Just hit 90,000
04-17-2017
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Just hit 90,000
Hi all, hoping to get 90,000 more out of my 04 Civic. As I pass, 90,000, wondering if there are some maintenance tasks/part replacements that should be on my radar. Need to go grab my manual. To date, I have had virtually no issues with this car. Thanks for your help!
Joe
Joe
04-17-2017
#2
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Re: Just hit 90,000
Service records? Recommended maintance since purchase?
Maintenece schedule available in owner's manual, through dealer or possibly via Google search.
Unless previously replaced or performed at regular maintenance...At 90K miles it's time to:
Replace the timing belt, belt tensioner, waterpump and accessory belts.
If it's an automatic transmisson then a 3x3 ATF drain and fill is in order
Valves adjustment
Coolant (antifreeze) system drain, fill and bleed air.
Replace spark plugs if original.
Neglecting to replace the timing belt could lead to bent intake/exhaust valves if the current belt breaks.
If you keep up with routine maintenence another 90K is within reasonable expectations
04-17-2017
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I have a 04 Civic also. It's 292K miles now. I plan to do a new timing belt, etc. soon. The new parts from a Honda dealer is about $350. My mechanic charges me $600 for labor. Our Civic needs a new timing belt every 100K miles. At this high mileage, my Civic still drives as smooth as the day I got it 4 years ago.
04-18-2017
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I am the original owner. And over the years I have had work done here and there. For a while I was taking it to the dealer. But stopped going there around 06-07. I have definitely become sloppy about hanging on to all of my paperwork. Need to get my act together!
Thanks for your help!
Joe
Thanks for your help!
Joe
04-18-2017
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Re: Just hit 90,000
this is the time a lot of us had the head gasket go, me included...
so test the headgasket
recommended method is described in the first post here
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...reference.html
it's the time to replace timing belt anyway, so it's halfway there, but do test it first. Some have reported going 250k with their original ones, most did not.
so test the headgasket
recommended method is described in the first post here
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...reference.html
it's the time to replace timing belt anyway, so it's halfway there, but do test it first. Some have reported going 250k with their original ones, most did not.
04-19-2017
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most of our recommendations for timing belt and head gasket is to use OEM parts - some did not have much luck with aftermarket ones, although some were installation error.
i did mine over three weeks myself, but it can be done faster in a mechanic (i have another car, so did it at my leisure)
i did mine over three weeks myself, but it can be done faster in a mechanic (i have another car, so did it at my leisure)
04-19-2017
#10
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: Just hit 90,000
You can always make sure to request the shop uses genuine Honda parts as well, most ethical shops will do that without hesitation.
You may find some extremely talented individuals working in independent shops and dealership shops alike.....and you can also find people at the opposite end of the spectrum at both places.
Seems like very few shops anywhere keep a full staff of top-gun talent.
Most shops, dealers included, employ mechanics with a wide range of abilities and talents, skill and experience.
Some are rookies, others masters of the trade, and everything inbetween.
Some are really observant, others might be blind.
Some take great pride in their work, really really want to do a job absolutely correct (and will go out of their way to make it happen whenever possible)............ others notsomuch, they only do good enough to get by and no more.
Some shouldn't be any closer to a car than leaning out the drive up window asking "Would you like fries with that?".....and this week they are trying to change your oil.
Some shops stifle and suppress techs who are otherwise very talented.
I'd stay far away from chain stores no matter what.
It's very handy to know who is who and who is good at what type of work, and when you find a tech (or a select few) who does absolutely great work, and you are comfortable with that person......stick with that person (or people), ask for him by name every time. Even if that tech goes to another shop.
