Hey all! I DONT want to start an argument on who is right or wrong, but I just want some general info/experience on when you change your car fluids (which include engine oil, filter, power steering oil, differential oil, etc.)

I'm asking because my bro went to a shop with his 07 Murano (33xxx miles) and he ended up paying $320 for changing engine oil, power steering oil, and differential oil which were bad.

I change my engine oil every 5k miles but I haven't though about the other fluids. I have an 09 PMM TSX with 39xxx miles.

So it'd be great if you could list all the fluids you change (or plan to change) and at what mileage-mark you change them at.

 

I change my motor oil whenever the Maintenance Minder tells me to, usually every 5k-6k. Had my auto transmission fluid changed at 45k. Other than that, just windshield washer fluid... lol. Will be swapping my front+rear rotors/pads and changing out the brake fluid soon (55k), although it's because I personally want to, not because I have to.

 

Gotcha!
Motor: 5-6K
Transmission: 45k
Brake: 55k

 

^^ thats about right. No power steering fluid change required though. Would hurt to look at your plugs also. I dont like the idea of leaving them in for 100k. I bought a civic that the owner never changed the plugs because of the 100k interval, anyways I changed them and what a difference. Cheap insurance to keep the car running smooth.

 

^ I completley agree, although that is a complete different subject from what the OP is asking (fluids) lol. I may be swapping my plugs sometime in the near future for some NGK plugs like I did in my old civic, it made a world of a difference!

 

What is the deal with the rear differential, is it sealed? I never see anything these days about changing it or the need to.

 

I have a question about the coolant... Mine is at the min level, do I have to flush it then refill or can I just add more coolant to the reservoir?

 

What rear diff? Wear are front wheel drive, no diff unless you are awd.

 

Depends on miles. If low just add some distilled water. No need to add coolant just to bring it up to full line.

 

I only have 16k miles...

 

Did you look at it before or after youve driven the car? Its always higher after a drive.

 

I looked at it in the morning after it sitting in the garage over night.

 

CEB is here.
I know he'll agree with me.

first, everything is notated in your owners manual.
if you have questions about fluid intervals refer to the owners manual.


2nd: plugs. you will not notice any power difference changing the plugs early. after 100k miles the plugs will still have the same set gap.

 

Add the proper coolant/water mixture.

That's one answer.

But then there is the right answer that I initially posted.

There are a few things to consider. Where is the "cold" marking on the expansion tank in relationship to the actual cold level? Where is the "hot" level in relationship to hot coolant?

Where do you live? How low is it?

If you live in a temperate climate and only need to add a bit (say a cup or so) then distilled water is fine. If you need to add a substantial amount then you have a leak and need to have it checked.

The constant heating and cooling will cause a bit of evaporation and the current cold temps will lead to a bit more shrinkage (especially depending on when/where the car was PDI'd) so a bit of a drop this time of year is normal.

 

W H A T ? ? ? Read the owner's manual? Only wimps do that. What does the manufacturer know anyway? Those random strangers on the internet know so much more.

I'd probably check plugs periodically. It isn't only the gaps but also a bit of wear or fouling that could diminish performance over time so gradually that you might not even notice - but yes, if all is well with the engine then the plugs won't wear.

 

check! your plugs are foul free!!
all the way up to 100k.


The V6 cars however have a problem with the plugs shooting out.

 

Can you tell my last few cars where AWD. lol Thanks

 

+1. Owner's manual tells all (too bad it seems that so few people study the thing. It contains a wealth of info and tips). I also agree totally concerning the spark plugs. I changed them in the 05 and the 07 right on time (around 105K) and all the plugs had great color and looked excellent. No performance change or mileage increase noted with the new ones either. That said, both cars have like 95% highway miles on them, so I'm not surprised. Those that do more (or most) shorter trips and/or stop and go may not have the same results.

 

OP-

brake fluid every 3 years (per OM)
PS fluid as needed (no interval listed in OM)
coolant wait for the "5" usually with the 105k service (i have read it's the MID or 10 yrs).
tranny fluid wait for the "3"
oil...well i think you figured that one out pretty easy.

if you have your OM crack that open. if you don't and you registered your car with myacura, there is a digital copy in there for you to browse through.

 

Alright! I'll finally check the OM once and for all lol