Honda maintenance: This way your Honda remains reliable and in top condition

Honda maintenance is part of it. Especially if you want to get the most out of your engine, regular maintenance is not a luxury. This extends the life of your car and prevents excessive wear.

Of course we all want to keep your Honda in top condition. A Honda is one of the most reliable car brands out there. They are made to last. It is therefore not very special to encounter a Honda with 400,000 km or more on the odometer.

When you take good care of your Honda, it is practically indestructible. Always warm up your engine to prevent wear and excessive oil consumption as much as possible. Use the correct oil, suitable for the purpose for which you use your Honda. If you drive a lot of short trips in the city every day, you need different oil than when you use your Honda on track days and regularly demand the maximum from your engine.

As a specialist in the sale of Honda parts, we are happy to help you gain more insight into what is possible with your Honda. We have therefore created a series of blogs especially for you in which we show what is available for your Honda and how you can apply it.

In this series of blogs you will discover:

• How to improve your Honda's handling and braking;
• What is possible with your Honda in terms of performance tuning;
• Which interior and exterior parts are available to customize the look of your Honda to your liking;
• How to best maintain your Honda so that you can enjoy your car for years to come.

  There is nothing more fun than customizing your car completely to your wishes. Once it is to your liking, you naturally want to enjoy it for a long time. That is why the maintenance of your car is also part of it. Without proper maintenance, your Honda will quickly deteriorate and not deliver the performance it can achieve, which is of course a shame. Let's see together what your Honda needs in terms of maintenance.

  Why Honda maintenance?

  Both new and used cars need maintenance. Maintenance gives you the assurance that your Honda will start every time without worry and will take you everywhere you want to go. Especially for the sporty drivers among us, good maintenance is important. You demand a lot from your engine, gearbox and all the associated components.

  High power also means more wear. The higher oil temperatures that you reach when you go on the track, for example, mean that your oil needs to be replaced more quickly. Too little or contaminated oil will degrade the performance of your engine. Especially when you give the engine of your Honda a lot of extra power, maintenance is even more important.

  Maintenance, when is it necessary?

  You have probably heard of a major and minor service before, but when are these maintenance services necessary? With the older Hondas you have a maintenance booklet in which this is clearly stated. The more modern cars often have more flexible maintenance intervals. The car calculates itself when maintenance is required and indicates this in the display.

  In your service book you will probably see that it is recommended that you have maintenance carried out every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. The more modern cars require slightly less maintenance and will need a service every 20,000 kilometers on average.

  This mainly applies to standard cars. Where with a standard Honda an oil change once every 10-15 000 kilometers is sufficient, you want to do this much more often with a tuned Honda. You probably prefer to do this every 7,500 kilometers.

  When maintenance is required and what exactly needs to be done depends on several factors. For example, a timing belt does not have to be replaced every major service, but once every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers or approximately 5 years. That differs per brand and type. Spark plugs also last longer or shorter, depending on the type and driving style. A normal spark plug will last approximately 20,000-40,000 miles, depending on the car brand and model.

  Honda maintenance for every budget

  Proper maintenance is essential for your Honda. That is why we have a wide choice of maintenance products in the AKR Performance web shop. Honda parts are available for every budget. Standard Honda parts are a bit higher in price, but are of a great quality. You know for sure that with a standard Honda part you can go forward for many years.

  If you prefer to spend less on maintaining your Honda, we also have a wide range of after-market parts available. Of course we also pay close attention to the quality here. The budget parts in our webshop are attractively priced and have a good fit. This makes it possible for everyone to properly maintain their Honda.

  Maintenance: minor service

  A minor service is recommended for the older Hondas every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. More modern cars have longer intervals, usually between 25,000 and 30,000 kilometers. If the car is not driven that much, it is smart to have it carried out at least every year.

  As mentioned before; Do you have a Honda that delivers quite a bit more power than it came standard from the factory? Then you better change your oil more often. Especially if you use this ability regularly. It is also advisable to change your oil after an intensive track day or a drag race event.

  With a small service, the oil is changed and the oil filter is replaced. The other fluids are checked and topped up where necessary. The tires are put on pressure and the lighting checked. Furthermore, the car is checked on a number of points, so that wear is noted and major repairs can be prevented.

  Maintenance: major service

  During a major service, your Honda will be thoroughly checked. In addition to all the work of a minor service, several parts are replaced during the major service. Depending on what is needed, the following parts are replaced with new ones:

  • Fuel filter
  • Cabin filter
  • Air filter*
  • Spark plugs
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Differential oil, for example with the Honda S2000
  • Timing belt

  *do you have a K&N replacement filter or other reusable filter? Then it will last a lifetime and the filter will be cleaned and reused.

  Not all parts and fluids are replaced at every major service. Brake fluid, for example, lasts about 3 years before you need new one. The timing belt also only needs to be replaced after 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers or every 5 years. If your Honda has a timing chain, it will normally not be replaced at all.

  A major service is carried out on older cars approximately every 20,000 kilometers. If you stick to this properly, your Honda will be serviced alternately. Does your car not indicate when a service is required? Then follow the advice to give it a major overhaul at least every two years. During the major service, your car will be completely checked, so that you know exactly how the condition is and what you can expect in the future.

  Which oil for your maintenance

  Oil is of vital importance to your Honda. Too little or the wrong oil can cause major damage to your engine. Engine oil is replaced during maintenance, so that the quality of the oil in your engine remains as high as possible. That is not without reason, because oil has an important function. Engine oil provides lubrication between the various surfaces in the engine. As a result, it provides protection, provides a seal and cools the engine.

  It is important to choose the right motor oil. Which oil is best for your Honda depends on many factors. One of the most important factors is the use of your motorcycle. For example, if you drive a lot of short trips, you want an engine oil that is thin enough to provide sufficient lubrication at low temperatures. On the track or as a very sporty rider on longer distances, you have completely different requirements. Then it is important that the oil continues to do its job well at high temperatures.

  The viscosity indicates the thickness or viscosity of the oil. A thick oil has a stronger lubricating film, but often lubricates less well at low temperatures. A thin oil dissipates dirt and heat more quickly, but often becomes too thin at high temperatures, reducing lubrication.

  The effectiveness of the oil can be read from the SAE number on the bottle. For example, if this is 0W40, then the figure in front of the W shows what the oil does at a low temperature and behind the W shows what it does at high temperatures. A 0W40 oil is therefore very liquid at low temperatures and has an SAE of 40 at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

  A 20W60 is less fluid at low temperatures, but is stronger at high temperatures. This makes it a good oil, for example, for high-powered Hondas that regularly hit the track.

  In addition to the SAE number, you will see something else stated on the bottles of motor oil, namely full synthetic oil or mineral oil. In addition, there are also semi- or semi-synthetic oils. This is a mixture of the first two. Mineral oil is mainly used for running-in newly built engines.

  100% synthetic oil improves the performance of your Honda. It takes a more expensive chemical process to make this oil, but it allows the oil to flow better at low temperatures. Most wear and tear takes place at low temperatures. In addition, 100% synthetic oil is more resistant to heat.

  Here you will find all the oils and fluids you may need when performing maintenance.

  Choose good spark plugs for maintenance

  If you want to provide your Honda with more power, it is important to see which spark plugs you want to use. In a standard engine you hardly notice it, but in a tuned engine you get some extra power from your block with good spark plugs. Such a high-performance spark plug ensures better combustion, so that your engine runs better.

  A normal spark plug will last approximately 20,000-40,000 miles, depending on the car brand and model. For example, Iridium spark plugs last 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers, depending on the type and driving style. If you spend a lot of time on the track or the drag strip, they will not last as long. Keep this in mind when maintaining your Honda.

  Each spark plug has a code. From this you can read the heat degree, among other things. That is an important fact for tuners. By default, the spark plugs in your Honda will have a heat level of 6 or 7. If you are going to tune, you want a 'colder' spark plug. Spark plugs with a heat rating of 7 or 8 are suitable for a Honda with turbo or supercharger. These spark plugs are more resistant to the higher load that a performance engine demands of them. Colder spark plugs can dissipate heat better, improving your engine's performance.

  View all spark plugs for your Honda

  Maintenance prevents major repairs

  Maintenance gives you insight into the condition of your Honda. During the major and minor service, important technical points on your car are checked. For example, how are your brakes and do your tires wear straight? If it is noticed during the inspection that your tires are wearing crookedly, then timely action can be taken, so that you do not run out of tires in no time.

  Regular oil changes will keep your engine running at maximum performance. Small iron particles can get into the oil in both the gearbox and the engine. This is a normal wear process. These particles are collected by the oil filter and with small magnets. Unfortunately, these cannot filter everything out of your oil. Regular oil changes ensure optimum lubrication, preventing excessive wear. This not only extends the life of your engine, but also saves you expensive repairs.

  Maintenance and MOT

  Maintenance and MOT have nothing to do with each other, even though these activities are often performed during the same appointment at the garage. If you buy a Honda with a new MOT, this says nothing about how well this car has been maintained. The MOT is only a limited safety and environmental inspection.

  During the MOT, it is checked whether your Honda is leaking excessive fluids and whether all kinds of safety systems are working, such as airbags, belt tensioners, ABS, the tire pressure system (TPMS) and the like. It will also be checked whether your brakes, suspension, shock absorbers, tires, steering, lighting and bodywork look solid and do not contain excessive rust. From an environmental point of view, emissions are measured with a CO2 test. Furthermore, the registration of the mileage, the vehicle certificate and identification number and the fuel used are checked.

  During the MOT you will only be told that parts are no longer good if they are already broken and therefore no longer pass the inspection. A broken axle boot, for example, is a reason for rejection, but long driving with a torn axle boot means excessive wear on your drive shaft, due to the loss of the necessary grease in the boot. Regular maintenance ensures that these kinds of things are noticed earlier. This way you can avoid the need for major repairs.

  Replacing the timing belt during maintenance

  The timing belt is a wide, toothed belt that is indispensable to keep your engine running. If this belt breaks, it can cause nasty damage. With a Vtec or VTI engine, a burst timing belt can even destroy your engine, depending on when it breaks.

  A timing belt is made of a type of rubber. This material will wear out and is subject to drying out with age. Dryness cracks can cause the belt to break or a tooth to break off. The timing belt connects important engine parts. Even a broken tooth can lead to expensive engine damage.

  Therefore, replace the timing belt on time. A good garage will check the belt regularly so you know its condition. Normally a timing belt lasts about 80.00 to 100,000 kilometers, but if you don't drive your car that much, it may have to be replaced long before this mileage. The dehydration of the material continues even when your car is stationary. That is why a maximum number of years is indicated. A timing belt usually lasts 4 to 5 years.

  Want to keep your distribution in top condition? View all parts for your Honda distribution

  Maintenance of your brakes

  The brakes on your Honda are wear parts and therefore also need maintenance. Your brakes are one of the most important parts of your car. So make sure they are always in top condition. If you have the maintenance carried out by an experienced mechanic, he or she will inspect the brakes during the MOT, minor and major service. Visible wear is thus noticed more quickly, for example due to a brake caliper that gets stuck. If you continue to drive this too long, you run the risk of damaging your brake disc.

  You don't always need a whole new caliper if it sticks. There are handy revision kits available, with which you can make your brake caliper like new again. You will of course find these sets, and many more parts for your brakes, in the AKR Performance webshop.

  View all Honda brake parts

  Clutch maintenance

  Just like the brakes and tires of your Honda, the clutch is also a wear part. The clutch is an important part of your drivetrain, connecting the engine to the gearbox. When you drive away and during gear changes, the clutch will always slip a little. This will cause the parts to wear out.

  How quickly a clutch wears depends on many factors. If you drive a lot in the city or if you are often in traffic jams, the clutch will wear out faster than if you mainly drive long distances. Of course, it also has a lot to do with your driving style. There are drivers who spend their entire car life with a clutch, but most sporty drivers need a new clutch at least once.

  Replacing the clutch is a laborious job. The gearbox must be disassembled for this. Are you already tuning your engine or do you have plans for this, now is a good time to immediately use a better sports clutch, tailored to your goal. And while you're at it; don't forget to immediately put a light metal flywheel in it, for even more driving pleasure.

  View the clutches and flywheels for your Honda

  When you demand a lot from your Honda, your gearbox may sooner or later require extra maintenance. The gearbox contains all kinds of gears, seals and shafts that rotate together with great precision. If a tooth breaks, major damage can occur. Fortunately, most parts can be removed, so that you can get your Honda gearbox fully working again.

  Here you will find all Honda gearbox parts.

  Maintenance of your (cold) air intake

  Do you have a short ram or cold air intake under your hood? Not all garages know what to do with this. The filter supplied with these sets is reusable and therefore does not need to be replaced every so many kilometers.

  You can easily clean the filter. Special cleaning fluid and oil are available for this.

  You can do this yourself at home if you want. You disassemble the filter, remove larger pieces of dirt and rinse it under the tap. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add the cleaning liquid as described on the package. Soak the filter in it and then rinse it off. Let it air dry. Do not use an air sprayer, hair dryer or heater to make the filter dry faster. This can damage him. When the filter is dry, apply a new layer of oil, so that dirt and dust are better kept out.

  Note: Not all performance filters can be injected with oil. So first check if you don't happen to have a 'dry air filter' before you spray oil on it.

  Maintenance for Honda enthusiasts

  If you are really fond of your Honda, then maintenance for you will probably go much further than the standard maintenance. You want your Honda to always look its best, both inside and out and of course under the hood. The right detergents and polishes make it easy to clean and keep your Honda tidy.

  Washing, polishing and polishing, you will find the right car care products for every job in the AKR webshop.

  Maintain your Honda's bodywork

  Hondas are great cars, but they also have a minor drawback. Your Honda's body and sheet metal will rust at some point. This is an annoying ailment, which you want to keep your attention on. Rust usually starts from within. As a result, you see a small rust spot on the outside, but there is already a big spot on the inside.

  The wheel rims at the rear, near the sill and bumper mounting, are well-known places where Hondas start to rust. A handy painter can treat these spots for you, but often the problem returns after a few years.

  Do you want to get rid of the rust for a longer period of time or has the spot already become too big to get rid of? Don't worry, you can solve this with a special wheel rim repair panel. These welded panels replace the rust-affected sheet metal. Make sure that your painter coats the new sheet metal well and provides it with a layer of Tectyl on the inside, then you will enjoy your new, rust-free screens for a long time.

  As a specialist in supplying Honda parts, we are familiar with this problem. That is why we have selected all kinds of screens and welded panels for you and collected them in our webshop.

  Here you will find all screens and wheel rims to get rid of the rust on your Honda.

  Have maintenance done or do it yourself?

  You can carry out maintenance on your Honda yourself or have it done by an experienced mechanic at your favorite garage. Both has its advantages. Doing the maintenance yourself is fun and educational. You get to know your car better and better and know exactly in what condition it is. If something goes wrong, you'll be the first to see it.

  Are you going to carry out maintenance on your Honda yourself? Then make sure you have the right tools at home. Good tools are half the battle. As a specialist in the supply of Honda parts, we know exactly what you need to work on your Honda. All these handy tools, cleaners, degreasers, lubricants and fasteners can be found in our webshop under 'tools and consumables'.

  On the other hand, it is nice to be able to rely on the experience and expertise of a mechanic. You want the best for your Honda. Experienced mechanics are at your service in our workshop in Harderwijk, who know every Honda inside out. You can contact us for maintenance, but we are just as happy to assemble your new tuning parts.

  Simply make an appointment or contact us with questions about the maintenance of your Honda:

  Phone: +31 341-422602

  WhatsApp: +31 6-82840639

  Email: info@akr-performance.com