Honda Odyssey Maintenance Tips

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan that has been around for nearly two decades. It can be a reliable and dependable vehicle, as long as the owner takes the maintenance advice seriously. They make excellent family automobiles, as they are both roomy and relatively fuel-efficient. To get the most out of a Honda Odyssey, follow these maintenance tips carefully.

Every 3,750 Miles

Do an oil change, being sure to replace the oil filter with a new one. Have your chassis lubricated and any lubrication to the body of the van. This should include doors, locks, hood and trunk hinges and latches. Check all fluid and fill to specified levels. Take your vehicle in for a maintenance inspection. Report any issues to your automotive technician. If your vehicle is under warranty, pay close attention to the rules so that any defects will be taken care of. Certain things will void your warranty so be sure before doing anything with your minivan.

At 7,500 Miles

Take your vehicle in for a routine maintenance inspection. The battery and cables should be checked out at this time. A complete brake inspection of all brake components should be completed as well. Other maintenance requirements are performed during this time. They include a tire rotation, wheel nut torque, and tire pressure check. If the Odyssey has, a tire monitoring system this should be checked for accuracy. CV boots, tie rod ends, steering rack and pinion, and the vehicle suspension should be checked for deterioration. Drive shaft boot bands should be tight and boots should have no signs of cracking.

At 15,000 Miles

In addition to the above maintenance requirements, Odysseys with 15,000 miles on them should also receive an examination of fuel lines and connections, catalytic converter, heat shield and exhaust pipe. The muffler should be checked for leaks as well. Brake lines and hoses should be inspected and the parking break should be adjusted. The air filter should be replaced. The cooling system should receive a thorough checkup. Lighting should be checked for safety reasons. The brake master cylinder, ABS modulator and all brake components should be checked also. The proportioning control valve will need to be evaluated to guarantee that it is working properly. If the Odyssey has a power antenna mast, it should be cleaned at this time.

20,000 to 60,000 Miles

Have all of the above checks performed and have the accessory drive belt inspected. It will be time for another air filter again too. After every 3,750 miles, bring the vehicle back in for another complete inspection as things can begin to deteriorate starting at this point. No other new inspections will need to be performed until 45,000 miles. This is when the pollen/cabin filter will need to be replaced. At 52,500 miles, check the pinion, steering gearbox and boot too. Many experts suggest having your transmission fluid drained and replaced every 20,000 miles, though the manufacturer guide recommends every 60,000 miles. Ask your automotive service provider what is best for your vehicle. A battery terminal service and battery test should be performed every 60,000 miles. Continue this schedule of servicing until your vehicle reaches 105,000 miles.

105,000 Miles Plus

Once your vehicle hits this milestone, have the engine valve clearance and idle speed checked and adjusted if needed. Have a cooling system refill service performed by a professional. Replace spark plugs, timing belt and water pump. After this mileage, continue the maintenance schedule and regularly take your vehicle in for any signs of trouble.

Non-mileage Based Services

Certain services that are not performed on a mileage basis include the brake fluid service. This should be done every 3 years. Alignments and tire balances will also need to be performed with every new set of tires and when having certain parts replaced/adjusted.

These maintenance tips should not be used as the sole source of information regarding your Honda Odyssey Maintenance routine. Remember always to refer to the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle for a more detailed set of recommendations. As long as you keep up on maintenance, you can enjoy many good years with this vehicle. Problems are rare and only creep up on those who do not follow maintenance requirements.