1998 Honda Civic Maintenance

ELENAXVM

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
49,500 MILES

Really a maintenance question. Am told that I should be replacing the timing belt now because of car's age. True? I'm driving very little now and wondered about maintenance schedule, e.G. Oil change, transmission fluid, coolant, etc. Every 6 months? 3 months? Right now, drive about 2800 miles a year, though I probably will drive more again in future. Also, should I be adding any additives since the gas and oil sit around a long time or to improve car performance or extend its life?

Sunday, January 4th, 2009 AT 7:40 PM

1 Reply

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Timing belt should be inspected and, if necessary, replaced around the 150,000 mile marker. Although you are not driving car often, you should still inspect the vehicles fluids and components regularly. This doesn't mean you need to change the oil every 3 months as normal, just inspect it every 3 months to ensure it is not leaking, not burnt, etc. You can still stick with the recommended maintenance intervals of the owner's manual, just inspect instead of replacing unless replacement is necessary. Fuel additives may help but moisture is still likely to get into the fuel tank if the vehicle sits for months at a time. Oil shouldn't need anything, just inspect and change as stated above.

Hope this helps.
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Sunday, January 4th, 2009 AT 7:56 PM