We love Hondas! These cars, trucks, and vans are known for their incredible reliability mile after mile. Seeing a Honda in the shop with 200k+ miles is common and as car people, we love that. Like any car, to keep them performing eventually you will need Honda service. One topic that comes up with Honda owners is how to clean the inside the engine which ultimately brings up engine flushing. It’s important to know how to keep the inside of your engine clean, what does an oil flush do, the benefits of a motor oil flush, how often to have an engine flush, and ultimately answer if an engine oil flush is necessary.
What Does an Engine Oil Flush Do?
An oil flush is a chemical additive designed to clean out accumulated gunk, deposits and sludge buildup in the engine from years of hard work. This aftermarket fluid is poured into an idling engine’s oil-filler port for about 10-15 minutes or long enough to warm up. The flush mixes in with the oil as it circulates throughout the engine to clean out deposits and dislodge sludge. Once the 10-15 minutes is done, all oil, including the flush and deposits, is drained from the engine. From there a new oil filter and oil are installed before running the engine again.
What Are the Benefits of an Engine Flush?
Now you know what an engine flush, you may wonder, what will an oil flush do for my Honda? There are a few benefits:
- Helps Reduce Engine Heat – Having excessive heat inside your motor is a big no-no. The excessive heat from the deposits and sludge means there is extra friction inside the motor. The extra wear and tear damages the integrity of the parts and leads to shorter part life.
- Helps Increase Fuel Efficiency – Similar to above, if there is build up in your oil, your engine needs to work harder to pump the fluid through the engine. If your engine is working harder, that means it’s burning more fuel to produce the same output. It can be tempting to save money at the moment by not doing the engine flush but your future self and car will both thank you when you save money each time at the pump.
- Reduces Emissions – When your engine is getting hot and burning extra fuel from buildup, sludge in your piston rings lands and cause the rings to stick. When they stick, the oil needs to go somewhere and this can cause leaks and migration into the combustion chamber. Once the oil leaks or goes into the combustion chamber, it burns. The burned oil turns into excessive exhaust resulting in increased emissions. Maintaining clean fluids in your Honda can make your car and planet happy in so many ways
- Prepares Engine for New Oil – Like a good spring cleaning, the oil flush clears out old deposits and sludge. Preparing your engine for new oil allows for maximum performance including fuel efficiency, power, and longevity. It will also help your wallet as the new oil will last longer now it doesn’t have all that junk running inside of it!
How Often to Get an Engine Oil Flush?
There are variables but the schedule for engine flushing oil recommended by most technicians is every five years or 100,000 miles; whichever comes first. Your Honda may have a different recommended schedule so check with your owner’s manual. If you are not sure where your manual is head here to see Honda’s owner’s manuals and warranties. Also, pay attention to excessive heating or exhaust and loss in fuel efficiency. Checking your oil will also help gauge if there are any particles present. Additionally, when buying a used car, it’s good practice to perform an engine flush to help fight any problems from improper care.
Is an Engine Flush Necessary?
With your Honda, keeping up on fluids is important. And no fluid is more important than oil when it comes to long term care for your vehicle. So engine flush, yes or no? The answer is yes, an oil flush is necessary. Keeping your engine healthy will help ensure your Honda is one of those 200k+ still cruising down the road.