after 8k miles what should be replaced or changed on my car?

Question

i have an 04 civic coupe that i bought with 12000 miles in perfect condition. i have since put on 8k miles as of today and am not sure what i should replace or have looked at. the light is flashing maint requrd once and a while now that i have 8k added on. i know i have to change my oil because the light is on and my gas milage has been severely limited but i was wondering what else i should do to maintain my car and after how many miles i should change the oil and other things such as brake pads and all that. thanks!

Answer 1

Hi, well you use miles and here, we rather use kilometres for servicing(Maintenance schedule). As you mentionned 12000 miles(20 000 Km), I will say that there will be practically no big maintenance schedule for your car on the next 8000 miles(13000Km). It will rather require adjustment/cleaning/replacement concerning:

1) Oil(Synthetic better) and oil filter to be replaced
2) spark plugs to be replaced and gapped according to manufacturer's specification after 30 000 Km
3) Cleaning of air filter--if too dirty replace
4) Adjustment/check of clearence for your intake/exhaust valves(Does not know whether it is compensated with oil(Automatic adjustment) therefore no adjustment required)
5)Cleck all fluid level(Radiator level(To be renewed each 1 or 2 years...If renewed or not, make sure that your cooling fan starts(Operation to be observed at least 2 times) when your engine is hot and stops when temperature is within it's range) ---brake/clutch level(To be renewed each year if you are in a humid region and each 2 years if you are in dry region)--Power steering level(Inspect fluid level and pipes state)--Battery, electrolyte*** level( ***If it is not a maintenance free one), state and tighteness of cables on terminals(Grease with (vaseline advisable) if too dry---screen washer level (all fluids top up if necessary).
6) Distributor cap to be cleaned
7) Belts state(Alternator/powersteering/airconditionner)--if cracks found replaced
8) Wheels state---Wheel alignement normally to be done each 15000 Km(Depending on your drive style---about each 1 or 2 years)
9) Brakes state to be inspected(Replaced if worn out)
10)Shaft boots and steering boots to be inspected
11)A look under you car for your exhaust supports state and car body.
12)If paint is scratched some minor parts, do some small touch up to avoid rust. Apply wax on your paint for protection.
13)Check for wipers state

Well hope that this will give you an idea of the maintenance schedule awaiting for your next 8k miles(13000Km(???)/10 000 Km advisable(6k Miles))..:)

Answer 2

Age is as wearing on a car as mileage. Check your owners manual and do the service that is appropriate to your mileage. When I was a mechanic, I once did an 8,000 mile service on a car that was several years old. The coolant was skunky.

Purely wear items, such as brakes, should not be a problem at 20,000 miles, but it is good to have them checked. Driving styles and terrain can and do effect their wear.

Oil changes are cheap insurance. Again follow the manufacturers recommendations or more often, say every 3,000 miles.

Your gas mileage should not be "severely limited" at 20,000 miles. Find out why your mileage has decreased.

Answer 3

nothing should be replaced on scheduled maint. at 8k. anything mechanical or electrical has a tendency to act up or even break down. take it back were u got it from and have then take a look at it

Answer 4

Sometines you should only change filters and oil of course the sparkles too and that would be enough but you can also check your brakes and fluids.

Answer 5

I'm not sure what condition the tires were in when you received your car but 8,000 is a good interval to rotate them.