’re using synthetic oil, experts suggest changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

If you’ve lost track of your oil change schedule, there are ways to tell if your engine is in need of new oil. Here are some signs that your car needs an oil change:

Your motor oil is dark brown or black. Your motor oil should be the color of tea and not the color of cola.

Your motor oil is gritty. Clean motor oil should be smooth.

You notice strange sounds coming from your engine, like ticking.

You smell burning oil or a smoky scent, or you see smoke coming from your tailpipe.

You notice you’re filling your gas tank more frequently.

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How to remove grease and oil from a car interior

How to change your oil and oil filter

When it’s finally time to change your oil, you’ll need a few special tools to help you complete the task, such as a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench. You’ll also need a replacement oil filter and five quarts of 0W-20 motor oil.

Start your engine and let it warm up to normal running temperature. This should take about five minutes, but it could take a bit longer if it’s cold out. Once your engine is properly warmed up, shut off the engine, open the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil cap to allow airflow and prevent a vacuum from being created

Place the drain pan under the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to run off into the pan

Use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter

Put the new filter in

Once the oil has stopped flowing, replace the oil drain bolt along with a new washer and tighten it to 25–30 lb-ft

Fill the engine with 4.2 quarts of 0W-20

Double-check to make sure that you’ve put the right amount of oil in your engine, then replace the fill cap. Close the hood and let your engine run for a few minutes. Check for leaks, and then reset the oil light on your dashboard.

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, it’s time to clean up, but don’t dump the old oil on the ground or down a drain. Motor oil can contain toxic chemicals and is a major water contaminant. Depending on where you live, you may be able to place the used oil in a sealed container and leave it with your curbside recycling. If that isn’t an option where you live, you’ll need to drop it off yourself at your local recycling center.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Changing your Honda CR-V’s oil regularly will help you keep maintenance costs down, saving you money in the long run. Another great way to save money is to shop for

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