Honda Accord Tune Up Checklist

The Honda Accord is one of the most popular and most reliable vehicles on the market. Having been on the market for several decades, the model has sold more than 18 million units as of 2020 and has been on Car and Driver’s 10 Best List 30 times. Of course, even the best cars still need regular tune-ups to ensure they remain safe and functional. On average, older models need a tune-up about every 10,000 miles while newer ones can go 25,000 or more before they need a major tune-up or new vehicle drivetrain accessories.

Basic Tune-Up Checklist

Like most vehicles, Honda has a recommended maintenance schedule created by its manufacturers, and different parts require maintenance at different intervals. Every 10,000-15,000 miles, you should change your oil and filter, inspect your brakes and change the pads if necessary, lubricate the throttle linkage, check and refill all fluids as needed, inspect your tires and fix any pressure issues, and rotate the tires. Every 30,000 miles, the list of items to tune up is a bit longer and requires a professional auto technician

• A/C and heater filters
• Brake system
• Chassis and hinges
• Clutch pedal freeplay
• Crankcase filter
• Distributor cap
• Drive belts
• Exhaust pipes and mountings
• Fuel system
• Lights
• Oil drain plug and gasket
• Parking brake
• Shocks and struts
• Spark plugs
• Steering system
• Throttle body and leakage
• Undercarriage
• Wipers

Of course, one of the biggest parts of the 30,000-mile checklist is the transmission. Whether you have a Honda Accord 2003 transmission or something else, you’ll need to be sure it works correctly if you want your car to keep moving.

How Does an Automatic Transmission Work?

An automatic transmission allows you to drive comfortably without needing to know when or how to change gears yourself when you’re on the road. It uses sensors to determine when the car needs to be in a different gear and relies on internal oil pressure to make the necessary changes. The key components of an automatic transmission are the planetary gearsets and the torque converter.

When shifting gears, the transmission briefly separates itself from the engine with the help of the torque converter. The converter has two fan-shaped components that are full of transmission fluid. One, the impeller, is attached to the crankshaft. The other, the turbine, is attached to the input shaft of the transmission. When the engine turns the impeller, the fluid moves and causes the turbine to turn. When you speed up, the fluid moves the turbine faster, creating more power and switching gears as needed.

Symptoms of a Bad Transmission

When your transmission needs service, there are signs to look for. Most prominently, you’ll probably notice that your car doesn’t seem to switch gears as easily. You might also hear strange noises when your car is idling, feel your gears slipping as you drive, or notice that your transmission is leaking fluid. Even if you don’t notice these symptoms, your car may have a “check engine” light come on, which you should never ignore.

Whether you need transmission fluid or a 2007 Honda Accord power steering pump, servicing your car according to the recommended schedule and working with professional auto technicians is essential for keeping your car on the road as long as possible.