While reading the manual I noticed that, per Honda, use of a non-honda fluid (even if completely compatible) WILL lead to system deterioration.....


is this true? are Honda fluids so superior. Personally I keep to Honda ATF fluid, but antifreeze, brake fluid?

I used some prestone non silicate fluid and for the brakes I changed to a synthetic DOT4. Can this lead to problems?

I'm a little concerned because of Honda's severe language.

 

I think that language is meant to protect Honda in event of warranty claims. Honda fluids are generally good and I use them for everything except motor oil. As long as your fluids meet specifications in your manual, I think you are okay

 

for coolant and trans fluid i would personally go with the honda stuff. with all other fluids you're fine with any good quality fluid.

 

Why is honda coolant superior? Most antifreezes do not contain silicates, and you can find some without borates.
Also they claim to mix with all makes. Colors, etc.

How bad can they be. The only benefit I can readily see is that honda fluid is darker making a level read much easier.

 

I'm not exactly an automotive fluids expert. I just don't like thought of something incompatible being in the coolant I might choose. Coolant isn't something that needs replacing often anyway so cost isn't really much of an issue. With manual trans fluid the issue seems to be with chemicals that are compatible with the materials used for synchros.

 

Honda (and Toyota) recently issued a brake recall...master cylinders would fail if Honda DOT3 (which have special polymers) was not used.

You can search the oil forum BobIsTheOilGuy.com for information on success with non-Honda fluids.

I feel that since I DIY, I can afford to buy Honda's OEM "good stuff" and still come out ahead. So far, so good.

 

Damn. I just paid to have synthetic DOT4 put in and bled the system out. Guess I'll be a guinea pig and keep everyone updated...

 

General comment. Over the period of ownership how much more is it really going to cost you to use Honda stuff? Why go cheap? Just asking for trouble.

 

I'm prob going to go back to honda come spring. I'll at least put in the coolant. I do use the honda atf. As for the brakes, I figure just this once and I'll go back to oem.

Until then...

 

i think the brake master cylinder problem was for the civic and the accords. I dont think the Fit applies to that recall though

 

Correct, it was the Odyssey and Acura TL

Honda announces recall of 471,000 vehicles - Oct. 25, 2010

But at last, we got some insight (no pun) into what the "special ingredient" is, in Honda brake fluid...