Honda Car Forum

I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the manual and
the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed during
break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone understand
why?
I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at 36K, it
seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil. Two
things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid and
coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I need to
drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!

Hai

"Hai Pham" <haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote in message news:<1nP8b.1505$mo1.136150073@news.netcarrier.net >...
> I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the manual and
> the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed during
> break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone understand
> why?
> I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at 36K, it
> seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil. Two
> things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid and
> coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I need to
> drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!
>
> Hai

I got a new Element last month and heard the same speech. Some of it I
took with a grain of salt. I think I will go with their mileage
recommendations for lubrication, or a little sooner, but I won't
purchase the Honda lube and fluid products. That is just greed on the
part of an auto manufacture. Good quality oil and fluids are fine. On
sale, they are even better. It doesn't have to be a Honda name on the
container to lube the engine and trans properly.

Fweem on.

Fweem@attbi.com (Old Bugger) wrote in message news:<ffe3337.0309132137.2457505c@posting.google.c om>...
> "Hai Pham" <haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote in message news:<1nP8b.1505$mo1.136150073@news.netcarrier.net >...
> > I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the manual and
> > the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed during
> > break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone understand
> > why?
> > I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at 36K, it
> > seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil. Two
> > things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid and
> > coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I need to
> > drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!
> >
> > Hai
>
> I got a new Element last month and heard the same speech. Some of it I
> took with a grain of salt. I think I will go with their mileage
> recommendations for lubrication, or a little sooner, but I won't
> purchase the Honda lube and fluid products. That is just greed on the
> part of an auto manufacture. Good quality oil and fluids are fine. On
> sale, they are even better. It doesn't have to be a Honda name on the
> container to lube the engine and trans properly.
>
> Fweem on.

I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
can cause premature failure of the water pump.

Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
the ones listed above.

You should use Honda fluids, except oil and brake fluid. I prefer to use all
honda, it cost the same.
Do not listen to the salesman, just take your owners manual and follow it.
Honda buids great cars, so they really know what they write on the manual.
But ater all, it's your car, you can use whatever you want; even you don't
have to change any fluids if you don't want to.


"Old Bugger" <Fweem@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:ffe3337.0309132137.2457505c@posting.google.co m...
> "Hai Pham" <haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote in message
news:<1nP8b.1505$mo1.136150073@news.netcarrier.net >...
> > I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the manual
and
> > the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed
during
> > break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone
understand
> > why?
> > I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at 36K,
it
> > seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil.
Two
> > things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid and
> > coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I need
to
> > drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!
> >
> > Hai
>
> I got a new Element last month and heard the same speech. Some of it I
> took with a grain of salt. I think I will go with their mileage
> recommendations for lubrication, or a little sooner, but I won't
> purchase the Honda lube and fluid products. That is just greed on the
> part of an auto manufacture. Good quality oil and fluids are fine. On
> sale, they are even better. It doesn't have to be a Honda name on the
> container to lube the engine and trans properly.
>
> Fweem on.

> I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
> fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
> you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
> auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
> who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
> the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
> and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
> can cause premature failure of the water pump.
>
> Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
> I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
> the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
> other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
> the ones listed above.

FYI, Honda does not make ANY petroleum based fluids... the big oil companies
do (Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, etc.)... they are just badged as Honda (I would
like to find out who makes Honda oil, etc.). It is funny to hear people
praise Honda fluids and bash all others. I would NOT use generic fluids
either, use any of the many Brand Name fluids that meet the required specs
for your car. Similarly for things like antifreeze, just use one that meets
the specs in the manual (phosphate free, etc).

"93 Fox" <no@way.com> wrote in message
news:AR%8b.8980$Aq2.7457@newsread1.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
>
> > I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
> > fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
> > you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
> > auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
> > who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
> > the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
> > and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
> > can cause premature failure of the water pump.
> >
> > Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
> > I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
> > the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
> > other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
> > the ones listed above.
>
> FYI, Honda does not make ANY petroleum based fluids... the big oil
companies
> do (Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, etc.)... they are just badged as Honda (I would
> like to find out who makes Honda oil, etc.). It is funny to hear people
> praise Honda fluids and bash all others. I would NOT use generic fluids
> either, use any of the many Brand Name fluids that meet the required specs
> for your car.

Correct. Ask around to find a "Brand Name" PS fluid for your Honda.

Good luck.

Why I should not change oil before 5K anyone knows? The brake fluid at 36K
is too early?

Thanks

"JDS" <jds010@aol.com> wrote in message
news:rnZ8b.6106$z32.289@twister.austin.rr.com...
> You should use Honda fluids, except oil and brake fluid. I prefer to use
all
> honda, it cost the same.
> Do not listen to the salesman, just take your owners manual and follow it.
> Honda buids great cars, so they really know what they write on the manual.
> But ater all, it's your car, you can use whatever you want; even you don't
> have to change any fluids if you don't want to.
>
>
> "Old Bugger" <Fweem@attbi.com> wrote in message
> news:ffe3337.0309132137.2457505c@posting.google.co m...
> > "Hai Pham" <haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote in message
> news:<1nP8b.1505$mo1.136150073@news.netcarrier.net >...
> > > I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the
manual
> and
> > > the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed
> during
> > > break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone
> understand
> > > why?
> > > I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at
36K,
> it
> > > seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil.
> Two
> > > things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid
and
> > > coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I
need
> to
> > > drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!
> > >
> > > Hai
> >
> > I got a new Element last month and heard the same speech. Some of it I
> > took with a grain of salt. I think I will go with their mileage
> > recommendations for lubrication, or a little sooner, but I won't
> > purchase the Honda lube and fluid products. That is just greed on the
> > part of an auto manufacture. Good quality oil and fluids are fine. On
> > sale, they are even better. It doesn't have to be a Honda name on the
> > container to lube the engine and trans properly.
> >
> > Fweem on.
>
>

In article <AR%8b.8980$Aq2.7457@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink. net>,
"93 Fox" <no@way.com> wrote:

> > I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
> > fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
> > you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
> > auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
> > who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
> > the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
> > and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
> > can cause premature failure of the water pump.
> >
> > Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
> > I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
> > the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
> > other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
> > the ones listed above.
>
> FYI, Honda does not make ANY petroleum based fluids... the big oil companies
> do (Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, etc.)... they are just badged as Honda (I would
> like to find out who makes Honda oil, etc.). It is funny to hear people
> praise Honda fluids and bash all others. I would NOT use generic fluids
> either, use any of the many Brand Name fluids that meet the required specs
> for your car. Similarly for things like antifreeze, just use one that meets
> the specs in the manual (phosphate free, etc).
>
>

Companies make parts for Honda using Honda's specs. This is obvious if
you compare a "Honda" air filter to a "Fram" air filter. Both are made
by the same company and have the same design but the Fram branded filter
is a quality control reject.

I always use Honda's transmission fuild. There are numerous additive
formulas for friction and thermal stability. The wrong one makes
shifting difficult. I could probably find a brand name that works well
too but I don't want to change the fluid 10 times in a row looking for
it.

"Kevin McMurtrie" <mcmurtri@dslextreme.com> wrote in message
news:mcmurtri-379505.13242814092003@corp-radius.supernews.com...
> In article <AR%8b.8980$Aq2.7457@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink. net>,
> "93 Fox" <no@way.com> wrote:
>
> > > I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
> > > fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
> > > you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
> > > auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
> > > who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
> > > the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
> > > and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
> > > can cause premature failure of the water pump.
> > >
> > > Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
> > > I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
> > > the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
> > > other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
> > > the ones listed above.
> >
> > FYI, Honda does not make ANY petroleum based fluids... the big oil
companies
> > do (Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, etc.)... they are just badged as Honda (I
would
> > like to find out who makes Honda oil, etc.). It is funny to hear people
> > praise Honda fluids and bash all others. I would NOT use generic fluids
> > either, use any of the many Brand Name fluids that meet the required
specs
> > for your car. Similarly for things like antifreeze, just use one that
meets
> > the specs in the manual (phosphate free, etc).
> >
> >
>
> Companies make parts for Honda using Honda's specs. This is obvious if
> you compare a "Honda" air filter to a "Fram" air filter. Both are made
> by the same company and have the same design but the Fram branded filter
> is a quality control reject.

Actually, I've found it obvious on everything *but* air filter elements.

Paid ~$20CDN for a dealer air filter recently. Looks identical to a Canadian
Tire branded Fram, at less than half the cost.

On Sun, 14 Sep 2003 13:41:09 -0400, "Hai Pham"
<haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote:

>Why I should not change oil before 5K anyone knows? The brake fluid at 36K
>is too early?

I'm not an expert, but since this thread has gone on so long without a
specific answer, I'll hazard a guess. Other folks on this forum have
stated that the oil in your brand new Honda has an extremely high moly
content specifically for the break-in period. I don't think they want
you draining that oil out and replacing it with regular oil to soon.
I took them at their word and didn't get my first oil change in my 03
Accord until 5,100 miles.


>"JDS" <jds010@aol.com> wrote in message
>news:rnZ8b.6106$z32.289@twister.austin.rr.com.. .
>> You should use Honda fluids, except oil and brake fluid. I prefer to use
>all
>> honda, it cost the same.
>> Do not listen to the salesman, just take your owners manual and follow it.
>> Honda buids great cars, so they really know what they write on the manual.
>> But ater all, it's your car, you can use whatever you want; even you don't
>> have to change any fluids if you don't want to.
>>
>>
>> "Old Bugger" <Fweem@attbi.com> wrote in message
>> news:ffe3337.0309132137.2457505c@posting.google.co m...
>> > "Hai Pham" <haipham@netcarrier.com> wrote in message
>> news:<1nP8b.1505$mo1.136150073@news.netcarrier.net >...
>> > > I bought my Honda CRV 03 last month. I was surprised that in the
>manual
>> and
>> > > the dealer/salesman told me I can drive the CRV with constant speed
>> during
>> > > break in. He also asked do not change oil before 5K miles. Anyone
>> understand
>> > > why?
>> > > I also read in the manual it recommend to change the brake fluid at
>36K,
>> it
>> > > seems too early. Honda wants me to use Honda product even engine oil.
>> Two
>> > > things they stress I have to use their products are automatic fluid
>and
>> > > coolant fluid. The even said in case I need to use other products I
>need
>> to
>> > > drain it completely and put Honda product in !!!
>> > >
>> > > Hai
>> >
>> > I got a new Element last month and heard the same speech. Some of it I
>> > took with a grain of salt. I think I will go with their mileage
>> > recommendations for lubrication, or a little sooner, but I won't
>> > purchase the Honda lube and fluid products. That is just greed on the
>> > part of an auto manufacture. Good quality oil and fluids are fine. On
>> > sale, they are even better. It doesn't have to be a Honda name on the
>> > container to lube the engine and trans properly.
>> >
>> > Fweem on.
>>
>>
>

Ron