Car maintenance might not be on the top of every driver’s to-do list, but it’s important for your Honda’s long-term health. Regular maintenance involves checking systems and components that gradually wear out and need replacement. As your Honda dealer, we want to tell you more about maintenance and some of the necessary checks that will keep your car in great condition.
From Your Honda Dealer: Car Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Honda
Check Your Spare
Your Honda has a space-saving compact tire. This tire is slightly smaller than a regular tire and is designed for use in emergencies. If you experience a puncture or blowout, the compact tire allows you to get back on the road ASAP. A compact tire, also called a donut, can be used for up to 50 miles travel at no more than 50 mph.
A compact tire will gradually lose air over time as the air pressure inside a tire tries to equalize with the external air pressure. On average, a tire will lose 1 – 3 PSI per month. Checking the pressure in your spare is important for safety, as the last thing you want is to take out the spare tire when you need it and discover it’s partially flat from air loss.
Check the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are small components that perform a vital function. The spark plugs provide the ignition source for the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders. Fuel and air mix in the intake manifold, and this mixture is then drawn into the cylinders. The piston rises at speed and compresses the mixture. At the height of compression, the spark plug will ignite the mixture to complete the combustion process.
Plugs gradually wear out over time, which affects their ability to ignite their cylinder’s contents correctly. The plugs can also become damaged by a high fuel-to-air ratio in the engine or from oil leaking onto them. If a spark plug can’t spark correctly, the cylinder will misfire. Misfiring reduces your engine performance, decreases fuel efficiency, and causes long-term damage to the cylinder.
Replace the Car Air Filter
The car air filter is installed in a box just inside your radiator grille. Air is drawn in through the grille as you drive, and some of it passes through the air filter. This filter traps dirt, dust, twigs, and other debris, so only clean air can enter your engine. Your engine requires huge quantities of air for efficient combustion, and dirt and other debris could damage sensitive engine components.
The air filter will slowly become blocked by debris, which restricts the air supply to your engine. Your engine can experience misfiring, reduced performance, and increased fuel usage if it doesn’t get sufficient air. Replacing this filter regularly will improve engine performance.
If you’d like more tips, or to book a service, call us at Tony Honda.
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