07-21-2009, 01:04 AM
thanks guys, I think I'll just ask the mechanic to use OEM parts and let him make a small profit (on top of the labor). I have too little experience to try such a major maintenance by myself. I did do brake pads once, I can change a battery, air filters, spark plugs, rotors and distributor cap (although this was on an older model, the 2001 does not have a distributor IIRC) and I also replaced brake fluids once.
I don't want to mess with timing belt, it's lots of work, many things can go wrong, and I don't have the place to do it.
talking about it: I try to stick to the Honda manual and they recommend to replace the timing belt, cooling fluid, and spark plugs at 120k miles or 120 months, whichever comes first. They also recommend to change the oil every 10k miles in normal driving conditions and 5000 miles in "severe" driving conditions. I try to change the oild between 4 and 5k, depending on how busy I am, and I never changes the cooling fluid in 8 years I had the car. Several times when I did an oil change they offered to replace the antifreeze and I said "no thanks" and they looked at me like I was neglecting my car, and try to offer advice, but I told them I stick to the book and they gave up.
I don't want to mess with timing belt, it's lots of work, many things can go wrong, and I don't have the place to do it.
talking about it: I try to stick to the Honda manual and they recommend to replace the timing belt, cooling fluid, and spark plugs at 120k miles or 120 months, whichever comes first. They also recommend to change the oil every 10k miles in normal driving conditions and 5000 miles in "severe" driving conditions. I try to change the oild between 4 and 5k, depending on how busy I am, and I never changes the cooling fluid in 8 years I had the car. Several times when I did an oil change they offered to replace the antifreeze and I said "no thanks" and they looked at me like I was neglecting my car, and try to offer advice, but I told them I stick to the book and they gave up.