My gf's sister has a 2001 Honda Civic LX with ~ 52K miles. Its been dormant sitting in the driveway for over a year. It used to be started up a few times a week...but in the last 3-4 months it hasnt been started.

We dont have the owners manual, so to be safe Im thinking of changing the following:

- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Oil
- Oil filter
- Battery
- Auto tranny fluid
- Engine coolant
- Seafoam
- Check tire pressure

What forums/shops you guys recommend for maintenence? I could do a lot of the stuff myself (like oil, filters, battery) but if there are any good reputable Honda shops, she would rather take it there. Any Honda guru's in here? I dont know jack about cars except for subarus

 

www.honda-tech.com join up and post in the civic forum. or just go to kagen and get a manual. 20 bucks

 

I can offer you some advice...

1) Sparkplugs, don't waste money on anything fancy... I like the NGK V-Powers

2)Air filter, what can I say, its an airfilter. This is one of the few cars a air induction kit will help make power on. The AEM short ram can generally be had for ~$100 (with EO #), but it will make the engine loud under throttle. The ture Cold Air kit is quiter, and in theory could make more power, but I woudn't spend $$ on it.

3) Fuel Filter - eh its a fuel filter, just get a replacement piece, I like Bosch

4)Oil - if you ask me Amsoil makes the best oil out there, 5W30 should work great in that car.

5) Oil Filters - eh its a oil filter, Wix makes a nice unit

6) Battery - Exide makes the best constructed ones right now

7) AT Fluid, this is a suprising answer, but - Do NOT use anything other than the Honda AT fluid. For some reason aftermarket ATF's make Honda's shift funny.

8) Coolant - its just coolant


As for good shops, there are tons that can do this work, I probably wouldn't bother going to a specialist for this kind of stuff on this common of a car.

 

Take your Honda to Kevin at AutoHQ. That's where I take my wife's Honda, and he does great work.