2017 Honda Civic CVT Transmission Fluid Type Guide

Understanding CVT Transmission Fluid for Your Honda Civic

When it comes to maintaining your 2017 Honda Civic, one of the most critical aspects is ensuring that you use the correct transmission fluid. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in your Civic is designed for smooth performance and efficiency, but it relies heavily on the right type of fluid to function correctly. Let’s break down what you need to know about the fluid specifications recommended by Honda.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Honda has specific guidelines for the type of CVT fluid that should be used in your Civic. According to Honda’s official documentation, the recommended fluid is Honda CVT Fluid . This fluid is specially formulated to meet the unique requirements of Honda’s CVT systems, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Specifications of Honda CVT Fluid

Here are some key specifications and characteristics of Honda CVT Fluid that you should be aware of:

• Type: Honda CVT Fluid (part number 08200-9008)


• Viscosity: The fluid is designed to have a specific viscosity that allows for smooth operation across a range of temperatures.


• Friction Properties: The fluid contains additives that provide the necessary friction characteristics for the CVT to operate efficiently without slipping.


• Thermal Stability: Honda CVT Fluid is engineered to maintain its properties even under high temperatures, which is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring reliability.


• Compatibility: This fluid is specifically formulated for Honda CVTs and should not be mixed with other types of transmission fluids.

Why Use Honda CVT Fluid?

Using the correct transmission fluid is not just a suggestion; it is essential for the health of your vehicle. Here are some reasons why sticking to Honda’s recommendations is crucial:

1. Performance: Using Honda CVT Fluid ensures that your transmission operates smoothly, providing better acceleration and fuel efficiency.


2. Longevity: The right fluid helps reduce wear and tear on the transmission components, extending the life of your CVT.


3. Warranty Compliance: If your vehicle is still under warranty, using non-recommended fluids can void your warranty. Always stick to manufacturer guidelines.


4. Prevention of Issues: Incorrect fluid can lead to slipping, overheating, and even catastrophic transmission failure, leading to costly repairs.

Where to Find Honda CVT Fluid

You can purchase Honda CVT Fluid at various locations, including:

• Authorized Honda dealerships


• Reputable auto parts stores


• Online retailers specializing in automotive fluids

Always ensure that you are buying from a reliable source to avoid counterfeit products that may not meet Honda’s specifications.

By understanding the importance of using the correct CVT fluid in your 2017 Honda Civic, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition for years to come.

Recommended Oil Brands for Your Honda Civic CVT

When it comes to maintaining your 2017 Honda Civic, using the right CVT transmission fluid is essential for optimal performance. While Honda recommends their own CVT fluid, many owners have explored alternative brands that meet or exceed the specifications required for the CVT system. Let’s dive into some of the most popular and well-reviewed oil brands based on owner feedback and discussions from automotive forums.

Honda CVT Fluid

First and foremost, it’s important to mention Honda’s own CVT fluid. Many Civic owners swear by it for its reliability and performance. Here are some reasons why:

• Manufacturer Approved: Being the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) fluid, it is specifically designed for Honda’s CVT systems.


• Proven Performance: Owners report smooth shifting and improved fuel efficiency when using Honda CVT fluid.


• Warranty Compliance: Using Honda’s fluid ensures that you remain compliant with warranty requirements.

Valvoline CVT Fluid

Valvoline is another brand that has garnered positive reviews from Honda Civic owners. Many users have shared their experiences on forums, noting the following:

• Compatibility: Valvoline CVT fluid is compatible with Honda CVTs, making it a popular alternative.


• Performance: Users have reported smooth operation and reduced noise levels when switching to Valvoline.


• Availability: Valvoline products are widely available at auto parts stores and online, making it easy to find.

Castrol Transmax CVT Fluid

Castrol is a well-known name in the automotive industry, and their Transmax CVT fluid has received favorable reviews from Civic owners. Here’s what users are saying:

• High Performance: Many owners have noted improved acceleration and responsiveness after using Castrol Transmax.


• Temperature Stability: Users report that this fluid maintains its properties even under high-stress conditions.


• Cost-Effective: Compared to OEM options, Castrol often comes at a lower price point while still delivering quality performance.

Mobil 1 CVT Fluid

Mobil 1 is another brand that has made a name for itself in the world of automotive fluids. Here’s what Civic owners have to say about Mobil 1 CVT fluid:

• Reputation: Mobil 1 is known for its high-quality synthetic oils, and their CVT fluid is no exception.


• Performance Enhancements: Owners have reported smoother shifts and better fuel economy after switching to Mobil 1.


• Long-Lasting: Many users appreciate the longevity of the fluid, reducing the frequency of changes.

Amsoil CVT Fluid

Amsoil is a brand that often comes up in discussions among automotive enthusiasts. Their CVT fluid is praised for several reasons:

• High-Quality Synthetic: Amsoil uses advanced synthetic technology, which many users believe enhances performance.


• Owner Feedback: Many forum discussions highlight improved shifting and reduced transmission noise.


• Extended Drain Intervals: Some users report that they can go longer between fluid changes when using Amsoil.

Royal Purple CVT Fluid

Royal Purple is often touted for its high-performance lubricants. Here’s how it stacks up according to owner feedback:

• Enhanced Protection: Many users report that Royal Purple provides superior protection for their CVTs.


• Improved Performance: Owners have noted better acceleration and smoother operation after switching to Royal Purple.


• Brand Loyalty: Royal Purple has a strong following among car enthusiasts, which speaks to its quality.

Final Thoughts on Oil Brands

While Honda’s CVT fluid is the safest bet for your 2017 Civic, many owners have successfully used alternative brands without issues. Always ensure that any fluid you choose meets the specifications for your vehicle. Checking forums and owner feedback can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others, helping you make an informed decision.

Change Interval for Your Honda Civic CVT Transmission Fluid

Maintaining your 2017 Honda Civic’s CVT transmission fluid is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Understanding the recommended change interval is essential for keeping your transmission in top shape.

Recommended Change Interval

For the 2017 Honda Civic, Honda generally recommends changing the CVT fluid every 60,000 miles (approximately 96,000 kilometers) under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as heavy traffic, extreme temperatures, or towing—you may need to change the fluid more frequently.

Factors Affecting Change Interval

Several factors can influence how often you should change your CVT fluid:

• Driving Conditions: Stop-and-go traffic, hilly terrain, and extreme weather can all contribute to quicker fluid degradation.


• Driving Style: Aggressive driving can put additional stress on the transmission, leading to faster fluid breakdown.


• Fluid Quality: The type of fluid used can also affect how long it lasts. Higher-quality fluids may extend the change interval.

Partial Transmission Oil Changes

In many cases, performing a full transmission fluid change is not feasible without removing the transmission from the vehicle. This is particularly true for CVTs, where the fluid is not easily accessible. Instead, many owners opt for partial transmission oil changes.

What is a Partial Transmission Oil Change?

A partial transmission oil change involves draining a portion of the old fluid and replacing it with new fluid. This method can help maintain fluid quality without the need for a complete fluid exchange.

Benefits of Partial Changes

1. Cost-Effective: Partial changes are generally less expensive than full fluid exchanges, making them more accessible for many owners.


2. Less Labor-Intensive: Since a full fluid change often requires specialized equipment and labor, partial changes can be done more quickly and easily.


3. Fluid Refreshment: Regular partial changes can help keep the fluid fresh and maintain its properties, which is crucial for transmission health.

Statistical Data and Authoritative Sources

According to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), regular maintenance, including fluid changes, can significantly extend the life of a transmission. They report that vehicles with well-maintained transmissions can last well over 200,000 miles (approximately 320,000 kilometers) without major issues.

Additionally, a study published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) indicates that maintaining proper fluid levels and quality can reduce wear on transmission components by up to 50%. This underscores the importance of regular fluid changes, whether partial or full, to ensure the longevity of your CVT.

By understanding the recommended change intervals and the benefits of partial transmission oil changes, you can take proactive steps to maintain your 2017 Honda Civic’s CVT and avoid costly repairs down the line.

What Color Should Transmission Fluid Be?