Okay, I haven't done much to a car lately so my wanting to change my own oil is even a challenge. I was going to use Royal Purple 5W30 and a Fram Filter. Any tricks I need to look out for? What are the other maintenance items I need to do. The car is a 03 Accord EXL 4cyl. I have had the Transmission Fluid & Brake Fluid changed at 30K and the cabin filter also. The car currently has 51000 so the warrenty is no longer a issue. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

 

Have you done plugs, wires, cap and rotor lately? As far as oil goes never heard of Royal Purple... Fram filter is probably OK but I wouldn't run it over 3k miles... I'd suggest a K&N Oil Filter... Price isn't that much of a difference but the protection is worth it.... I'd do a timing belt at around 60k-70k. Also look over your other belts/hoses and make sure they aren't cracking... Clean the battery terminals, possible radiator flush in the near future is also adviseable...( if it's never been done)

 

royal purple is one the very best oils out there. possibly even better than mobil 1. absolutely though......... it is a TRUE pao base oil. and is extremely suitable for racing or turbo applications because of its unrelenting ability to resist thermal breakdown. fram tough guard filters are good

 

There are no plug wires, cap, and rotor on an '03 Accord......it's direct ignition. There is no timing belt, it's a chain.

Fram oil filters are among the most poorly constructed, almost ALL others are better made. Even Wal-Marts brand is a step up and a good filter for the money, frankly.
I agree that the K&N is a good oil filter but it's $12-$15 depending on where you buy it...... there are more economical ways that will filter as well or better. Purolator, Wix, Hastings, Pep Boys, Wal-Mart come to mind.

5W30 won't harm your engine but I suggest you follow Honda's recommendation and use a 0W or 5W20. These oils have proven themselves beyond question, even in V-10 engines. On the other hand Mobil 1 5W30 can be purchased in jugs which lowers the price. The 20 weights are available by the quart only.

Not to cause an arguement but..... Royal Purple is a good oil but based on hundreds of used oil analysis I've seen it does not beat out Mobil 1. Also M1 is less expensive and can be bought anywhere. RP is not standard in Mercedes, Corvette, etc., but M1 is. Go 5000 miles with your first interval of synthetic. After that 7500-8000 is safe and more can be accomplished with a used oil analysis to establish trending.

You mentioned the cabin air filter, which is likely due for another change, but nothing about the engine air filter. If it's original it's long past due.

Tire rotation? Air pressure? Power steering fluid level? These are all things to check too.

Want to learn more about oil and filters? Go to BOBISTHEOILGUY.

 

Okay I feel dumb... *L* didn't know about the ignition etc for an 03... sorry for the misinformation.... that's like telling someone to get a new radiator cap and flush the coolant on a 72 VW Bug.... *LOL*

 

No worries! The only reason I know is because of 7th gen ownership. The direct ignition was one of the selling points for me.....less to screw with over the years.

 

Thanks Folks for the input. Will check out the filters pronto.