Got an email from dealer to schedule my "36 month maintenance" with them for my 10 FIT. I don't remember if that was a requirement for warranty or anything, is it? my car runs fine, can I skip it? what would they do during this maintenance? thanks

 

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If its free, its better to know how its doing and have the work documented than not. So id take advantage of that

 

There's "free" maintenance work from dealers? I didn't ask, but I have a feeling they'd try to charge hundreds for it... does anyone know if it's a requirement from Honda for warranty etc?

 

I haven't heard of a 3 year maintenance - sounds like a money grab. If you're maintenance minder doesn't tell you to go in, then I wouldn't. I'd be interested to see what they are referring to if you were to call them up.

I have no idea what they'd do, especially since MM tell the mechanics what to do. Whatever they do would be throwing of the regular maintenance schedule.

 

Read your owner's manual. Follow the recommended/required maintenance.

The dealer is trying to sell you something.

Unless you're too lazy to read, then by all means, pay hundreds to the dealer for unnecessary maintenance.

Sorry; I had this discussion with my wife today. She is just starting to understand the dealer does not have our best interests at heart. You are getting the benefit of the tail-end of that conversation.

 

They are just trolling for business. They have no idea how much mileage is on your vehicle so this is a way for them to try to get you to bring your car in for service. It is your money. Go if you want, but I would follow the maintenance minder myself.

 

If I remember correctly, the only worthwhile thing Honda wants to do is flush brake fluid, which seems way too early to do. 95,000 miles later on my Dad's PT and we're still on the original stuff.

 

They are likely trolling for business, as mentioned. That said, the manual does recommend a brake fluid flush every 3 years. Likely though the dealer will want to flush brake fluid, coolant, change the serpentine belt and tensioner, clean the fuel injection system, etc.

Were it I, and I'm approaching the 3 years since manufacture date as well, I would take it to an independent shop to get the brake fluid changed. I dunno why honda wants the fluid changed so early relatively, but it is what is recommended.

 

Always states recommended maintenance most of it is physical observation or checking items found this site.
2010 Honda Fit Manufacturer Service Schedule and History - DriverSide.com

A couple of things at the 30k says replace transmission fluid, brake fluid, fuel filter and engine tune up. Seems pretty early for some of these items especially a engine tune up. My Toyota had 110k and none of this was done.

 

Guys....the "reason" Honda is recommending earlier brake fluid changes is because brake fluid is extremely hygroscopic (absorbs water from the air). Obviously, if water is in the brake line, corrosion can occur and decreased brake performance could occur.

That said, it would be interesting to see what the actual water content is on new and 1-year old brake fluid. Without real data, it's all estimation based on the water-absorption rates of the fluid itself.

 

The biggest problem with moisture absorbed in the brake fluid is the fluid will boil at a lower temperature. When this happens you loose brakes until the fluid has cooled again. This is hardly a problem on a 2500 pound vehicle. It becomes a problem on my 13,000 pound motor home which generates a heck of a lot more heat when doing extended braking going down hill.

That said, I do not mean to talk you out of replacing the brake fluid. I do it every 3 years on my motorhome and my pick up that tows a 9500 pound trailer occasionally. I'm not as religious about doing it on my other vehicles. It is your choice.

As stated previously excessive moisture in the system can also cause corrosion. Honda specifies DOT 3 fluid. Dot 4 fluid or ATE brand fluid has a higher boiling point and is compatible with DOT 3. You could replace the existing fluid with it but again it probably is not necessary on a 2500 pound Honda Fit.

 

The major thing odd is that most cars that I've owned typically have a lag of 5-6 years before moving to the every 3 years.

 

Even looking at "severe" maintenance schedule on GE8 online manual, there is no such thing as 36 month service. As others have noted, the only 3 year service requirement is to flush the brake fluid. Quote: " Replace brake fluid: Every 3 years. Use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. We recommend genuine Honda Brake Fluid".

Search this forum for DIY. It's rather easy to do. My dealer asked for $200 to do "complete" flush, so I used the money to buy myself some tools to start doing my own DIY. If you plan to flush every 3 years, even using generic Valvoline DOT3/4 synthetic brake fluid will be more than sufficient. You can also buy couple bottles of Honda DOT 3 (retail around: $5.50/bottle). You many only need 1/2 quart, but buy a quart to be safe.

 

Now not to stoke a possible war with brake fluid and everything, but why would there be moisture in the line for the fluid to absorb anyway?

 

The fluid is very water loving and you can't perfectly seal all the connections while also allowing movement.

 

Many times because the owner doesn't screw the lid to the brake fluid resevoir on securely.

 

That is a very good question. I just know it happens and is a problem on larger vehicles that generate a lot of heat in the brakes. I assume most of it comes in from the air around the master cylinder reservoir.

 

Well if sometime down the road I get extremely bored, I'll do a flush. Prolly around the time I throw discs on the back..... >.<