3 Signs Your Honda Needs Maintenance

Thudding Noises

If you hear thudding noises when driving, this could mean one or both of your engine mounts are damaged. The engine mounts are made from tough rubber and are filled with liquid. The mounts anchor your engine securely to the frame, and their liquid filling helps absorb vibrations from the surface that could damage the engine. They also muzzle the engine vibrations caused by combustion and the movement of countless engine components.

In time, the rubber mounts can crack, and the liquid will seep out. If this happens, your engine will move up and down when driving, causing a thudding noise as it hits the frame on the way down. The engine can’t tear loose from the damaged mounts, but it will suffer unnecessary wear and tear due to the constant movement. We’ll examine the mounts and replace them if they’re damaged.

Rattling From the Converter

The catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust system and converts dangerous, toxic engine gases into harmless gases and water. This reduces pollution when the newly converted gases leave the tailpipe. The converter is a relatively tough component, only requiring replacement after approximately eight years.

The converter uses crushing pressure, intense heat, and chemical reactions to convert the gases. If your converter is failing, it can overheat. The converter’s interior has a honeycomb structure to provide the largest possible surface area for conversion. Excessive heat can crack the honeycomb, and pieces will break off and rattle inside the converter as you drive. We can’t repair this damage, but we can replace the converter to fix the problem.

Hard Brake Pedal

When you push on the brake pedal, you feel resistance, which grows as you exert more pressure. The resistance is normal and is caused by pressurized brake fluid. If you hit the brakes and the pedal barely moves, the excessive resistance is caused by the failure of a braking component called the brake pedal booster.

The booster is located behind the brake pedal and uses a vacuum system to magnify the force you exert 10x. This enables you to apply the brakes without excessive effort. If the booster is damaged, usually due to a leak in the vacuum system, braking will become slower and more tiring due to the extra effort you must exert. We’ll examine the booster and repair or replace it to fix this issue.

If your Honda isn’t working as well as it should, contact us today at Coeur d’Alene Honda in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

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