newFitOwner

I recently bought a 2013 Fit LX (yes at the end of 2013, I wasn't paying attention and didn't have time to worry about that anyway). I tried my hand at the usual maintenance routine that I had with my old car. I couldn't help but notice that the entire manual says to use Honda specific fluids. I'm not thrilled at being constrained in such an unexpected manner and I think it does nothing to encourage more owners to be more disciplined about routine maintenance. It will certainly be a time imposition, if not a cost imposition.

How bad is it to use generic fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, manual transmission fluid, and what I haven't found yet, power steering fluid)? I believe the manual says something about aluminium engine as well, so I guess this applies to all Fit models?

Also, in my 97 Tercel, I believe there was a tiny reservoir for power steering fluid. If I recall correctly. I couldn't find such a beast for the Fit, and it isn't mentioned in the manual. Can I safely dismiss that from my brain forever?

Finally, the diagram of reservoirs under the hood doesn't show where the manual transmission fluid is, though there a section describing it. Where is it in the engine compartment, and how often should I check it? Or rather, how often should I have it checked? I don't think I'll check it myself since it requires loosening a nut rather than unscrewing a cap (I live in a highrise with underground parking).

Thanks.

claymore

First there is NO power steering fluid is it is electronically assisted. The rest you can pick and chose which brands you like makes no difference other than honda dealer pockets.

The only way to check the manual trans fluid is to remove the plug but I wouldn't worry about it until you hit about 50,000 miles.

The best way to get to the trans plugs is to remove the drivers side front tire. Then look inside toward the engine bay behind the suspension and you can see then and get to them easily. You can do it from the bottom but trying to get the fill plug out is a tedious job so much easier just to remove the wheel.

newFitOwner

Thanks Claymore. I think I'll leave the trans plug to the mechanic.