Hello all,

I had my transmission and power steering fluid changed at Economy Lube today. After doing a little bit of research, I found out that I should only use proprietary Honda fluids for this purpose.

I'm not quite sure if Economy Lube put in the fluids that match the specs and are approved for use in Honda vehicles. Is it a serious cause for concern? Should I get them changed ASAP and ask for a refund?

Thanks for your help!

 

I don't think you're going to get a refund, because they will claim the fluid is compatible. They may be compatible, but I wouldn't take that chance. Did they do a transmission flush, or just a drain and fill? A "power" flush, using a machine to force fluid through the transmission is a definite no no, and would also mean you have to replace quite a bit of fluid. A simple drain and fill would mean only about one third of the fluid was changed. It will probably cost you to get the fluids changed back to Honda brand.

 

^^^^ X2.

However, take ATF for example. Some people use only Honda ATF. Some use Royal Purple. Some even use GM ATF. They believe it to be better.

You already paid a pretty penny for the services, so I would just let it go. Don't look back and second guess. Your car is also "old" so it may be hard to tell if this was a right decision or not down the road.

If you were asking on what to do, then Honda fluids is the safe way to go.

Look at it this way. There are millions of Hondas on the road, and many are serviced by quick lube shops. If it's a good shop, do good work, and added the compatible fluids, it should be fine.

 

Before you condemn a lube shop for using the wrong fluid, its important to know what fluid they used. Call them up and find out. That is step one.

 

Yeah, as long as you HAVE fluids, you will probably be fine for quite some time. Find out what kind they used, and if you are uncomfortable with it, short change it.

But in reality, as long as the fluids are at the proper level, and they used ATF in the AT, you should be fine.