My 1st Service Pass Coming Up. Question

DockingPilot said:

I hope I posted this in the correct topic forum.
Im due for my first service soon. I have always done my own oil changes but for records and since it’s included Im going to let the dealer do it.
Reluctantly.
My question, is the dealer compelled to use Honda branded oil ? I ask because Ive seen 55 gal drums of motor oil there before. Sorry but I just cant put an unknown oil brand in my engine. I just cant, call me anal I get it.

Would you fellas agree that reading this:
View attachment 438154
The dealer is compelled to use Honda branded parts and oil ?

Opinions fellas ?


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Dealers also:

• Change oil before the Maintenance Minder indicates an oil change is due despite the fact that Honda explicitly instructs them not to do so
• Use additives despite the fact that Honda explicitly states not to do so
• Perform fuel injection cleaning/flushing even though Honda says this is an improper repair procedure

It appears your screen shot is that of a Honda dealer's website. Honda's website reads a bit different:



Notice it doesn't say "oil" - just "parts". One could argue that oil is a fluid and not a part and that only the filter needed to be Honda Genuine.

Regardless, the only way I'd believe a dealer used Honda Genuine oil is if I watched them open quarts and pour it in the crankcase. Honda sells oil in drums, but very few dealers actually buy it.

With that said, I respect your choice to use Honda-branded oil even though any 0W-20 oil that meets the specifications listed in the owner's manual will work just fine.

SEW said:

Obviously, Roger has had similar experiences.

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The primary reason I chased brands and models that were less likely to require warranty work for many years was because of my experience with warranty repairs. I've rarely had warranty work done where there wasn't some type of damage or improper repair done. These experiences go back 30 years when I had a new 1992 Grand Am that I caught an employee driving for personal use after hours. A Buick dealer had to replace the headliner, steering wheel, and center console lid in my 1999 Regal after they damaged all three items while replacing the fuel level sending unit under warranty. A Honda dealer had to repair the rear bumper cover on my 2017 Ridgeline after someone gouged it. Years later, this same dealer damaged a wheel while replacing a tire. They also left something loose after replacing the transmission in my 2019 Ridgeline. A different Honda dealer used the wrong viscosity of engine oil in an older Ridgeline. And, these are just obvious issues. Hell, just last week my mother had the battery in her 2019 Equinox replaced by a Chevrolet dealer. The CEL light was on when she left the dealer. My scan tool revealed a battery monitor module communication problem. I found that the dealer didn't reconnect it after the $400 battery replacement. I emailed the service manager pointing out their error, but he never replied - not even to apologize.

On the subject of Honda Service Pass and the Ridgeline...

This program covers maintenance specified by the MM during the first 2 years or 24,000 miles.

For the typical Ridgeline owner, this will include:

• A1 (tire rotation, engine oil change) at around 8,500 miles.
• B16 (tire rotation, engine oil/filter change, rear differential fluid change) at around 17,000 miles.

That's it. The actual value of these services is about $200. Honda increased the starting price of the Ridgeline by $660 for the 2023 model year when they added Honda Service Pass.

I would choose to do the work myself and know that it was done properly and without damage to the vehicle even if these services were free (which they aren't - they're included).