Recommended tune-up intervals for Honda and Acura vehicles are much different than from just a few years ago. Within the past decade, Acura and Honda vehicles have gone from an engine tune-up every 30,000 miles, to every 105,000 miles on several items.

Ten years ago, at Accurate Automotive an engine tune-up every 30,000 miles included valve lash adjustment, replace spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve, and check curb idle.

Let’s go over them individually:

1.              Inspection and adjustment of the intake and exhaust valve lash.

At one time this process was recommended, in many maintenance schedules, every 15,000 miles on 4 cylinder Honda car engines and the 4 cylinder and the 5 cylinder engines in the Acura Integra, the Acura Vigor, and the Acura 2.5 TL.

Presently, on late model Honda and Acura vehicles, this valve lash inspection is only required every 105,000 miles, “otherwise adjust only if noisy”, as outlined in the maintenance section of the owners manuals for the specific model of Honda or Acura vehicle you have.

What changed? The longer intervals between valve adjustment was accomplished thru the use of roller rocker arms and the use of lighter engine oils, which greatly reduced engine friction.

2.               Spark Plug Replacement

In a previous blog post (click here), we discussed the introduction of the platinum tipped spark plugs, first introduced by American Honda  in the 1991 Acura Legend, and the additional service life of them….But just a few years ago, before the platinum tipped plugs, the recommended spark plug replacement interval was every 30,000 miles because of the erosion of the electrode. This would cause the spark plug gap to increase, which made the ignition coil work harder to jump a spark across the gap. Remember Ohm’s Law in 7th grade Science class? In this scenario, Ohm’s Law says that as resistance increases (a wider spark plug gap), voltage must be increased (for the spark to jump the gap). A wider spark plug gap, which requires more voltage, greatly shortens the life of the ignition coil.

Now, current model Honda and Acura vehicles have a recommended spark plug replacement of 105,000 miles, thanks to the application of platinum tipped spark plugs.

(the left coil in the photo below is the result of excessive resistance )

3.                  Engine Air Filter Element Replacement

Because the engine air filter is so critical to extended engine life, Accurate Automotive recommends that Honda and Acura auto owners use the severe service schedule, as outlined in their owners manual, for the engine air filter and replace it every 15,000 miles. It is cheap protection for the piston rings and maintaining good fuel efficiency.

NOTE: Accurate Automotive does not recommend the use of cold air intakes or any type of air filter element that is sold as an extended life air filter, a performance air filter, or a more fuel efficient air filter. To claim better performance from an air filter, the micron level must be less, which results in less protection against dirt particles entering the intake of the engine.

4.                   Fuel Filter Replacement

In the earlier models of Acura and Honda vehicles, there was a serviceable fuel filter located behind the engine. In late model Honda and Acura models, the fuel filters are incorporated into the fuel pump and  very small ones are located in the fuel injectors and fuel rail.

The fuel filters in the newer Honda and Acura vehicles do not require maintenance unless a performance issue is experienced. This is usually the check engine light illuminating that indicates a mis-fire in one or multiple cylinders, if the filters have debris in them.

5.                         PCV valve Replacement

While there is no actual interval for the PCV valve replacement, Accurate Automotive recommends replacement during the 75,000 mile service interval. The reason is because this valve is very important in not allowing crankcase pressures in the engine to build.

6.                         Engine idle Adjustment (curb idle)

Unless there is reason, such as stalling at stops, engine idle does not need to be inspected until 105,000 miles. The reason is because the computer (ECU) completely controls and monitors the engine idle at all elevations, air temperatures, engine temperatures, and loads on the engine (such as air conditioning and electrical loads such as the headlights being illuminated at idle).

Without a doubt, the tune-up procedures on Honda and Acura vehicles has been greatly reduced. Most tune-up items do not need to be performed until 105,000 miles. However, this is not a maintenance-free vehicle. Your late model Honda and Acura vehicles do still require servicing. These items include oil and fluid changes, micron cabin filter replacement, inspection and load testing of the battery and alternator, brake inspections, tire inspection (including periodic rotate & balance), windshield wiper insert replacement, and various other small items.

Yes, American Honda Motor Company has been good to it’s car buyers in regards to maintenance and at Accurate Automotive we will never sell you a maintenance item or procedure that is not needed and that we do not perform on our own Honda and Acura vehicles. Always count on Accurate Automotive for FAIR service and repair of your Acura and Honda cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.