Change the oil every 3,000 miles is the conventional wisdom, but I haven't changed the oil in my '88 Grand Caravan in over 8 years! I add a quart about every 1,000 miles and change the filter every two years. That's not neglect; that's abuse, but it shows what some engines are capable of. The engine has 388,000 miles and has had the timing belt changed once.
The 1.8L and 2.8L engines are "interference" engines which means you're in for a huge repair bill if the timing belt breaks. Check the owner's manual for the recommended replacement interval, but don't wait that long. Honda used to recommend replacement every 75,000 miles, and the belts typically broke at 65,000 miles causing major valve damage.
Have the cooling system drained and refilled every two years. Coolant is alcohol which doesn't change, but acids build up in the system over time. The corrosion inhibitors and water pump lubricant are additives that wear out. THAT'S why we install new coolant, to get those additives.
Tune-ups are a thing of the past. Replace the spark plugs and filters at the recommended intervals. Some people believe in running fuel injector cleaner through the fuel system but I've never done that either and have never had an injector problem. Most fuels today have detergents in them already, even from the cheap gas stations.
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Monday, June 27th, 2011 AT 5:22 PM
