Gasoline Selection and “Detergent Gasoline”

In general, Honda recommends that you buy gasoline from high-volume, major name-brand stations.

To prevent the build up of deposits inside your engine and fuel system, it is important to choose fuels that contain effective detergent additives. The detergency of some US gasolines is insufficient to provide protection from such deposits. Honda recommends the use of “Top Tier Detergent Gasolines,” where available. Gasoline brands with this designation meet new, voluntary standards and have demonstrated their ability to keep engines clean through a series of demanding tests. Significantly, Top Tier Detergent Gasoline does not contain MMT, a metallic additive that creates deposits in your engine and exhaust system; (see the MMT explanation below). Fuel brands that have achieved the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline designation can be identified through their marketing campaigns, and/or by fueling station signage.

Sulfur Odor

All gasolines contain trace amounts of sulfur. The human sense of smell can detect sulfur odor in concentrations as low as 3 to 5 parts per million in air.

The exhaust on today’s catalyst-equipped Honda vehicles will emit varying degrees of sulfur odor depending on operating temperatures and conditions. On normally operating vehicles, the odor is usually noticeable when the engine is cold, right after deceleration, or after wide-open throttle acceleration.

It may not be possible to eliminate sulfur odor completely due to the various operating conditions. If the sulfur odor is overly bothersome, please contact Honda Customer Service or your dealer for further guidance or assistance.

“Summer” and “Winter” Fuel

All parts of the U.S. have winter/summer blended fuel, which is needed to prevent cold or hot start problems. Winter fuels have higher volatility to compensate for cold dense air. Conversely, summer fuels have lower volatility and are less prone to “percolate.”

If winter blended fuel is used in warm or hot weather, the higher temperature may cause the fuel to “percolate” within the fuel system.

Summer fuel may not vaporize adequately in cool weather.

These situations are normally localized and last only during a brief period of severe changes in climatic conditions. Normally, no vehicle repairs are needed for these situations.

Buy fuel from high-volume, major name-brand stations.

Oxygenated Fuels and MMT

Do not use gasoline containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). MMT is a gasoline additive that is used by some refiners to boost octane. It contains the metal manganese. This additive contaminates your engine components and exhaust emission control system, and can lead to a significant increase in emissions and a loss in performance and fuel economy. Damage caused by the use of fuels containing MMT may not be covered under warranty. Gasoline containing MMT is not common in the United States. It is prohibited in federal reformulated gasoline and in all California gasoline. However, MMT has been found in some fuels in the Southwest, mountain states, and the northwest area of New York State. MMT is more prevalent in gasoline sold in Canada, but lately many MMT-free fuels have become available. Regardless of location, the presence of MMT in the fuel will not be indicated on the pump, so it is important to ask your fueling station if their gasoline contains this additive. Alternatively, you may contact the customer service department of your preferred fuel brand with this question.

Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as “oxygenated fuels.” To meet clean air standards, some areas of the U.S. and Canada use these fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement described in your Owner’s Manual

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.

Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for your vehicles EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates.

Fuels that exceed the EPA’s approved oxygenate percentages for conventional and reformulated gasolines must be clearly labeled on the pump. One example of such a fuel is “E85,” which contains 85% ethanol. Do not use such fuels in your vehicle. These fuels will cause performance problems, and may damage your vehicle’s engine, fuel system, and emission control system. This damage would not be covered under warranty.

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Fuel Octane

Refer to your Owner’s Manual for the pump octane number recommended for your Honda. Use of a lower-octane gasoline than recommended can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.

There is no advantage in using a fuel with a pump octane greater than that recommended in your Owner’s Manual

Precautions to take while refueling

• Turn off your vehicle.
• Do not smoke, light matches, or use lighters..
• Leave cell phones and other electronic devices turned off and in the vehicle.
• Do not get back into your vehicle during refueling. Remain at the vehicle’s fueling point even when using the nozzle’s hold-open latch. It is important to avoid any activity that might result in static electricity build-up and discharge.
• Do not attempt to “top off” your vehicle’s fuel tank.
• Ensure that the gas cap is securely tightened after refueling, as per the instructions in your Owner’s Manual. An improperly tightened gas cap might illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light on your instrument panel.
• Never fill a portable gasoline container or refuel a gasoline-powered device anywhere inside or on your vehicle.

Timing Belts – Original Fit is Critical.

Simply put, your Honda’s timing belt keeps your engine’s valves and pistons working in sync. A broken timing belt will not only shut down your engine immediately, but is likely to result in engine damage and expensive repairs. With so much at stake, why take a chance? Have your timing belt inspected at the recommended intervals — and at replacement time, insist on a Honda Genuine Timing Belt. Honda Genuine Timing Belts are designed for exact factory fit to prevent belt slippage, and constructed with original premium materials for maximum durability and crack resistance. Don’t put your engine at risk with other brands. With a Honda Genuine Timing Belt, you can drive with confidence.

Honda Genuine Oils and Fluids is where pure performance begins.

Your Honda is built for performance and solid dependability. An integral part of keeping it that way is using new Honda Genuine Vital Fluids at factory recommended intervals.

Over time, fluids lose essential protective properties, and waiting too long between changes can lead to mechanical damage and costly repairs. Honda Genuine Motor Oil, Antifreeze/Coolant, Brake Fluid, Automatic Transmission Fluid and Power Steering Fluid are specially formulated to protect your Honda vehicle’s mechanical components from harmful deposits, rust, corrosion and oxidation. Please check the maintenance schedules in your owner’s manual for recommended fluid change intervals.

Honda Genuine Air Filters

Engine Air Filters– Better Filtering Means Better Performance.

Engines, like people, need to breathe clean air to stay fit. Without a free flow of clean air, an engine can’t perform at its best. It’s the job of your engine’s air filter to remove dust and contaminants from incoming air before they can reduce performance, increase fuel consumption and cause premature engine wear. As these pollutants build up on the filter, engine airflow becomes restricted, which adversely affects performance. That’s why it’s important to regularly replace your old, dirty air filter with a new Honda Genuine Engine Air Filter. Made from advanced materials designed for superior filtration and airflow, Honda Genuine Engine Air Filters help optimize performance and fuel economy. Remember, all engine air filters aren’t the same. Insist on original Honda quality. Insist on Honda Genuine.

Cabin Air Filters

Your Air Quality Deserves Honda Genuine Quality.

Pollen. Dust. Airborne contaminants. They’re all in the air you breathe every day. Fortunately, you can keep them out of your passenger cabin by inspecting and replacing your cabin air filter as recommended. Honda Genuine Cabin Air Filters are designed specifically for your vehicle and meet exacting performance and quality standards. They’re engineered to deliver maximum filtration of both incoming and recirculated air. And best of all, they give you the confidence of knowing they meet Honda standards for performance, quality and durability

Towing varies by vehicle. For specific information about towing your vehicle, check your Owner’s Manual.

Is it possible to tow my Honda vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy towing)?

For model year 2006 and newer, if a Honda vehicle is approved for towing with all four wheels on the ground, it will be noted in the Owner’s Manual for that vehicle. Please refer to the owner’s manual for specific towing instructions.

For model year 2005 and older, dinghy towing capability may or may not be possible. Please contact Honda Automobile Customer Service (800-999-1009) for additional information on whether or not your specific 2005 or older vehicle may be dinghy towable.

Express Service^™ gives you convenience, speed and value.

Express Service^™ is a new way for your Honda dealer to offer faster service for oil change, certain types of maintenance and light repairs. By using special processes, tools, and equipment, Honda-trained technicians can service your vehicle in less time.

What’s more, Express Service^™ Technicians are thoroughly trained on Express Service^™ processes. This type of service and training is only available at Honda dealerships. In addition, we use Honda Genuine Parts designed specifically for Honda vehicles. Every vehicle also receives a multi-point inspection at no extra charge.

Many of the services you need most are available through Express Service^™ at participating dealers. Contact your Honda dealer to check hours of availability and services offered.

Then, just drop-in or call ahead to schedule an appointment. You can also Schedule Service online with select dealers.

Need Service Fast? Why go anywhere but Honda.

All Honda Service Professionals are required to pass a series of PROformance in-dealership training programs, training classes and more.

Through it all, Honda Service Professionals are accomplished and dedicated. These technicians, advisors, warranty administrators, cashiers, receptionists, dispatchers and service managers are committed to doing what they do.

Why service your vehicle at our South Florida Honda service centers?

• They work on all Honda vehicles. That means all models, years and mileages. They are the experts.
• Only dealership staff can get current training directly from American Honda.
• Dealerships get up-to-date technical resources for the model and year of your vehicle.
• Dealers use Genuine Honda Parts. You know they will fit right, function properly and last a long time.
• Dealers maintain a large inventory and can get parts overnight.
• They work with you to properly care for your vehicle. At your request, they’ll take a drive with you, at the time of drop-off and when you pick it up, to ensure that you’re completely satisfied.
• A quality-control check is conducted on the dealership’s warranty work, so you can be assured that your vehicle will be fixed right the first time.
• A guarantee on maintenance and repair work. American Honda backs all Genuine Honda replacement parts with a limited warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Honda puts a high priority on the safety of every product and vehicle. Any recall repair is covered for FREE at an authorized Honda dealer, including all of our South Florida Honda Dealers near Miami.

Search for current recalls here, and speak with your Miami Honda dealer to schedule a service appointment.