Hey guys, this is my first post here. I really like this site. Here's my question:

I just got a new 2k1 GSR and I would like to know at how many miles do I need to do what type of servicing? I don't know much about cars but I want to start learning how to take care of it. For instance, do you need to replace your spark plugs every so often? What about oil change? Rotating tires? Stuff like that.

 

Your integra will prove to be very reliable and need very little maintanence other than what is recommended by the factory. In fact, the car is so reliable that all you really need is to have regular oil changes.

The first thing you can do for your car is to break it in properly.

As for maintanence, you'll find all the answers to your questions in the back of your owner's manual. Just follow the factory recommendations and you'll be fine.

I believe the standard interval for oil changes is about 3k miles. You could get it done around 5k miles, but I since motor oil is the lifeline of the motor, it doesn't hurt to get it change at shorter intervals. You might also want to consider using synthetic oil, depending on your budget since synthetic is more expensive.

I believe the newer integras don't need a tune up until 100k miles right? I'm not sure. I believe they use titanium spark plugs so they last longer. Get your valves adjusted every 15k miles and your transmission fluid changed at 30k miles. Again, most of this is in the back of your owner's manual.

You should rotate your tires every 5-7k miles.

 

Actually, the new ones don't use titanium plugs. The stocks are NGK platinums. As for the oil change interval, Acura recommends (and it's written in the engine bay) an oil change every 7500 miles. Personally, I do mine at 5000 and everything works out fine. Here is a word of advice though: Start your car off with synthetic oil and keep using it. Over time, it makes a world of difference. I had an '89 RS that I eventually put 200,000 miles on with standard petroleum based oil. The insides showed signs of excessive wear despite there being enough oil. I've been running my '00 GSR with Conklin 5W-30 moly syth and I've been way happy with it. I know some 'vette owners that push their cars hard with this stuff and their engines are so clean you could eat off them. Synthetics maintain their viscosity better, contain no harmful acidic compounds or parafins, and don't break down into carbon components under high-heat conditions. They also have a much higher evaporation point than regular oil. Trust me, it's worth it. Good synthetics are Conklin, Amsoil, Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, and Redline.

Oh, and stay away from the cheapo Fram filters. They're made of weak paperboard that will eventually degrade and leave bits floating around your engine. I love the K&N oil filters since they have a built-in 1-inch nut at the end which makes removing them almost trivial. Other good ones are Bosch, Wix, and Purolator.