Car Maintenance Advice

mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
It happened to my brother-in-law a few years ago, with his Subaru. It just died while he was on the highway. He was able to pull over to the side of the road without a problem and he was lucky that there was no subsequent damage, other than the cost of a tow and the belt job.
Had a Honda Civic that blew the belt before the 60k recommended replacement. Pistons damaged valves; not cheap to have it fixed, even by a backyard good mech.
 
Sheep

Sheep

Audioholic Warlord
Sheep

Sheep

Audioholic Warlord
I don't have time to read your whole thread, but I work for Acura and it would be similar to a Honda.

Brake Fluid. Should be flushed every 3 years. Not doing so causes water to absorb into the system and lower the boiling point. If you let it get really dirty it can eat the seals on the master cylinder, which will cause it to have an internal leak when you do flush it, which means new master cylinder (been there, done that).

Power Steering fluid. Not flushing it can cause groans in the rack and grinding in the pump. I have lots of pumps and racks in stock for this very reason. Use only the Honda fluid (it's not expensive), aftermarket fluids don't like the seals in the rack and cause noise.

Transmission fluid. Change it regularly (48,000kms), Honda doesn't do flushes so you'll end up doing it more often then other manufactures. Only use the Honda fluid, as the transmission is not your typical Automatic (automated manual instead of a planetary gear setup).

Check you bushings (compliance, front LCA) they tear eventually and can cause noises and make the car feel "old"/"worn out". Inspect your shocks as well, eventually they blow and make the car ride like crap and handle crappy too.

Beyond that it would be air and pollen filter, tires, and belts. T belt and W pump should be done at the same time, roughly 100,000 to 120,000 kms. A valve adjustment isn't a bad idea either as it doesn't have solid lifters (it's a regular service).

Mostly it's inspection and action. If you find something wrong, deal with it. Valve Cover gaskets would be idea to do during the valve adjustment. Spark plugs depends on the type in the car. Platinums are arond 80-100,000kms, iridiums can go 150-175,000kms depending on the car.

Most importantly, KEEP IT CLEAN. A clean car is a happy car, and a clean car is a car that you will like more and feel like owning longer, which no matter how you slice it, is cheaper then a new car.

SheepStar
 
Sheep

Sheep

Audioholic Warlord
As for the Fuel Filter, it's probably in the tank, and tank filters are only changed when there is a fuel supply problem. In line filter in the engine bay, area different story.

SheepStar
 
Sheep

Sheep

Audioholic Warlord
If and when you replace the timing belt, spend the extra and replace the tensioner.
This. The tensioner on these is hydraulic, and when it's fluid finally leaks (which is usually as soon as the belt needs replacing, the belt will slack and probably skip teeth. Just do it when you do the belt.

SheepStar
 
Sheep

Sheep

Audioholic Warlord
So would it be expensive to have the check the timing belt and tensioner? Is it labor intensive to have them check that?
It's called "preventative maintenance" for a reason. You do it when it still looks okay, but at a certain mileage point.

SheepStar
 
newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top