We all know that we have to maintain our vehicles, but when is the best time to do it? When we hear
strange noises when starting up the car? When we feel a slight inconsistency in the steering? When
the car completely stops while you’re driving it down the street? You don’t want that to happen and
neither do we. Change it too little and you find yourself in danger of affecting your vehicle and your
wallet in a negative way…but change it too often and you and those who are tinkering under the
hood may be more liable to safety issues. Many cars can benefit from knowing when their car needs
certain maintenance; however, here are just a few ways to tell when it is the best time to change
your transmission fluid in a 2008 Honda Accord.
1) When the seasons change, especially when it gets cold
Everyone knows that when the weather changes, we need to make sure our vehicles can
withstand the cold, icy roads, the rainy days, even just high winds can put a strain on a vehicle.
When the weather gets cold, you tend to stay in more which leaves your car out in the cold by its
lonesome. This is not necessarily bad for the car, but the cold affects the hardware (it is metal)
which in turn can affect how the internal systems run. This includes any fluids like oil changes,
windshield wiper, and yes, transmission fluids. Even if it was just changed a few months ago, it
is a good idea when you take your vehicle in for inspection that you include a quick peek at the
state of the fluids that keep your car running smoothly.
2) After you’ve traveled a long time or a long distance
Now, no one wants to get back to the real world after a vacation, especially the driving in traffic
part. But, depending on the maintenance of the vehicle, ignoring your vehicle’s maintenance may
cause even more issues in the future. Anytime you take a long trip, it is recommended to have a
quick vehicle checkup before and after the trip. This allows you to have peace of mind while you
travel and keep your car in top working condition while you are away from home. Any driving
you do for a long period of time, like when you are in traffic, can also negatively impact your
vehicle’s transmission integrity. It is best to check your transmission fluid on the 2008 Honda
Accord after 3,000 miles and can get a temperature gauge for your engine to ensure you aren’t
pushing the gears too hard.
3) If you haul a lot of weight in your car, such as furniture, construction items, and luggage
When you travel, or even if you utilize your vehicle for work, hauling more weight than the
average seater-filled car can eventually harm your engine’s efficiency. For instance, when a
family of four takes a long trip, they tend to bring lots of luggage. This luggage carries weight on
the back end of the vehicle which causes strain on the suspension and ultimately uses more
friction within the engine itself. Vehicles are designed to carry human weight and some are
specifically altered to be durable and “heavy duty”, but even those have a weight limit before it
begins to affect the drive of the vehicle. For the 2008 Honda Accord, as any sedan car, the
weight limits are standard but can affect the overall performance of the car and its speed and
agility when maneuvering and stopping.
Every car is different and every driver has different ways they use their vehicle, but always be
diligent in taking care of the environment you are in just as much as how you drive in it. It is
important to check your transmission fluids, stay consistent with oil changes, check your
alignment and suspensions, in order to prevent unnecessary repairs and replacements on your
2008 Honda Accord. If any of the above reasons seem to remind you of your car, take care and
take your care in for a check-up.