oil change Honda's way ?

[coyote]

I do not like dealerships. Is it necessary to go to a dealer for the oil change warranty wise and do you need to use Honda filters or their oil ? I have a 2008 RTS and have been going to a garage for years and the mechanics there are super. Thanks.

[djeaux]

Three questions & the answers are: no, no, and no.

You can have the oil changed anywhere. You do not have to use Honda filters, and you do not have to use Honda oil. You must ensure that the oil does meet Honda specs for warranty reasons, but the "reputable" brand names will meet those specs.

(I have a hunch that a good many Honda dealerships don't use Honda oil...)

[jimmychoi]

Originally Posted by djeaux

Three questions & the answers are: no, no, and no.

You can have the oil changed anywhere. You do not have to use Honda filters, and you do not have to use Honda oil. You must ensure that the oil does meet Honda specs for warranty reasons, but the "reputable" brand names will meet those specs.

(I have a hunch that a good many Honda dealerships don't use Honda oil...)

That IJ believe has been confirmed by members on the ROC

[djeaux]

Several years (and Hondas) back, I asked my service manager what type oil to use & he immediately replied, "I'm partial to Castrol GTX."

[Tcape]

I asked this same question on another post, and got the same reply....OK to change the oil yourself. One good bit of advice I got on this was to be SURE to keep your receipts....and write on them the date you changed your oil. This will ensure that you've kept up with your maintenance schedule. And don't forget to re-set the Maintenance Minder!

And I totally agree with the original post about not liking dealerships. Their prices for work is twice what's reasonable. It's especially expensive when you can do the work yourself.
Tom

[HondaTech]

There is no need to go to the dealer. As everyone has already stated. I do however recommend the Honda filters. They aren't very costly and the filter material meets a higher standard than the generic aftermarket no name brand. Your local garage would be more than happy to order a few for you, or you could buy them yourself and have the local shop install it.



HT

[Ridge]

Originally Posted by HondaTech

There is no need to go to the dealer. As everyone has already stated. I do however recommend the Honda filters. They aren't very costly and the filter material meets a higher standard than the generic aftermarket no name brand.

HT

Well, yes and no on that issue. Honda filters either come with the Honeywell label (A02)or the Filtech label (A01). Honeywell Honda filters are made by Fram with card board end caps (considered crap by many). The Honda/Filtechs (A01) are top notch Wix filters I believe. I have yet to find a Honda filter that wasn't a Honeywell in my area. Napa Gold brand are top notch Wix, so I buy those. If you can get a Honda/Filtech filter, just buy the whole case. I think all new Hondas come from the factory with a Honda/Filtech. Both my Fit and Ridgeline did anyway.

[Chrise]

how do you reset the oil life setting on the gauge??

[Mike K]

For those of us willing to do our own oil changes, how does the ridgeline compare to other vehicles for the "do it yourselfers"? Is the drain plug located in a spot where you can get a drain pan under easily? Can you get to the filter and get it off without spilling oil on the frame or garage floor? How about resetting the MM? I've got an 07 which is nearing its first service. I plan on having the dealer do this initial service (the first one is free at my dealer) but after that I would normally do my own oil changes. Any thoughts?

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by Mike K

For those of us willing to do our own oil changes, how does the ridgeline compare to other vehicles for the "do it yourselfers"? Is the drain plug located in a spot where you can get a drain pan under easily? Can you get to the filter and get it off without spilling oil on the frame or garage floor? How about resetting the MM? I've got an 07 which is nearing its first service. I plan on having the dealer do this initial service (the first one is free at my dealer) but after that I would normally do my own oil changes. Any thoughts?

I have done all of my own services so far (53K). Read your owner's manual to learn how to reset the MM and what the codes mean. The drain plug is easy to get to, just be careful around the cat. There's no need to jack up the truck to fit a normal drain pan underneath. The filter is easily accessible, although you will spill some oil on the lower control arm. That's what rags are for. I use a piece of cardboard about 4' by 4' underneath, and change my oil inside my garage in the bad weather. No spills. Use a fresh crush washer at least every other oil change and torque the drain bolt to 28 ft-lbs. The socket is a 17mm.