The Top Honda Owner Tips for January 

Tip One: How can you protect your Honda from rusting behind the rear wheels? You have seen them on the road...or maybe you own one...a Honda with rust behind the rear wheels. There is a simple way to prevent this from happening and/or to stop the current rust from getting larger.

First: On the lip above the rear wheel is a rubber strip...pull this off; it allows moisture and debris to be caught in the seam between the quarter panel and the inner wheel well. You want this seam to be able to dry out. At the garage, we call these rubber strips "rust strips" because they actually cause rust.

Second: Go inside the trunk and pull the side panels back so that you can see the inside of the quarter panel. Take an oil can with motor oil and shoot the same seam (listed in step one) from the inside of the car with oil. The oil should drip out on the floor in front of the wheel if you got it good, so put some paper down. I f you can see visible rust inside the quarter panel, soak it with oil. This will neutralize the rust and stop it from spreading. Repeat this in the spring and fall.

Look for our tip sheet next month when we discuss how to stop rust in doors and trunks.

Tip Two: Help! I was told I need a new transmission! Automatic Shift Complaints 

98-01 Accord 
97-01 Prelude 
98-01 Odyssey

Shift quality complaints such as: 1) harsh or late upshifts and downshifts and 2) slippage when cold don't always mean you need to replace the transmission! Honda has discovered that 2nd and 3rd clutch pressure switch circuits are malfunctioning. They are located on the side of the transmission and can easily be changed. Unfortunately, many transmissions were replacing before the real problem was discovered.

These two DTC's do not cause the D4 indicator to blink and do not cause the MIL to come on.

Tip Three: Stay Cool! What??? In January, most people try to tell you to stay warm! Even if you live in a mild climate where it never freezes, always keep a mix of equal parts antifreeze and water in your Honda's radiator. Not only will it keep your Honda's cooling system functioning well, anti freeze contains valuable rust inhibitors.

What should you do if you need a quote on a new radiator? Visit Discovery Automotive Parts at www.d-a-p.com or call us toll free at 1-888-858-5711. We're your used Honda Parts specialists!