5 Honda maintenance tips
Are you considering buying a Honda? If so or if you’ve recently bought one, you need to be aware that, as with cars made by other manufacturers, Hondas have specific maintenance needs. Some of these, such as oil change, tire replacement, brake inspection, battery check, etc. can be taken care of through a trip to the Honda service center while others you can take care of by yourself or by hiring a professional. In this article, we share Honda maintenance tips.
How do I know when my Honda needs service?
You can know when your Honda needs service with the help of the Honda maintenance minder, an algorithmic, on-board computer system that helps you monitor the health of your vehicle.
The minder works by alerting you whenever your Honda needs to be serviced. It monitors engine oil life, provides helpful tips for maintaining optimal engine performance, and even lets you see how far away your next scheduled oil change is. If this feature alerts you of any problems with your Honda, you should take it to your local service center.
Are Hondas high maintenance?
On the whole, Hondas are fairly low maintenance. On average, Honda owners visit the repair shop less often than other motorists for routine service. Approximately one out of every ten Honda repairs is severe, compared to an average of 12 % among other car brands.
This also means that, when you take your vehicle to a Honda service center, you won’t end up with a large bill. Below is a rough breakdown of the reliability of different models of Hondas, as well as the average price you can expect to pay for maintenance:
- H-RV
- 5/5 reliability average
- Annual maintenance cost is $318
- Honda Accord
- 4/5 reliability average
- Annual maintenance cost is $400
- Pilot
- 3.5/5 reliability average
- Annual maintenance cost is $457
11 easy things you can do to make your car last longer
How often should you service a Honda?
There are certain milestones that you will pass when driving a Honda, which will indicate when you need to get it serviced. Below is a breakdown of those milestones and the services needed:
Every 10,000 miles: Minor maintenance service, tire rotation, engine oil and oil filter replacements.
Every 20,000 miles: Potential brake pad, tire replacement and servicing for recalls.
Every 40,000 miles: Engine coolant and differential coolant replacement.
Every 60,000 miles: Comprehensive inspection at a Honda service center.
Best Honda maintenance tips
If you want your Honda to reach peak performance levels, adopting a regular maintenance schedule is essential. It helps to know exactly what kinds of things need to be checked within your vehicle. To get you started, we created this Honda service checklist:
Check your tires
Regularly checking the condition and pressure of your tires, as well as tire rotation and wheel alignment can result in better handling, fuel economy and safety, as well as less wear. It‘s a good idea to do this at least once a month. Your owner’s manual should have the recommended tire pressure. Use the same gauge each time. This will help you figure out whether the pressure drop is due to a tire problem or has been simply caused by a difference between gauges
While you’re checking your tires, look for anything unusual. Any small bumps, bulges, cuts, splits, cracks, or threadbare areas can affect performance on the road. If you see any of these, bring in your car immediately. Lastly, if your car has a spare wheel, make sure it‘s in good condition and that your tire repair kit hasn’t expired.
Keep your battery charged
Keeping your battery charged is easy. There are a few simple things you should do to ensure that your battery is fresh and ready for action. Take it out and give it a test drive and get into the habit of taking at least one long journey every week. You should also give it a quick recharge so that it’s fully charged before you head out again. Finally, turn off all unnecessary features so that you don’t drain your battery unnecessarily.
Rustproof your car
When you get your Honda serviced by factory-trained technicians, they tend to focus on the interior and internal mechanics of the car. However, if you want to ensure that your Honda is fully serviced and up to date, you should also get your car regularly rust proofed.
Rust proofing your car involves applying a treatment to its body and undercarriage in order to protect it from rust damage. The undercarriage of your car contains many integral parts which need to be protected. Moreover, for aesthetic reasons, the body of your car needs to be regularly maintained.
Get your Honda rustproofed now
Stay on top of your fuel system
Your Honda’s fuel system consists of various parts and processes that work together to keep your engine running smoothly. In order to maintain optimal performance, it is important to ensure that each part works properly and efficiently.
For example, if a leak develops in the gas tank, it could affect the pressure inside, which in turn could lead to a loss of power. Another common problem is an overheated radiator, which can damage the fan blades or even crack the radiator. To avoid such scenarios, it is essential to have your vehicle regularly checked out by experienced technicians.
Change your brake fluid
Brake fluid is yet another component that will eventually wear out due to exposure to extreme temperatures and pressures. If left unattended, brakes can gradually start to feel less responsive.
Once the brake fluid begins to break down, it can cause problems such as leaky seals and reduced stopping power. These issues can lead to expensive repairs that might otherwise have been avoided had the driver followed a simple routine maintenance schedule and attended regular service appointments.
Rust proofing services
In order to ensure that your Honda is running smoothly and safely, it is important to adhere to a regular maintenance service schedule. However, the services that are offered by Honda service centers do not include rust proofing, an integral aspect of the maintenance of any car.
At Antirouille Champlain, we offer you two different rust proofing packages aimed. Our Original treatment is carried out annually and is a specialized treatment that doesn’t flow, doesn’t dry out, is safe for rubber and electrical components, and has a 10-year warranty. Our Sentinelle treatment offers all of the same benefits but is eco-friendly and has better abrasion resistance.