Car maintenance ??? Where to buy for Honda?

[riley2008]

Okay, I've decided that I can do some of the routine maintenance on my 2007 Honda Pilot. I've decided to tackle the differential fluid first. (Seems easiest)

Now, where do I get my "genuine honda" parts and fluids?

Everything I've read says use Honda fluids, but I checked O'Reilly's and Wal-mart and they don't carry Honda brand. My local dealer charges about 10-15% more than msrp!!!

We have Autozone, Advance Auto Parts and maybe a couple of other places.

Anyone do this themselves? Where do you get your supplies? On-line?

Thanks,

 

[pilesoflaundry]

I'm not much help because as far as fluids go, I have the dealer do it. I can't find non-honda fluids anywhere.

I just wanted to tell you to do your own air cabin filters. $12 @ autozone vs. $100 at the dealership.

 

[Nayan]

Just buy differential fluid. It's all the same and the only reason Honda says to use "approved" fluid is so they can do it and charge you way too much. There is no such thing as "car maker approved" anything. Trust me, we do a lot of the work ourselves.

 

[riley2008]

I'm not much help because as far as fluids go, I have the dealer do it. I can't find non-honda fluids anywhere.

I just wanted to tell you to do your own air cabin filters. $12 @ autozone vs. $100 at the dealership.

This was my first task about 6 months ago. Youtube and Piloteers.org are so helpful. I also got a cool new tool too! A Roto-zip. Have found plenty of uses for that! Thanks

Just buy differential fluid. It's all the same and the only reason Honda says to use "approved" fluid is so they can do it and charge you way too much. There is no such thing as "car maker approved" anything. Trust me, we do a lot of the work ourselves.

All the sites I've read, all the videos I watched and the two local mom/pop type places here all stress using the Honda brand for differential and antifreeze/coolant. Everything else, use what you want.

 

[arthuruscg]

Your owners manual should list the type of fluid to use. As long as you buy fluids and filters that match the requirements, you will be good.

 

[teCh0010]

I have a 2007 Honda Pilot. Since you are looking for differential fluid I am assuming you have an AWD pilot?

DO NOT use a generic differential fluid such as you would use with a domestic full size truck. This is a heavy weight gear oil, the Honda VTM4 fluid is much closer in consistency to transmission fluid since it uses electronic clutch packs in the diff.

To my knowledge there is not a non-honda fluid that meets the VTM-4 spec. You can buy VTM-4 at the parts counter at any honda or acura dealer.

You will need a small pump and hose that screws onto the bottle. This is sold at auto parts stores and will probably be labeled for marine lower unit use.

It isn't really cost effective to buy VTM-4 fluid online because of the shipping.

Here is a link to the maitnence forum for a honda pilot owners site that may be helpful.

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/18-maintenance/

You can also tackle the trans and transfer case fluid yourself to save money if the codes for that are up as well. The trans is just a drain and refill with honda DW-1 (honda only) or Z-1 compatible fluid. The transfer case is a drain and fill with generic 90w gear oil.

Edit : Honda uses Alum crush washers on all drain and fill plugs, the mait book says to replace them every time. I only replace them every other time. Your dealer will have these as well.

 

[riley2008]

I have a 2007 Honda Pilot. Since you are looking for differential fluid I am assuming you have an AWD pilot?

DO NOT use a generic differential fluid such as you would use with a domestic full size truck. This is a heavy weight gear oil, the Honda VTM4 fluid is much closer in consistency to transmission fluid since it uses electronic clutch packs in the diff.

To my knowledge there is not a non-honda fluid that meets the VTM-4 spec. You can buy VTM-4 at the parts counter at any honda or acura dealer.

You will need a small pump and hose that screws onto the bottle. This is sold at auto parts stores and will probably be labeled for marine lower unit use.

It isn't really cost effective to buy VTM-4 fluid online because of the shipping.

Here is a link to the maitnence forum for a honda pilot owners site that may be helpful.

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/18-maintenance/

You can also tackle the trans and transfer case fluid yourself to save money if the codes for that are up as well. The trans is just a drain and refill with honda DW-1 (honda only) or Z-1 compatible fluid. The transfer case is a drain and fill with generic 90w gear oil.

Edit : Honda uses Alum crush washers on all drain and fill plugs, the mait book says to replace them every time. I only replace them every other time. Your dealer will have these as well.

Thanks!You reinforced what I was thinking. The Piloteers.org site is the best. That's where I found the information to replace my cabin filter. (That's also where I learned that I need to be doing a LOT more regular maintenance.)

Thanks

 

[richmond282]

Just buy differential fluid. It's all the same and the only reason Honda says to use "approved" fluid is so they can do it and charge you way too much. There is no such thing as "car maker approved" anything. Trust me, we do a lot of the work ourselves.

Do NOT believe this. I have had so many problems with my Honda b/c mechanics did not use hte actual Honda brand. I had my brake system rotted out twice b/c Midas used "regular" brake fluid instead of Honda fluid. There's nothing like driving down the highway and your brakes don't work! Thank goodness it was a straight shift and had an emergency brake!

I always take my Honda to the dealership. Yes, it's more expensive than other places but cheaper than replacing my entire brake system (or whatever).

 

[Swimalie]

My husband replaced the differential fluid on our 2000 CR-V about 4 years ago (we have since sold it). He said he got the fluid from Pep Boys and it worked great.

 

[teCh0010]

Thanks!You reinforced what I was thinking. The Piloteers.org site is the best. That's where I found the information to replace my cabin filter. (That's also where I learned that I need to be doing a LOT more regular maintenance.)

Thanks

Are you following the mait minder codes now? That's the best way to keep up with the your year model.