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Archive for the ‘Vehicle Maintenance’ Category

How to identify brake problems on Honda vehicles

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Brakes are an incredibly important part of your Honda vehicle. Please make sure yours are working smoothly to ensure the safety of every passenger.

Brake Squeal and Wear Indicator

On Honda cars, all four brakes have audible brake wear indicators. So when your brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic “screeching” sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time. Do note that your brakes may sometimes squeak or squeal when you apply them lightly; don’t confuse this with the brake wear indicators. The brakes will make a very audible “screeching” noise.

Low Brake Fluid & Flushing the Brake Fluid

If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking or brakes could be worn.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture. When that moisture finds its way into the braking system, it can corrode metal and seals. Flushing the system with new fluid removes the condensation before extensive damage occurs.

When you’re flushing the system, always use Honda Heavy Brake Fluid DOT 3. If this specific fluid is unavailable, only use DOT 3 or DOT 4 from a sealed container. However, only use these as a temporary solution. The use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and may decrease the life of your brakes.

Honda Genuine Brake Pads

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors function the best with Honda Genuine Brake Pads. Particularly since Honda brake pads are tested extensively on Honda vehicles in the most extreme situations and environments.

Now, it’s not only for this reason that Genuine Honda Brake Pads effectively help prevent premature disc wear and minimize noise. They’re also precisely engineered with state-of-the-art materials that produce superior performance, proper wear, long life, and are specifically designed to dampen noise and reduce vibrations.

Honda Genuine Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are vital to dissipating the heat that comes from the pads every time you use the brakes. Genuine Honda Brake Rotors are built to take that heat time for lasting performance and reliability. They’re made with the optimum mix of materials and compounds to safely withstand long periods of wear and to help prevent overheating and warping.

If your brakes show any of these signs, please contact our Honda Service Center in Austin by calling 512-443-4300.

Tags: Honda brake wear indicators, Honda break fluid, Honda break pads, Honda breaks, Honda genuine break rotors
Posted in Honda Safety, Honda Vehicles, Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Service Department, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

5 things you ought to know about spark plugs

Friday, October 5th, 2012

1. What are spark plugs?

Spark plugs are small devices that go inside the cylinder and take high electricity voltage at one end and create a spark at the other end.

2. Why does my car need spark plugs?

The spark plugs play an essential role in the combustion engine, providing the spark needed to light the gas and air mixture which power the car.

3. Why do spark plugs need to get changed?

At the end of the spark plug end that gets screwed into the motor, there is a gap between two or more pieces of metal. Every time the plug fires, the spark jumps the gap, burning off a tiny portion of the metal in the process. Since this process happens hundreds of times every minute, the gap between the two pieces of metal eventually gets too big and the plug needs to be replaced.

Your plugs can also foul out, creating an instant issue for the engine as the cylinder will not be properly firing.

4. How often should I replace the spark plugs in my vehicle?

The type of spark plug used in your car’s engine will determine how long you can go before having them changed so it will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The Maintenance Minder on your Honda will let you know when it is time to replace them by displaying an A4 on your dashboard. Check with your mechanic at our Austin Honda service center.

5. What if I don’t replace the spark plugs?

When spark plugs are not replaced, the engine’s efficiency and performance decreases, emissions increase, and the car will run poorly; it even might be difficult to start.

A professional can determine whether your plugs need to be changed. Some people prefer to change their own, but you will need some tools and know how the process works before you attempt this. Screwing a spark plug in incorrectly can cause engine damage that could lead to further repairs. Howdy Honda certified technicians are the most skilled Honda auto repair specialists in Austin– give us a call at 512-443-4300.

Tags: honda austin service, Honda Auto Repair Austin, honda repair austin
Posted in Service Department, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

5 Ways You Can Know It’s Time To Replace Your Tires

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

The penny test is a great one to remember.

Ensuring your tires are road-worthy is an obvious safety concerns, but your tire health can also have an effect on fuel mileage and how your car drives overall. Following are some pointers about tire wear and how to know when it is time to kiss your rubber biscuits goodbye and invest in a new set.

Replace your tires if any of the following occur:

1. They fail the penny test. A good test for tire wear is sticking a penny into the tread. If you can see President Lincoln’s entire head, then it is time to get a new set.

2. Metal is exposed. If you can actually see the metal wires in your car’s tires, it is time to change them immediately.

3. Your car pulls to one side or the other. While this is likely an alignment issue, the tires have been wearing unevenly while this has been going on. Have your tires checked as well as getting your car aligned properly.

4. The tires are 10+ years old. If tires have actually been on a vehicle this long, it is difficult to trust them anymore, as they can damage much more easily.

5. The season of your tires doesn’t match the outside. If it’s winter and you have summer tires on, you are going to want to make a change. If you don’t, you could find yourself out of control when the first storm hits. All-season tires are a good bet, as they are rated for all four seasons, as long as they aren’t worn out.

To keep yourself safe and improve longevity, make sure to check the tire’s air pressure. Underinflated tires are the leading cause of wear on tires. If you keep them at proper inflation, not only will they last longer, but your car will drive its best as well. Remembering that having your tires rotated will also increase their life, as front tires wear more quickly than rear. Keep these tips in mind – and remember – we carry tires at Howdy Honda, so you can purchase and install them in just one stop.

Tags: honda tires, tire pressure, tires for honda austin, tires for sale austin tx
Posted in Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Service Department, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

Everything You Ought to Know About Your Engine’s Timing Belt

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

Honda Service Center in Austin While many people do a good job changing their own oil or tires, there are important vehicle components, such as the timing belt, that need to be left to the professionals.

The timing belt is what allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which opens and closes the valves, and without it, the engine can’t run.

For this reason, changing the belt when recommended is crucial to your Honda’s maintenance. For Hondas manufactured after 1997, this is every 105k miles (not 60k miles like many other cars). DO NOT try to squeeze the life out of the timing belt because it will eventually break and potentially damage your entire engine; meaning hundreds of dollars worth of auto repairs and possibly an entire new engine.

Your safe bet is to replace the belt every 105k miles. However, if you hear slapping sounds coming from the engine, bring the car in because the timing belt might be loose. You can also visually inspect the belt from time to time; you should look for cracks, shredding, excessive slack, or oil leaks from adjacent seals.

Rest assured that the small price you will pay to have the belt replaced could ultimately save your engine and save you a lot of money. Check your mileage and if your Honda is near the 105k, 210k, etc. -mile mark, bring it to the best Honda Service Center in Austin to get your timing belt replaced.

Tags: Honda maintenance, honda service center austin, Honda TIming Belt
Posted in Honda Vehicles, Howdy Honda Safety Tips, Howdy Honda Service, Service Department, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

How to program and customize the auto lock/unlock on your Honda

Monday, June 18th, 2012

Learn how to program the auto lock and auto unlock in your Honda | Howdy Honda Blog

Honda vehicles are pretty high-tech units. Knowing that, there are some options that you may not be aware of when dealing with locking and unlocking the doors. The auto (un)lock feature on Honda vehicles can be programmed and customized to respond in several different ways. Here’s how you can do that:

Program doors to unlock when you turn the car off

1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever in Park and turn the ignition into the On (II) position.
2. While pressing the brake, move the shift lever out of Park.
3. Press and hold the unlock side of the master locks switch for approximately 10 seconds. In that time, you will hear three clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the lock (0) position.

Program doors to unlock when you shift into Park

1. Close the driver’s door and shift the vehicle into Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II), then press and hold the unlock side of the master lock switch for approximately 10 seconds. You will hear three clicks.
3. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Program doors to lock when you reach 9 mph

1. Close the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
2. While pressing on the brake, move the shifter out of Park.
3. Then, press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Program all doors to lock when you shift out of Park

1. Close the driver’s door and put the car in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Turn off Auto Unlock

1. Open the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II).
3. Press and hold the unlock side of the master lock switch for five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Turn off Auto Lock

1. Open the driver’s door and put the shifter in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to On (II).
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock for about five seconds until you hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Program driver’s door to unlock when you shift into park

1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever in Park.
2. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds – you will hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position.

Program driver’s door to unlock when you turn the car off

1. Close the driver’s door. Put the shift lever n Park. Turn the ignition to the On (II) position.
2. While pressing the brake, move the shifter out of Park.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the master lock switch for about five seconds – you will hear two clicks.
4. Within five seconds, turn the ignition to the Lock position

Tags: honda features, honda lock settings, honda vehicles
Posted in Honda, Honda Models, Honda Technology, Honda Vehicles, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

3 Myths About Premium Gas

Friday, May 18th, 2012

Most of us have our parents to thank for bringing up such outstanding and productive citizens of society. They taught us right from wrong and good from bad; so we all know that high-octane, premium gas is better for our car’s engine. But, is it?

Ok, are you sitting down? Do you have a plush toy to squeeze? Good, because premium gas is not needed anymore! *Gasp* The shock, the horror! Well, yes, my dear friends, I must say that premium gas is no longer necessary. Cars have changed, engines have improved, but premium gas still costs about 20-30 cents more and owner’s manuals have downgraded it from “recommended” to “suggested.” Let’s take a look at a few myths that have been doing their rounds for the past few decades.

Myth #1: Increase in performance – If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this. If your car feels underpowered, take it to a mechanic because it’s definitely not from using regular gas. The only time you might need premium gas is when you tow your 40-ft yacht with your Honda Civic across the west Texas dessert. Besides that, you’re in the clear.

Myth #2: Some engines require premium – Like I mentioned above, there was a time in a galaxy far, far away when premium was “recommended” by the owner’s manual. Now, it’s merely “suggested.” The reason for this is that all engines are built to work on regular gas without any consequences to the longevity of the engine. So why waste an extra 20 to 30 cents at the gas pump for no reason at all?

Myth #3: Reduction of knock and ping – Before the Spice Girls became international superstars (for those of you that don’t attribute any meaning to this reference, I’m talking about 1996) using premium gas did indeed reduce knock and ping. See, our parents weren’t always wrong. However, in this day and age engines are equipped with a knock sensor that automatically adjusts the fuel to prevent this.

So if you are using premium, why don’t you do a little experiment? Try regular gasoline for 4 to 5 months and see what the differences are. Most likely there will be none and you can save about $200 a year!

Tags: honda civic austin tx, regular vs premium gas
Posted in Honda Efficiency, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

What is a transmission flush and why does my car need one?

Monday, March 12th, 2012

: What is a transmission flush and why does my car need one?

The other day I was talking with Jesse, one of Service advisor; Eric, one of our awesome technicians; and a customer that had come in for some maintenance work on his Honda. While we were all talking, the subject of transmission flush came up: what it did and why it was needed. Thankfully, Jesse and Eric are great at explaining mechanical work and were able to give us some insight into this maintenance item.

So let’s start with the easy stuff; what is a transmission flush? A transmission flush is simply the removal of the transmission fluid via a drain plug and then adding new transmission fluid. This process gives the transmission a sort of “cleanse” that helps reduce the strain on the components within the transmission and prolong its life.

Why does your car need a transmission flush? A transmission flush is essential due to the fact that by removing the old transmission fluid, any buildup that has occurred in the transmission will be removed also. The old residue inside of your transmission can potentially contaminate your fluid over time and put unnecessary stress on the transmission, thus increasing your chances of having to replace the transmission all together.

Recap: A simple transmission flush not only will make your transmission run better, but will also prolong the life of the transmission. In other words, you will be saving serious money by maintaining the transmission as transmission repair/replacement averages as one of the highest costs related to automobiles.

If you’re unsure when the right time to do a transmission flush is, check out your vehicle’s owners’ manual, Honda maintenance schedule or contact one of the service advisors at our Honda Service Center. The service advisors and certified technicians here at Howdy Honda know pretty much everything about your Honda (not in a creepy way, of course) and they’ll be able to quickly determine when a transmission flush is due on your car.

Tags: Honda maintenance, honda repair austin, honda service austin, honda transmission flush
Posted in Howdy Honda Service, Service Department, Used Cars, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

How to: Recycle Motor Oil

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Motor oil is an extremely hazardous waste that should never be disposed of in the trash, poured down a drain or dumped on the ground. Oil is harmful for a person’s health and is also detrimental to the environment. A single quart of motor oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water, according to Austin Resource Recovery. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 30% of motorists change their own oil. This generates 43 to 62 million gallons of used oil annually. Recycling oil waste protects public health and the environment by keeping heavy metals and toxins out of groundwater supplies. The EPA also explained how it saves energy. One gallon of re‐refined motor oil produces 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil, while 42 gallons of crude oil produces the same amount, the EPA reported.

Several businesses in the Austin area accept and recycle motor waste free of charge. Locate your nearest recycling centers with Earth911.com. Call ahead to confirm that the business still accepts oil waste. Because these centers offer services voluntarily to protect the environment, there are guidelines that must be followed before dropping off motor oil:

• Drop off waste during business hours only
• Store used oil in sealed, leak‐proof container (reusable combination drain pan and storage container)
• Do not mix motor oil with other auto products
• Bring only motor oil to collection centers
• Businesses should refer to Yellow Pages for disposal options‐Earth911.com centers are for individual use only
• Fill in Do‐It‐Yourself Log Sheet with date, your name, address and quantity of oil recycled
• Cannot recycle more than 5 gallons at a time

Most major auto‐parts stores have recognized the importance of recycling used motor oil. Both Pep Boys and AutoZone, two of the nation’s biggest auto parts franchises, accept used motor oil. AutoZone recycled 9.5 million gallons of oil in 2010, according to its Web site.

Howdy Honda, a premiere used car dealership in Austin, TX, supports the many Austin businesses that recycle used motor oil. Call ahead today to find a recycling center near you!

Tags: recycling used motor oil
Posted in Sustainability, Tips and Tricks, Vehicle Maintenance | Comments Off

Howdy Honda Blog

Archive for the ‘Vehicle Maintenance’ Category

How to identify brake problems on Honda vehicles

5 things you ought to know about spark plugs

5 Ways You Can Know It’s Time To Replace Your Tires

Everything You Ought to Know About Your Engine’s Timing Belt

How to program and customize the auto lock/unlock on your Honda

3 Myths About Premium Gas

What is a transmission flush and why does my car need one?

How to: Recycle Motor Oil

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