VTC, Timing Chain, Guides oh my!
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 19
From: Columbia Pa
VTC, Timing Chain, Guides oh my!
I have zero mechanical prowess, but have been following a lot on this forum since my car developed the often-discussed VTC rattle at cold start. Seems it has progressed into an acceleration rattle now. I thought it was my heat shield but the dealer confirmed otherwise. They are recommending to replace the actuator, belt, guides etc for $1750.00. They state due to low oil pressure it’s causing the rattle and I should change the oil more frequently.
My question is whether I can trust a private garage to perform this work. I found one local that says they specialize in Hondas. I plan to get a quote from them. They appear reputable and maintain a very clean garage.
Any input or personal experience appreciated.
HONDA FIT EX 2015
My question is whether I can trust a private garage to perform this work. I found one local that says they specialize in Hondas. I plan to get a quote from them. They appear reputable and maintain a very clean garage.
Any input or personal experience appreciated.
HONDA FIT EX 2015
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 881
From: MA
Just curious, how often do you change your oil? Do you base your oil change interval on mileage, time, or the maintenance minder?
As far as mechanics go, there's nothing particular special about a dealership mechanic. They can be excellent or they can be below average. I would argue that you're more likely to find a below average mechanic at the dealership than at an independent shop because the dealership has enough daily "easy" work (oil changes, tire rotations, gas cap checks) to keep the below average mechanic busy without too much risk that they'll screw something up. If an independent mechanic isn't reasonably good they won't be in business for long.
If you find an independent shop with Honda experience, and they have enough pride in their work to keep the shop clean and organized, give them your business and don't look back.
As far as mechanics go, there's nothing particular special about a dealership mechanic. They can be excellent or they can be below average. I would argue that you're more likely to find a below average mechanic at the dealership than at an independent shop because the dealership has enough daily "easy" work (oil changes, tire rotations, gas cap checks) to keep the below average mechanic busy without too much risk that they'll screw something up. If an independent mechanic isn't reasonably good they won't be in business for long.
If you find an independent shop with Honda experience, and they have enough pride in their work to keep the shop clean and organized, give them your business and don't look back.
Thread Starter
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 19
From: Columbia Pa
Just curious, how often do you change your oil? Do you base your oil change interval on mileage, time, or the maintenance minder?
As far as mechanics go, there's nothing particular special about a dealership mechanic. They can be excellent or they can be below average. I would argue that you're more likely to find a below average mechanic at the dealership than at an independent shop because the dealership has enough daily "easy" work (oil changes, tire rotations, gas cap checks) to keep the below average mechanic busy without too much risk that they'll screw something up. If an independent mechanic isn't reasonably good they won't be in business for long.
If you find an independent shop with Honda experience, and they have enough pride in their work to keep the shop clean and organized, give them your business and don't look back.
As far as mechanics go, there's nothing particular special about a dealership mechanic. They can be excellent or they can be below average. I would argue that you're more likely to find a below average mechanic at the dealership than at an independent shop because the dealership has enough daily "easy" work (oil changes, tire rotations, gas cap checks) to keep the below average mechanic busy without too much risk that they'll screw something up. If an independent mechanic isn't reasonably good they won't be in business for long.
If you find an independent shop with Honda experience, and they have enough pride in their work to keep the shop clean and organized, give them your business and don't look back.
Thread Starter
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 19
From: Columbia Pa
I guess another important question is whether is an emergency situation to get the work done. Car was gifted to me and have not done any major work to it. Injectors were recently replaced under the extended TSB warranty. Oh, and smart entry system light has been on for awhile. I’m suspecting it’s a problem with the start switch but they want 150.00 to diagnose it!
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 881
From: MA
I've only dropped to 60% once (other times still at 70%) before my annual oil change, so going to 15% would be a very bad idea for me. I drive around 5000 miles/year, almost exclusively on long trips.
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