7 Honda Maintenance Tips You Need to Know
Honda makes some of America's bestselling cars. Many people love the brand for its durable and reliable vehicles.
However, your car will only last you if you take care of it. That's why keeping a Honda maintenance schedule is key.
Here are seven tips to help you make the most of your vehicle.
1. Check Your Fluids
Your car relies on lubricants to keep all its moving parts in top condition. As such, one of the most critical vehicle maintenance tips to follow is to regularly check your fluids.
Some of the most important areas to check include:
- Engine oil
- Power steering fluid
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Transmission fluid
Familiarize yourself with your car and make sure you know how to check these essential areas. The manufacturer's manual can help and even offer suggestions.
If you notice one of these essential fluids is low, top it off or change it before it causes problems.
2. Wash Your Car
While it may seem your car gets dirty immediately after a wash, whether it's from seasonal pollen or bird droppings, it's still crucial to wash and protect the exterior.
Dirt and grime buildup on a vehicle can cause the paint to fade and rust to form. Plus, it can impact visibility if the windshield isn't regularly cleaned.
This is one of the easiest car maintenance tips we've got, as it's often as simple as taking your vehicle to a car wash. Waxes and sealants also protect your clear coat and keep your ride looking new for longer.
3. Check Your Tires
Part of your daily maintenance should be to take a quick look at your tires and ensure they're properly inflated. When your tires lose pressure and deflate, braking can take longer, tires lose their grip, and steering can become less stable.
Not only is this a huge safety issue, but you'll also reduce fuel efficiency.
It doesn't take long to check your tires. If you notice they're low, many gas stations have air pumps.
You can also buy a tire inflator or air compressor. These handy tools will measure your current air pressure and inflate your tires to a set amount. Many also have an auto-off feature to avoid overinflating.
If you keep one in your car or truck, you'll never have to worry about low tire pressure again.
Another crucial part of Honda care is getting your tires rotated and aligned. You can often find deals on services like tire rotations to ensure even wear.
4. Care for Your Battery
Whether you have a new Honda or an older model, it's always important to care for your car battery.
If you can, try to park your vehicle in a garage to protect it from harsh elements such as extreme heat, which can cause fluid evaporation.
Check your battery frequently to look for any buildup or corrosion. Cleaning off this grime keeps your battery working longer, and it's not too difficult. For instance, baking soda can neutralize battery acid and get rid of any corrosion on the terminals.
5. Replace Your Windshield Wipers
This is one task that many vehicle owners tend to neglect. However, your windshield wipers will wear down over time and work less efficiently. You can imagine how dangerous that could be on a rainy day.
To ensure maximum visibility, keep those windshield wipers clean and replace them every six to twelve months or so.
You can clean your wiper blades with water and white vinegar or a mild dish soap. Wipe the blade down with a microfiber cloth or clean towel and be sure to clean the hinges too.
To keep your windshield wipers in good shape, remove any debris from the base of the windshield such as dead leaves or twigs.
There are also water repellants for your windshield to help you see better in the rain. This creates a protective layer and can extend the life of your wiper blades.
6. Fix Foggy Headlights
Over time, your headlights can become clouded or faded due to oxidation. This can reduce your visibility at night. Therefore, you should get in the habit of regularly cleaning them using a baking soda mixture or a headlight restoration kit.
With a little elbow grease, you can wipe away dirt and grime and improve visibility. Clean headlights are also more aesthetically pleasing.
If you notice moisture on the inside, you may need to replace the lens. Also, if the oxidation is bad enough and you have trouble seeing, getting your lens replaced may be the better option.
7. Stick to a Honda Maintenance Schedule
Finally, you should create and follow a routine Honda maintenance schedule and include these items on the list. Some tasks you should do daily or weekly while others you may schedule for every few months or after so many miles.
Daily maintenance includes checking your tires and looking for any maintenance lights. These days, many Honda models have sensors that tell you when something is wrong, such as when you have low tire pressure. This warning message can appear as soon as you turn your car on.
Clean your car both inside and outside a few times a month. Vacuum your floor mats, clean your windshield wipers, remove garbage, get a car wash, etc. Check your fluid levels at least once a month.
Once or twice a year, depending on the climate, you should get new wiper blades.
The general rule of thumb is to get an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every six months. You can follow the same schedule for tire rotations.
If you want to give your car the all-clear and handle all these tasks at once, consider taking your vehicle to a dealership and scheduling a maintenance service.
Honda Care Made Simple
Keeping your vehicle in good running condition means checking on it and repairing or replacing parts as needed. Use this Honda maintenance schedule and tips to keep your car on the road for longer.
Are you looking for a Honda dealer? Here at Honda of Oakland, we offer a variety of services including oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and more to help you make vehicle care simple. Schedule a service with us today.