I just scheduled to have my 2000 Honda Civic serviced. The timing belt is due to be replaced. I am going to have the water pump replaced at the same time. The labor is the same, and you are only paying for the parts. On my 1990 Honda Accord I had the timing belt replaced, but they never mentioned the water pump. The water pump failed a month and a half later. I ended up paying for all that labor AGAIN! The place should have recommended to have the water pump replaced. My other mechanic was surprised and said the water pump is commonly replaced be cause when a tight new timing belt is put on, it strains an already worn water pump. And since the water pump comes off anyway, they might as well replace it at the same time. I learned my lesson. I also have never use that service place again.
I will also get transmission fluid replaced. Brake fluid replaced, and what ever else I need to get replaced.
I am debating about a tune up. I can easily replace the spark plugs and wires, distributor cap and rotor, and fuel filter myself. I wouldn’t do any timing changes or anything. So I am thinking about letting them do the tune up as well.
90,000 miles and my car is still running great, though my milage has dropped a little lately, but I think that is simply because it needs a tune up. I have never done one since I bought the car used at 40,000 miles.

Posted by Rob in Whatever on January 30th, 2006 |