Even if Honda is known as a very reliable brand, all cars break down at a certain point in time. No car lasts forever, but with proper maintenance and timely repairs, a Honda can run and drive like new even for a decade. All it takes is a little bit of care and some basic knowledge.
Visual Inspections
Most mechanical issues can be identified by a visual inspection. If it is something affecting the drivetrain or steering, it should be easy to spot. Fluid leaks are also a good indicator of a potential problem. In all cases, troubleshooting should start with a simple check of tire pressure, oil, and coolant levels as well as the levels of other fluids. For example, is there is a problem with the breaks, it is possible for the brake fluid level to be lower than normal or higher if it is contaminated with water.
A good idea would be to take the car for a short drive and try to pay close attention to any suspicious noises. If possible, try to see where the noise is coming from. After that, pull over, keep the engine running and look at that specific area for any visible damage.
Understanding Fault Codes
The most difficult issues with Hondas and all other cars is when the car does not have any visual damage, or there is no indication of what could be wrong. At this point, a fault code scanner would come handy. There are some affordable ones available and even those should be able to read the fault codes. According to obd2pros.com, troubleshooting your Honda can take just a couple of minutes if you can read the fault codes. The fault codes should provide an indication as to what is the problem, what is not working or what might need to be replaced. The tricky part is that some of these fault codes may be linked to several different problems and will require a bit of research.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is similar to that old saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It is the same deal with Hondas. Regular maintenance means less frequent visits to your local mechanic. Changing the oil and filters as per the manufacturer specifications will ensure that the engine will be running for many years, requiring only maintenance and no repairs.
Wheels and Safety
Many might not think about rims and tires all that much, but they are important. Using worn tires or bent rims will cause damage to the suspension, lower and upper arm and other important parts. This kind of damage is difficult to spot, and most car owners end up with their car in a repair shop when it is already too late and the repair costs much more than what it should have cost.
For rims and tires, preventive work is the best approach. Check your car’s geometry and if the wheels are balanced at least once a year or each time your rims take a heavy hit. They should be easy to fix and reasonably affordable and at the same time, it should prevent damage to other parts as well.
Do Not Postpone Repairs and Maintenance
The biggest mistake you can make is to postpone maintenance and repairs. If something is broken, fix it as soon as possible. There is a domino effect in which one broken part can cause damage to other parts if it is not replaced in a timely manner. The same thing goes for maintenance. It should never be postponed for any reason as it can lead to more trouble and more money being spent on repairs.