Hello there,
I would like to change fluids on my 2006 Honda Accord 2.0i, 5-speed manual.
The Honda manual states that one must use the Honda fluids, such as “Honda Power Steering Fluid”, “Honda Transmission Fluid”, etc.
Is it okay to use third-party fluids instead? For example, what sort of coolant or transmission oil would you use? Is the car really going to run worse on third-party fluids and oils?
Thank you so much for your input.
My advice is for you to use the OEM fluids. Honda's are super fussy about what you put into them. Always use the OEM transmission fluid and coolant. I'm not sure about the power steering, but if they don't state an alternative rating then I would stick to the OEM.
Brake fluid you can use a good quality After market fluid, and oil just use one that meets their requirements (eg: 5W-30 API: SN etc...)
I have had transmission and coolant issues ever since some clown used the wrong fluids in mine.
@gcphoto
Thank you so much for the quick reply. I won’t test my luck... Time to hit up a Honda dealer and buy some OEM fluids then.
By the way, how often would you recommend changing the manual transmission oil?
Go by what it says in your manual. My Honda Fit says every 6 years or 120000Km (75000 miles) for normal conditions, and every 3 years or 60000km (37500 miles) for severe conditions.
I change mine at the severe conditions interval due to our conditions (short trips, very hot weather)
Honda power steering fluid is very different so thats a must to use. Coolant any equivalent is fine. Trani I would use Honda just to be safe.
I’ve heard Scotty say time and again to use only OEM trans fluid specific to your vehicle. Refer to the owners manual.
The only OEM fluids that you really need to be concern with I would say is the transmission and coolant fluids. Get the OEM Honda stuff. Those cars generally don't need very much anyway, in terms of how much coolant and trans fluid it takes.
For oil, you can use whatever as long as it meets the same oil viscosity requirements (ie. 5W30 or 5W20, etc). But keep in mind if your car needs synthetic, use synthetic oil. Oil brand doesn't matter as much as long as it's the right viscosity and type. For brake fluid, you can use a good aftermarket one.
Thank you all very much. For the engine oil I have been using Castrol full synthetic 5W20. But as most of you say, coolant, transmission, power steering and maybe also brake fluid - for those I will just get the OEM ones. Cheers.