My 2003 3.2 TL (bought in 11/02) has around 16K. I'm scheduling some
routine maintenance for next week. Other than an oil/filter change, I'm
thinking of having the brake fluid changed (since the manual actually says
to do this every 3 years and nobody at Acura mentioned this to me last year
when I brought it in). Does the brake fluid really need changing now even
at only 16K, or should I wait some more?
I'm also thinking about having and the tires rotated and rebalanced. Is the
rebalancing really necessary?
Anything else that needs to be done at this time that I might be
overlooking?
Thanks,
J.
Moisture in your brake fluid can cause poor braking performance, and
can also cause your brakes to drag and possibly seize. Plus, dirty
brake fluid can harm the rubber parts and can block passages.
I say have it changed. It cost me $60 to have it done. Well worth it,
in my book.
<<4000 miles/year? Cheaper and less hassle to take taxis.>>
Working at home helps keep the milage low. Yeah, it probably would be
cheaper taking taxis given the high cost of NJ insurance. Not sure it
would be less hassle though, given that I live in the suburbs.
J.
Follow the guidelines in the owner's manual and always be sure to use
the specified chemicals. Honda's ATF and power steering fluid are
proprietary; i.e. manufacturer specific. In your case, you would use
the "time"; not "mileage" schedule. Drain and refill the automatic
trans as well. I would do this every 15k miles. Don't let anyone
sell you a "flush," either. All that does is "flush" money from your
wallet. If you change the ATF regularly, it is unlikely that you'll
have any trans. problems. As far as the tires are concerned, consider
two things: Tire wear and presence/absence of vibration around 65 mph.
If wear is normal and ride and drive are smooth, why spend more than
you have to? But, do rotate the tires regardless, and maintain proper
tire pressure. The A/C cabin filter should be looked at as well.
In addition to KennyB's suggested items I'd add inspection of the
engine air filter and PCV valve. 16K miles between tire rotations is
about twice as long as most tire shops suggest. You probably go in for
one oil change/year; be a sport and also have them rotate the tires at
every oil change. See pattern A on
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techidC
No point in rebalancing the tires unless you've got a vibration.
Brake fluid is a good idea. Please only have your work done by someone
experienced with Honda/Acura products either a dealer or a specialist
independent.
As far as the tires I don't get them rebalanced unless I feel some
excessive vibration, but then again I am very sensitive to vibration.
That said, the cost to have the balanced checked while the tires are off
for rotation should be very little. In my case I do my own rotations
and have a shop do the work if balance and rotation are called for.
John
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