Car Maintenance Advice

[fuzz092888]

So I've got a 2003 Honda Accord V6 Coupe, bought used, rebuilt transmission, approaching 150,000 miles. Due to the living situation, doing any work myself is out of the question (the place I'm renting specifically forbids working on cars in the lot). I need to bring it in to get the oil changed soon-ish. Are there any other fluids I should have changed? Any other maintenance stuff that should be getting done to keep it running smoothly?

 

[slipperybidness]

Well, it's tough to say without knowing the history and the last time these things were serviced.

If it has never had a cooling system flush, then that is probably a good idea. You might be able to get a look at what is in there now to see how it looks.

Has the fuel filter ever been changed? If not, then 150K miles is over-due.

You did not say if it was manual or automatic transmission. For an auto, it needs the fluid changed every so often and a good flush there can sometimes correct hard shifts. For a manual, the gear oil should be changed every so often too.

Also, how do the belts look under the hood? Are any cracked, missing ribs, too much slack, showing strings? If any of those items are noted, then the belts need to be replaced immediately.

 

[fuzz092888]

Well, it's tough to say without knowing the history and the last time these things were serviced.

Clean carfax, but basically nonexistent service history, prior to me.

If it has never had a cooling system flush, then that is probably a good idea. You might be able to get a look at what is in there now to see how it looks.

I'm guessing no, so I'll look into them doing that. What about air filter?

Has the fuel filter ever been changed? If not, then 150K miles is over-due.

Again, probably not. So I'll add that to the list.

You did not say if it was manual or automatic transmission. For an auto, it needs the fluid changed every so often and a good flush there can sometimes correct hard shifts. For a manual, the gear oil should be changed every so often too.

Transmission was rebuilt, due to it failing, 2-3 years ago. It's an auto. Time for a fluid change?

Also, how do the belts look under the hood? Are any cracked, missing ribs, too much slack, showing strings? If any of those items are noted, then the belts need to be replaced immediately.

I'll take a look today and see if there's anything obvious with the belts.

Thanks.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

To add to list of things to spend money on (potentially) is
* distributor (if it's mechanical - disregard if electronic)
* spark plugs
* tire wear condition ?
* A/C and cooling system rad - any visual damage, especially on A/C condenser - these get damaged easily from road stones, leak and expensive to replace (due to gas) - it's worth to check A/C gas sooner rather than later. Summer is just starting. You'd want your A/C to work
* break pads condition (I assume it's all disks)

 

[slipperybidness]

Yeah, most places will inspect your air filter at the oil change and rec a replacement if it's dirty.

They make good money by keeping the filters on hand. You can do that yourself for probably half of what they would charge you.

 

[Rickster71]

When you mentioned the trans was rebuilt, that's usually an indicator it wasn't serviced regularly.
I do trans fluid every 25k even with a trans cooler.
You really need specific service intervals, so I've linked the Honda Maintenance Schedule.
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/SI9999/SI9999O00132A.pdf
Hope this helps

 

[Chu Gai]

That's a long time if the timing belt and tensioner haven't been changed.

 

[fuzz092888]

Oy, I see dollar signs piling up.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Oy, I see dollar signs piling up.

Not necessarily. I'd prioritize the oil change and the auto trans fluid. You can eyeball the tires yourself. A tread depth gauge is a few bucks at an auto parts store if they look suspect. If the tread depth is less than 3/32 of an inch start looking for bargains. All of that other stuff you can do over time. I'd do coolant next.

 

[Chu Gai]

You,might find this website somewhat informative.

http://tradeinqualityindex.com/

 

[JohnnieB]

You should look into developing a good relationship with a repair/service center you can trust. A good mechanic will keep an eye on these things for you if you have him/her change the oil regularly.
The manual Rick linked is a great guideline to use to help reference the mechanics recommendations.
Also, if you do >50% of your driving in city or you have winter months where you live, follow the severe driving schedule.

 

[Alex2507]

Adam says those cars go 100,000 miles between oil changes.

 

[fuzz092888]

I'll have to bring in the service manual page with me when I go to get things done. I have a coupon for an oil change from Jiffy Lube, or some such place so I'll probably take advantage of that. Then I'll look for a local mechanic. Back home I had a bunch that I could go to, but new place new car guy.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...
I do trans fluid every 25k even with a trans cooler.
...

Have an avalon 96, I just had the trans fluid changed, perhaps 2nd in its life, I think, 280k and running strong.
Will get a new car at 300k.

 

[JohnnieB]

One last thought. Concerning tips. If the shop you're going to charges let's say $120/hr flat rate, the mechanic isn't even seeing 25% of that. I'm not saying the standard 15 or 20 percent that you would tip a waitress, but 5 or 10 bucks to the guy bustin his knuckles would sure make his day and you will probably be remembered. I can tell you from experience, not many people tip their mechanics.

 

[Adam]

Adam says those cars go 100,000 miles between oil changes.

Nah. I'm probably too risk averse, but I'd say 25k.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have a fast and simple rule when it comes to cars. Follow it closely and you will never be stranded.

When it needs new tires, get a new car....

 

[GO-NAD!]

Chu Gai mentioned the timing belt. I don't know if that engine has a belt or chain, but if it has a belt and it's never been changed, you are on borrowed time. If it's an interference engine, a broken timing belt can lead to catastrophic damage.

 

[fuzz092888]

Chu Gai mentioned the timing belt. I don't know if that engine has a belt or chain, but if it has a belt and it's never been changed, you are on borrowed time. If it's an interference engine, a broken timing belt can lead to catastrophic damage.

All the belts I can see look like they're in pretty good shape. I think we replaced some of the belts when the tranny went. I'll them take a look when the oil gets changed.

 

[Irvrobinson]

All the belts I can see look like they're in pretty good shape. I think we replaced some of the belts when the tranny went. I'll them take a look when the oil gets changed.

You can't tell by looking at it. Unless you see proof that it was replaced (a receipt) you have to assume it wasn't. The timing belt issue is the best point made in this thread.