Vehicle Maintainence

[rachel_777]

Okay, I know this is a GM forum, however I have a question on my other vehicle. I own a 1997 Honda Accord and need some scheduled maintainence. I would like your opinion if I can have these done at a private garage or I should take it to the Honda dealer. The dealer is almost double the price. I have had good luck in the past with the local garage I go to. Isn't this all pretty basic service items? It's actually a tire shop that does various mechanic work. Here is what I need done. The owners manual says to only use Honda fluid or it may damage my vehicle. Is that the truth, or are they just trying to get you to a Honda garage to make money? Again, just looking for your opinion.

1. Radiator Flush

2. Transmission Fluid Exchange

3. Brake Fluid Exchange (recommeded in owners manual)

P.S. Would you ever recommend to have your power steering fluid changed? My owners manual mentions nothing about that.

[louda]

If you know the shop well and you trust them, you may as well take it over there for things like antifreeze and transmission flush. I wouldn't worry about the brake or power steering fluid much unless they become contaminated, leak, or you put in the wrong type in which case you must flush it. Just make sure that the level is where it should be by checking them both periodically.

[GMCSonoma]

Louda, actually the Asian imports do recommend both brake & PS fluid changes...


Anyways....as louda said....if you are comfortable with the service of your independant...go for it!

[rachel_777]

Do American cars require brake fluid to be changed as regular scheduled maint? My Honda suggests at every 45k miles. Seems like a money maker. It doesn't say anything about power steering fluid. Do you change brake and power steering fluid with your vehicles?

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by rachel_777

Do American cars require brake fluid to be changed as regular scheduled maint? My Honda suggests at every 45k miles. Seems like a money maker. It doesn't say anything about power steering fluid. Do you change brake and power steering fluid with your vehicles?

GM's don't require PS or brake fluid servicing, unless contaminated.

[Gary_602Z]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

GM's don't require PS or brake fluid servicing, unless contaminated.

It is not that they don't require it it might be that they just don't publish it in their maintence schedule. Believe me changing the brake fluid every 3-4 years will defintely make a difference. Ever seen brake fluid a little dark? It is not the brand of car or how the brake sytem is designed. It is the nature of the beast.
As far as the tranny fluid exchange just make sure that they use exactly what your manual recomends! Do not let them BS you into something different.
This is all a simple service that you may be able to do yourself with a few tools and time.

Gary

[BigAls87Z28]

Brake Fluid Flush can be done when you do brakes, so 45k is about right. There is no standard for brake fluid as there is no major indicator of contaimination unless you use another type of fluid...to which you will enter a world of hell you will never want to return too.

Coolant is a must-do for vehicles. 3 years for most vehicles, 5 years for DexCool or equivilant.

Trans Flush is a good thing to do if you tend to do a lot of milage. I know Aamco does a Power Purge for about 100 bucks, and it flushes 98%.

As for all fluids, such as PS, they break down over time and become contaiminated. Id say you should do it maybe every 5 years or so.

Other things to consider is Fuel System cleaning, which I always questioned, untill I really saw what it does and the stuff that comes out of your car. My shop does it to a lot of cars, and the stuff that comes out of these exhaust pipes...scary. Id do that with a tune up, almost hand in hand especialy now with modern cars and very sensitive emissions systems.

Also, check belts and hoses all the time. People forget about the rubber parts. Belts, Hoses, and Tires should not be on your car for more then 5 years.

[73ChevelleSS]

Originally Posted by rachel_777

Do American cars require brake fluid to be changed as regular scheduled maint? My Honda suggests at every 45k miles. Seems like a money maker. It doesn't say anything about power steering fluid. Do you change brake and power steering fluid with your vehicles?

American car manufactors do not recomend brake fluid flushes.Although they should.Most domestic manufactors use DOT 3 fluid.I know that a lot of the imports Ie VW BMW Porsche use DOT 4 fluid.Dot 4 fluid has a higher boiling temp.The only problem with the Dot 4 fluid is it breaks down faster than Dot 3.All brake fluid is Hygroscopic.Which means that it absorbs moisture.I am not sure if Honda uses Dot 3 or 4.Regardless at 45 k it should be flushed.

[rachel_777]

I see nothing in my manual about fuel filter changes. I find that a bit odd.

[boston boy]

I say do it you're self.Get a book and some help and learn to do it.That is what I do when I get a new car.I flush everything and power steering + brake fluid + transmission + coolent + T-stat if easy + PVC,air,fuel filters.Last but not least,sparkplugs and wires rotor+cap(if it has it) change that and I think you're good for a couple of good ones.
PS:IT IS WORTH GET A BRAKE VACUUM PUMP 30 DOLLORS

[GMCSonoma]

I don't think Honda has replaceable fuel filters now, do they???

As for brake fluid....we get from the parts store little brake fluid tabs that check the condition...although when replacing brake hoses, calipers and cylinders the fluid system is refreshed...
http://www.phxsyss.com/Strip%20Dip.htm

[boston boy]

I don't think Honda has replaceable fuel filters now, do they???

how do they filter there gas then??? anyone know about this???

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by boston boy

how do they filter there gas then??? anyone know about this???

Chrysler and many Toyotas don't...just the strainer in the tank...

Some of the new 2006 GM's are the same way...

[boston boy]

Some of the new 2006 GM's are the same way...

I'm sorry but I never in my mind would ever think that a car of what ever kind does not have a replaceable fuel filter.I know that the GM truck I had (S10) had a bronze netted filter around the fuel pick up in the tank and a replaceable fuel filter.I believe you but what are the engineers thinking these days, is this a good thing no fuel filters??? wow

that is going to blow my mind if this is a set standard in vehicles

[GMCSonoma]

Originally Posted by boston boy

I'm sorry but I never in my mind would ever think that a car of what ever kind does not have a replaceable fuel filter.I know that the GM truck I had (S10) had a bronze netted filter around the fuel pick up in the tank and a replaceable fuel filter.I believe you but what are the engineers thinking these days, is this a good thing no fuel filters??? wow

that is going to blow my mind if this is a set standard in vehicles

Personally I think it sort of stupid...

It must be a cost cutting feature!!!