Take care of your car, and it will take care of you! Read on to learn the crucial points of Honda maintenance so you can get the most out of your vehicle.
Hondas are one vehicle manufacturer known for their reliability. It is not uncommon for a Honda vehicle to last over 200,000 miles.
In fact, one study showed that the Honda Accord was the top car for overall reliability. A sample of the used car market showed over 6,000 Accords for sale with more than 200,000 miles.
With a commitment to preventative maintenance, your Honda vehicle can last this long. Read on for a comprehensive guide to Honda maintenance. Explore seven Honda care tips that are certain to get the most out of your vehicle.
1. Change the Engine Oil
One of the most common and simple maintenance tasks is to change the engine oil. Many vehicle owners are capable of changing their own oil, while others take it to a service center.
There are many moving parts within an engine. The engine oil keeps the moving parts lubricated and moving freely.
Without oil, the inner components of the engine will grind and eventually break.
Another major factor is removing the old oil from the engine. In time, old oil turns into sludge. This sludge is damaging to the moving parts in the engine motor.
One important element of the standard oil change is replacing the oil filter. The oil filter is critical for removing dirt and debris before it gets to the engine. When the oil filter is clogged, it reduces the flow of oil to the engine.
The Honda maintenance schedule informs drivers when to change the oil. You can find your vehicle’s maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.
The mileage interval for oil changes varies by vehicle. Most Honda cars require an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If you do not drive that often, it is recommended to get an oil change every 6 to 12 months.
2. Service the Brakes
For your safety, it is critical to service the brakes. When you bring your Honda in for a service visit, it is typical for the technician to perform a multi-point inspection.
Here, they will inspect your brake pads and rotors for their current condition. The technician will measure the diameter of the brake pads to determine if they need replacement.
If the brake pads get too thin, it can create additional damage to the rotors. At this point, the rotors start grinding every time the vehicle comes to a stop.
Depending on the condition of the rotors, the technician may recommend resurfacing the existing rotors. This is the cheaper alternative as the other option is to replace the rotors altogether.
The service life of your brake pads and rotors depends on the vehicle and other factors. Your driving habits are a major factor as routinely slamming on the brakes wears the components out faster.
There are a few ways to tell if your brakes require servicing. The most common way to tell is when you hear squeaking or grinding when hitting the brakes.
3. Change the Air Filter
There are many different filters in your vehicle to protect against dirt and grime. One of them is the air filter and it requires frequent replacement. The Honda maintenance schedule is going to provide the appropriate mileage interval for your replacement.
The air filter prevents dust, debris, and other airborne contaminants from entering the engine. On the vast majority of vehicles, the air filter is easy to access and replace.
Most technicians will inform you whether air filter replacement is necessary during a multi-point inspection. However, you can check this component yourself. Any black spots on the air filter or other signs of clogging indicate a replacement is needed.
4. Tire Replacement
You cannot have a list of Honda care tips without talking about the tires. Properly inflated tires with sufficient tread are critical to passenger safety. Quality tires are necessary to navigate in the rain, snow, and other inclement weather.
There are a couple of ways to check if you need new tires. Of course, routinely checking the pounds per square inch (PSI) is necessary. Also, you should measure the tread to make sure your tires are not balled.
5. Transmission Fluid
The transmission is one of the most expensive components in your vehicle. It is not uncommon for a transmission overhaul to cost more than the value of a used car. This procedure requires significant labor and materials to perform.
This is why it is so important to flush and replace your transmission fluid in accordance with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Ideally, you want to change the transmission fluid before it becomes an issue. Otherwise, common signs you need transmission service is when the vehicle slips gears. Also, you may hear grinding or clunking noises when shifting into gear.
6. Change the Battery
Few things are worse than your battery dying on a cold winter day. The vehicle will not start and you are stranded. This is why it is so important to replace it before it reaches this point.
Auto technicians and parts stores are capable of checking your battery’s remaining power. Replacing the battery is easy enough that many vehicle owners can do it without professional help. If the vehicle still has starting issues after a battery replacement, it indicates an issue with the alternator or electrical system.
7. Replace the Spark Plugs
The spark plugs are the components that get your engine’s cylinders to start firing. They ignite the air and fuel combination to create engine power.
The replacement interval is going to vary depending on the vehicle. You may need a replacement if the vehicle is having difficulty starting. Another common sign is when the car struggles to accelerate or has a rough idle.
Seven Honda Maintenance Tips Every Driver Needs to Know
If you maintain these seven Honda components, you are certain to extend the vehicle’s life. A simple oil change or air filter replacement goes a long way. Maintaining the tires and brakes is crucial for passenger safety.
If you need help with Honda maintenance, contact us today to schedule a service appointment.