To keep your Honda Civic performing at its best you need to maintain it regularly. Not only does this maintenance include taking in to the shop for oil changes and tune-ups, but you need to care for your car as well. A well-maintained Honda Civic can last for years to come.
Washing and waxing your Honda not only makes the car look nice, it also improves your gas mileage by reducing the drag caused by dirt. If you wash your car by hand, use a gentle cloth and soap specifically for car washing. Always rinse well to remove all soap. Once it is fully dry and out of the sun, wax your Civic with a high-quality wax. Buff the car when the wax is dry, then double-check that no wax is left on the finish.
The inside of your Honda needs to be maintained as often as the outside. Vacuum the carpets and upholstery whenever you wash the car. Any spills should be cleaned as soon as possible with an upholstery cleaner recommended by your Honda mechanic or dealer. If you have rubber floor mats, wash those when cleaning the exterior and don't put them back in the car until they are fully dry. Clean the windows with a non-ammonia-based window cleaner. To prevent streaks, thoroughly dry the cleaner with crumpled newspaper.
Make a habit of checking your Honda's fluid levels. This includes checking your oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, transmission fluid and coolant. If you are unsure how to do this, your Civic's owner's manual will show you how or you can ask your mechanic to show you. Always check fluid levels when the engine is cool and the car is on a level surface.
Your tires need to be rotated and your oil needs to be changed about every 3,000 miles. Changing your oil is one of the most important things you can do to keep your Civic performing well. Old and dirty oil causes debris build-up in the engine and increases the engine's friction and wear. If you can get synthetic oil for your Civic, do so since this type of oil requires fewer changes and lubricates your engine better than regular oil. When you have your tires rotated, have your brakes inspected at the same time. Check your Honda's schedule -- found in the owner's manual -- for specific recommendations on other regular maintenance. If your Civic is still under warranty it may need to be serviced at a Honda dealership. Check your warranty for details.
Your Honda Civic has a computer that detects problems with your engine or other parts of your car. If a warning light is shown on your display, check your owner's manual to determine the problem. If it is not something you can fix yourself -- such as low fuel or low tire pressure -- schedule an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.
