Which systems on my Honda cars won't automatically self-destruct if I use a high-quality, non-Honda fluid? I have a 92 Accord 4 cyl, and a 98 Civic 4 cyl, both automatic.

My 92 Accord manual says Dexron II or Honda ATF is recommended, so it looks like I can use some Multi-Vehicle Penzoil ATF in there. Penzoil ATF states that it is Dexron II-compatible and specifically says that it is for use with Honda vehicles.

The 98 Civic manual is more ominious. It states that any non-Honda fluid should be used only as a last resort and flushed out with Honda stuff ASAP! But, I would like to use some Castrol LMA brake fluid, since it has a higher dry and wet boiling point than the Honda stuff.

Thanks!

 

for tranny, always use honda or above like redline or gearmesh or royal purple. motor oil, i use like castrol? or somthing and a fram filter but i change every 2500-3k since i dont drive much but hard. brake and clutch fluid, i used some cheapy dot 3 stuff. you can use cheapy windshield wiper fluid, hahah.

not sure about coolant.

 

Power steering fluid needs to be Honda, but there's other brands that sell fluid "for Honda" clearly marked on the bottle. That's the one where you don't want to use 'normal' PS fluid.

Anti-freeze should be non-silicate, but ???

Brake fluid isn't special. Don't use DOT5 silicone, but that's true for pretty much every car.

ATF seems to be special, but I don't know how much different it really is. Dexron...?

Hondas use the same blinker fluid as Ferrari & Porsche.

 

Cool, thanks, I live near an airport and usually flush the blinker fluid with some prop wash.

 

Hopefully it's genuine Hamilton-Standard!

 

oh yea, power steering has to be honda, is this a joke but whats blinker fluid? lol

 

hehe thanks peoples...

 

Get the synthetic stuff and change it every 150,000 blinks or every 300,000 winks, whichever comes first...
http://www.kalecoauto.com/fluids.htm

Here's the official DIY:
http://www.geocities.com/changeyourblinkerfluid/

 

I decided to go with Honda ATF, and Valvoline Synpower brake juice. Blinker fluid is AOK and good for a few more thousand blinks.

I'll give away the Penzoil ATF to some poor GM owner. :chuckles:

Thanks all!

 

Um, yeah. That was a joke...