Once you've purchased your dream Honda car, you'll need to know how to take care of it. Regular maintenance ensures that a car stays in top condition, even after putting some miles on it. Even with a vehicle as reliable as a Honda, you'll need to follow a consistent maintenance schedule to get the longest lifespan possible for your car.
For those who are new to car maintenance, understanding when and how to take care of your car may be confusing. We'll guide you through the basics of servicing your Honda to ensure that it lasts a long time.
No matter the make or model of your car, you'll need to perform routine maintenance so that it runs properly. If you skip routine tasks, like an oil change, over time you'll risk damage to your engine. This damage can lead to costly repairs and replacements. So, while routine maintenance does take time and may cost money if you take your car in to be serviced, it's much cheaper in the long run.
The timeline for servicing your Honda varies. For some basic maintenance tasks, you may have to keep up with them monthly. However, other maintenance tasks may only need to be done once a year.
While your Honda dashboard may help with service reminders or let you know when your car needs to be serviced immediately, you'll need to follow the recommended maintenance plan of your Honda model. This guide should be located in the owner's manual for your car. It's important to follow these recommendations carefully to ensure that you keep your Honda running reliably.
Sometimes, your Honda may need immediate repairs. When that happens, your check engine light may come on. While this may cause you some anxious feelings, this light may be nothing to worry about. However, you should be sure to take your Honda for service with a professional technician. They'll be able to diagnose any problems that could have triggered the warning light. They'll also be able to reset the light once they've determined the issue.
There are not typically any major monthly maintenance tasks. The main tasks include checking out fluid levels, tire pressure, and lights yourself. These tasks are simple to take care of yourself, as they just involve a simple inspection, so you won't need to worry about taking your Honda in for service.
Around the three-month mark, you may want to take your Honda in for service at a professional dealership or mechanic. At this time, your car will likely be due for an oil and filter change. If you want to save money by performing an oil change yourself, the task is quite simple. However, you'll want to make sure that you use the correct type of oil.
At this time, you'll also want to take a peek underneath the hood of your car to inspect the battery, cables, belts, and hoses for any damage. You'll want to check that there are no leaks or cracks.
Once you've been driving your car for six months, you'll need to think about rotating your tires. Taking your Honda in for this service is the easiest way to get the task done. While it may not seem like the most time-sensitive maintenance task, it's important to get it done. If you forget to rotate your tires, the tread wear can become uneven. When this happens, you might risk unsafe driving conditions as well as premature wear.
A car's battery is crucial to its performance and function. When a battery fails, you'll have to deal with an expensive replacement. If your car is older than three years, you'll also want to get your battery checked about twice a year. A professional can perform a battery check to see if it's performing properly, as you'll want it to stay in top condition for as long as possible.
At the one-year check-up, you'll want to take your Honda in for service. At this time, the brakes should be inspected to ensure that they are functioning properly. The brakes can wear prematurely due to aggressive braking or driving style, so you'll want to take your car to a professional for a yearly check-up to ensure your brakes are working properly. You shouldn't wait until your brakes fail to have them replaced, as this could put you and other drivers on the road in danger.
Even with reliable cars like Hondas, eventually, you'll need to replace certain parts of your vehicle. For example, your tires will need to be replaced after about six years. But with proper tire rotation maintenance, the tires could last for up to ten years.
You'll also need to replace the timing belt between 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles. However, you should consult your owner's manual to be sure of the correct timeline. If you don't replace the timing belt, you could risk total engine failure. To ensure the longevity of your Honda, you'll want to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
In general, Hondas are reliable cars with a low cost of ownership. If you follow the proper maintenance timeline, your Honda likely will not need expensive repairs often. However, it's important to follow the timeline and proper procedures for the maintenance tasks. Though you can perform a lot of the tasks yourself, taking your Honda for service with a professional technician is the best way to get the job done. If you're looking to get your Honda serviced, make an appointment at our dealership in Miami.
