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Hello, I hope everyone is having a good day.

I went to the honda dealership today like I always do every 3,000 miles for my oil change. My car is aproaching the 35,000 mile mark which will end my warrenty. I picked up one of the Required Maintenance Schedule service sheets while I was there. They tried to sell me the30,000 mile Major Service Interval Package = $159.95 (which includes alot of basic stuff mostly inspection rotating the tires, check fluid levels, etc...) along with adjusting the valves = $82.03 (he said it would improve fuel effciency), Replace spark plugs = 49.95 (Check this: it's $115.95 if you want them replaced with platinum!! ) So anyways I just said I want the regular oil change. I have a CAI and custom wheels and tires so I dont need them rotating them or changing the air filter. How neccessary is all this stuff? I've always been told as long as you keep the oil changed Honda will last forever. I mean I can change the plugs myself and I could even do the oil change but I let them do it because the cost is so cheap and its quick. but 115 for spark plugs changed?!?! I just wanted to know what some other people thought about all the other Honda maintance scheduling they have set for different mileage. Is it really neccessary?

All your thoughts and feedback is appreciated.

Dave

 
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Honda tried to sell me a 30,000 (Major Transmission Package) for $399.00 It includes everything you mentioned maybe a little bit more other stuff. I didn't buy it.

IMO, if you don't hear anything wrong with your car, why even bother wasting all your money on something that is practically new! I assume your 35K is 95% hwy. Your engine is still pretty new! Just continue to change your oil, filter, transmission oil, engine oil, brake fluid, steering fluid, etc... according to your maintenance schedule. For your wheel alignment and rotations, you can go to autozone or strauss to align it back for maybe $60-$100. Tires are so cheap that you can get a new set with a 50,000 miles warranty.

Think about it. You won't own your car forever. At some point in time you will trade it in for something else. This is IMO. BTW, I have 02 civic w/ 28K. I haven't had any problem what so ever and still running very smooth.

 
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I say take a look at the maintenance schedule and if your comfortable doing most of the items yourself, then by all means save the money. The only thing I might let Honda do for me is adjust the valves. If I had an automatic tranny, I would see if they have some type of extra coverage as long as its at a reasonable price. For spark plugs, I think I'd atleast take them out and inspect them every 30K or so. If they look fine the re-install. FWIW..

 
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Most all the services are a bunch of inspection type things and profit boosters.

Do the individual things that really need to be done. You'll notice there is a major component to all the major service like a trans fluid change, radiator flush, valves, timing belt, etc...Just pick out those major items and have them done. Screw the service package things..

It is a honda but it needs regular maintenance. That's a big part of avoiding problems.

In my manual, the only major thing done at the 30k mark is an inspection of the drive belts and adjustment if needed, along with the replacement of the dust and pollen filters.

Spark plugs don't need replacing until 110k and valve clearance isn't checked until 110k as well, according to the manual.

I usually change my trans fluid every 15-30k miles. It certainly doesn't hurt anything....

Anyhow, they are trying to take you for a ride.

 
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Dave et al,

my manual says to inspect the valve clearance at 110,000 miles (or adjust if noisy) -- I'm guessing this means that Honda has changed something from the previous design where you had the 30,000 mile valve adjustments? Also, timing belt replacement is at 110,000 up from the 90,000 of the previous design.

 
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It's just like when they try to sell you the extended warranty. Odds are it will never pay out. Do the service by the book and don't fix anything unless it breaks.

As for tire rotation, I got bigger tires and my tire store does free lifetime rotation and balancing anyhow.

I've owned 3 vehicles in the last 10 years and none have ever gone back to the dealer for anything. Just did the recommended maint. Got almost 100,000 miles on my Firebird with absolutely no problems.

 
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Ahhh Dealer Recommended Service..I work for Honda so let me say dont let them jack you. You probably dont need squat done to your car yet. Yes it is just a profit booster for them. I hit 30k on mine at let them do it for me(thanx employee discount) and basically they did the valve adjustment, changed my oil, toped my fluids and that was all I needed. I didnt even need the valves done but I said just do it. All dealer services like that are just done to increse thier profits 9 times outta 10 you dont need anything but the oil changed. So do what you need based on your discresion cause your probably rite.

 
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What does adjusting the valves do besides gas mileage? does it make our car run smoother and a lil quicker as well..?

 
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it does let your car run a little smoother, but not really quick. 'Grey' did a diy on this a while back ago, i'm sure you can find it if you want to do it yourself. the only thing you need is a special gauge called a "Feeler Gauge" to adjust the valves.
he adjusted his valves cuz his engine was noiser than before.

 
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Like I always tell my customers.....change your oil every 5-6k miles, change the air filter at 30k miles, and your Honda should run forever now, weather you do the other things is up to you, and may save some money in the long run?? maybe....but...won't make the engine run any longer.....