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You might need a Honda maintenance appointment between regular servicing if things don't seem quite right. Your local Honda dealership will be able to check your car, identify any potential problems, and complete any maintenance required. more 1: Unpleasant Odors If you notice a sweet, syrupy scent after your engine has been running, your coolant fluid could be leaking. In contrast, a rotten egg smell could suggest a fault with the catalytic converter or problems in the engine. Meanwhile, a musty smell could mean mold is growing inside your moist air conditioning system. 2: Sizzling Engine Noises If you think you can hear sausages sizzling in the pan when you're driving your Honda, it's time to get your car checked out. When you have a fluid leak, it can drip onto a hot engine, creating a telltale sizzling sound. This may be more apparent as you bring your car to a halt and switch the engine off. Other signs may include a puddle under your car or fluid levels that continuously drop. 3: Hard Brake Pedal Brakes use a pressurized system, so it's normal to feel some resistance. Spongy brakes are never a good sign, but your brake pedal shouldn't feel too hard either. If it becomes difficult to press the brake, you may have an issue with a component within the system. This could be a faulty brake booster, a vacuum leak, air in the brake lines, low brake fluid, or failure of the master cylinder. The only way to be certain is to get your car checked at your dealership. 4: Decreased Fuel Efficiency If your car seems to be using more gas than usual, it could point to a problem. It could be as simple as underinflated tires, or it could be a more significant issue, such as dirty spark plugs or a failing oxygen sensor. If your tires are inflated correctly or the problem persists, take your car to be checked out. Visit Your Honda Dealership Getting problems fixed quickly is essential as it prevents further damage and costly repairs. As experts in Honda, your local dealership will be able to get you back on the road quickly. With a state-of-the-art service center and highly skilled technicians, we're always happy to help. Visit us at Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN to give your car the TLC it deserves.

Visiting your Honda dealership as soon as you notice you need transmission service is essential. First, you'll get your car fixed before the problem gets worse and causes you to break down. Second, you may save money by repairing problems when they're less serious. Third, it's safer to drive when your transmission is in good condition. more 1. You Smell Something Burning Smelling something burning in your car means you need to get to the dealer ASAP. Something in the vehicle could be overheating, including a transmission. The transmission fluid can also create this burning smell, indicating it needs to be changed because it's currently old and burning up. 2. You Can't Switch Gears Many problems with your vehicle's transmission lead to difficulties with your gears. Some vehicles with a broken transmission might be unable to switch gears at all, while others may be able to switch gears, but it'll take more time or effort for you to get your vehicle to respond. This problem can be caused by dirty transmission fluid that contains debris and dirt that has built up over time. However, there are other transmission problems that can cause this issue, so it's important to visit the dealer as soon as possible in case the problem gets worse. 3. You Feel Like Your Car Is Jolting Gear shift should always be smooth. If your car seems to jolt or shake during gear changes, then it's a sign that something's wrong. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, then a grinding sound could crop up during gear changes. 4. You Hear Noises While in Neutral If you put your car into neutral and start hearing noises that you've never heard before, then it's very likely that your transmission needs a checkup. Hearing noises while in neutral can tell you there's a minor issue, such as a low transmission fluid level, or it could tell you that there's something much more major wrong. 5. You Feel Like You're Being Pulled Forward If your car feels like it's being yanked forward, or like your car has suddenly gotten a major boost of power out of nowhere, then there's probably something wrong with your transmission. The vehicle is supposed to accelerate evenly during gear changes and not experience any sudden power surges. If your car has any of the problems above or any other issues, then don't hesitate to visit the dealer immediately. Come to Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN for all your service needs. Image Via

Every time you drive, your car's tires take a beating. As they grip the road, the tread wears down and will wear away almost completely over time. The material also ages over the years, causing it to break down eventually. All of these factors combined make you need to replace your car's shoes every five or six years. more 1. Worn Down Tread Keeping track of how much your tread has worn down is a must. You can do that using a tread depth gauge for an accurate measurement or a penny for a rough measurement. If the gauge shows you there's 1/16 of an inch or less of tread, then it's time to get to the dealerships and get your car some new shoes. When using the penny, turn it upside down and place it into the tread. If you can see Abraham Lincoln's entire head, then your tread is too shallow. 2. Lots of Miles There's no specific number of miles you have to drive before you need to replace the old rubber on your wheels. However, it's typically wise to outfit your car with new shoes after driving 60,000 miles on your old ones. That way you'll be replacing them before they start to deteriorate. 3. Visible Cracks Although your tread is the part in contact with the ground, it's not the only area that can wear down with time. The sidewalls can also become worn or damaged. If you see what looks like cuts or cracks in the side wall, then you better get to the dealer. Cracks can be a sign that there's a blowout in your near future. 4. Bulges or Blisters Bulges in your sidewall are another problem, and they're typically a sign that your sidewall is getting weaker. Big or small, a bulge or blister is never good news. Like a real blister, the bulge on your sidewall can eventually pop, leading to a very dangerous situation if it happens while you're driving. 5. Visible Tread Wear Indicator When you inspect your tread, don't just take a look to see how deep or shallow it is. Look out for flat rubber bars that are running perpendicularly to the direction of your tread. If you spot two or more of those, then it's a sign your tread is too shallow. These bars are designed to be invisible when you have enough tread. Need some new shoes for your car? Come by Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN so we can fit the best rubber on your car's wheels today. Image via

Even a Honda needs routine maintenance, as parts inevitably wear out due to age and wear. Worn parts can break or fail and cause more serious problems, but regular maintenance allows these issues to be identified and promptly repaired. As your Honda dealer, we want to give you some examples of the types of Honda routine maintenance we provide. more Battery Testing The battery is one of your Honda's most important components, as it provides the initial electrical charge that allows your engine to start. Without a working battery, the only way to get your engine started is by jump-starting it. A battery gradually wears out as the chemicals inside it decay and break down, and it will eventually fail. Fortunately, we can test your battery to determine its remaining strength. We recommend testing the battery yearly, starting from your battery's third year. Our technicians will connect your battery to our battery tester. This machine will identify any weakness or potential failure in the battery. If the battery is weak, we can quickly install a new one for you in minutes. Brake Servicing Your Honda's brakes are very efficient and will stop your car in seconds, even when you're traveling at speed. As time passes, the combination of pressure and heat generated by braking will slowly cause wear and tear on the system and its components. Worn or damaged brakes increase your stopping distance, and this can lead to an accident. We test each braking system component to ensure they're undamaged and working efficiently. Your brake fluid is tested, then drained and replaced. Finally, the brake pads are replaced, and we examine the rotors to ensure they're smooth and flat. Radiator Flushing The radiator is the center of your vehicle's cooling system. Liquid coolant moves through your engine and absorbs heat. The heat is then transported to the radiator, where it's removed by heat exchange. Coolant also absorbs other items like dirt, minute metal chunks, and other debris. This material is dumped in the radiator as the coolant circulates through the engine. Over time, the debris accumulated in the radiator forms a sludge that can block it. A blocked radiator prevents heat from being removed, and your engine temperature will soar. We fix this problem by connecting our fluid-exchange machine to your radiator hoses. This machine drains the old coolant, cleans any traces left behind, and then fills your coolant again. Keep your Honda running smoothly by scheduling a service appointment at Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN, today. Image via

The Honda Service Pass is a maintenance program included with the purchase of any new and eligible Honda vehicle since 2023. It helps customers manage routine servicing and keeps their vehicles in optimal condition by following the manufacturer's proposed maintenance schedule. Customers enjoy extra peace of mind and reduced ownership costs for the duration of the program. more What the Service Pass Includes When a customer purchases a new Honda vehicle, they automatically receive the Service Pass as part of the deal, subject to the vehicle's eligibility. The program covers select maintenance services as outlined by the vehicle's Maintenance Minder system. These services include multipoint inspections, engine oil and filter changes, and tire rotations. Why are these routine procedures so important? Multipoint Inpsections The Honda Multi-Point Inspection evaluates your vehicle's overall condition, including the engine compartment, chassis, timing belt, headlights, steering, suspension, battery, fluids, and filters. A certified Honda technician assigns a health grade to each major component using a grading scale checklist, providing you with the necessary information to make informed maintenance decisions. Engine Oil and Filter Changes Oil and filter changes are included in Honda's Service Pass and are crucial for maintaining your vehicle. An oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is generally advisable using the correct engine oil to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. For your convenience, the remaining engine oil life is calculated and displayed in Honda vehicles via the Maintenance Minder system (introduced in 2006). Tire Rotations You get free tire rotations under the terms of the Service Pass. Regular tire rotations are essential for even tread wear, extending tire life and improving overall vehicle performance. They provide balanced handling and traction, which is particularly important on wet or slippery roads. Furthermore, they can assist in identifying alignment or suspension issues. How Long Does the Service Pass Last? Honda's Service Pass for 2023 and 2024 models covers all factory-scheduled maintenance during the first two years or 24,000 miles of the vehicle's lifespan, whichever arrives first. The duration is one year or 12,000 miles for 2025 models. The plan is fully transferable to subsequent owners while active. New Hondas are also backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. During the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period, included Honda Roadside Assistance offers 24-hour emergency road service. Contact Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN to schedule service for your Honda. Image via

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our summers in Bristol, TN, are warm and humid and, there are days you'll crave the cold, billowy air from your AC. If your AC isn't working as well as it should, your Honda dealer can fix the problem for you. These are a few signs you need to visit us for some AC maintenance. more Signs You Need AC Maintenance at Your Honda Dealer Noisy AC An AC doesn't make any noise as it converts warm outside air into refreshingly cold air and blows it into your cabin. Weird noises from the AC, like rusting, rattling, clunking, or scratching, are all signs that something is wrong. We advise contacting us so our Honda-trained technicians can investigate and fix the problem. Rustling or scratching noises could be caused by leaves, dirt, or other objects brought in with the air and deposited in the ducts. Harsher sounds like rattling or clunking could mean worn or damaged components, like broken bearings or a loose compressor clutch. We'll check your AC system and repair or replace any worn components if necessary. Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant gas is used to chill the air before it is blown into your cabin. This gas changes to liquid and then back to gas during the chilling process as it removes water from the air and cools it down. In time, worn seals or damage to the AC system by stones or other hard objects thrown up from the surface can cause a leak. You'll feel the air become warmer as your AC loses refrigerant, and the compressor will make strange noises as it struggles to work without refrigerant. We release a harmless UV dye into the AC and then use a UV viewer to trace refrigerant through the system to locate the leak site. Once we discover the leak, we'll seal it and refill your AC with refrigerant. Broken Fans Once warm outside air has been chilled, it's blown into your cabin by the fans. The fans are delicate, and their blades can become cracked or damaged by stones or other objects kicked up from the road surface. Damaged fans might spin at reduced speed or may fail to work. If you're not receiving air through the air vents, the fans could be the source of the problem. We'll examine your fans and replace them if necessary. If you have an AC problem, contact us right away at Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN. Image via

It's no secret that properly maintaining your Honda will help it last longer. Unfortunately, there's no shortage of issues to look out for and parts to maintain, which means you may not even know when it's time (or past time) to visit your Honda dealer for service. Luckily, we've prepared a list of essential Honda engine maintenance tips to make keeping up with your ride as easy as possible. more 1. Get Regular Oil Changes This one should come as no surprise since getting your oil changed is likely the most commonly recognized car maintenance. And that's for a reason! Oil is incredibly vital to the health of your engine, keeping components lubricated to reduce friction and lower strain on the system as a whole. It's good practice to change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles based on your Honda's maintenance schedule (and make sure to get the filter replaced too). 2. Check Fluid Levels Regularly Aside from engine oil, there are other fluids such as transmission, brake, and radiator fluid that should all be checked regularly. This also includes wiper fluid, of course. A lack of transmission fluid can cause performance issues, low brake fluid can hamper your ability to stop, and low coolant could overheat your engine. Check all fluids regularly to avoid these potential issues. 3. Drive Gently and Defensively Your Honda can also benefit greatly from gentle driving habits. Driving defensively and carefully serves to maintain your Honda's health over time, including aspects such as gas mileage, tire longevity, and even the overall condition of your engine and its components. 4. Heed Your Check Engine Light Everyone knows the dreaded check engine light, and the best way to answer the questions that come up when you see it is to schedule a service appointment as soon as the light comes on. Newer model Hondas will display a code that lets you know what service is due to allay potential safety concerns, but even then, it's a good idea to get it taken care of right away. Speedy service regardless of the issue will ensure your vehicle stays on the road that much longer. Just went out to the driveway to see if that check engine light is still on? Don't worry — we're here to get you taken care of. Contact us at Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN to schedule your next service today! Image via

Hybrid and electric cars offer an excellent balance between convenience, cost-effectiveness, and power. Despite the slightly more complicated nature of their engine, hybrid cars are also easy to maintain. Below are some easy-to-implement tips for Honda hybrid maintenance, from a certified Honda dealer, to keep your hybrid or electric vehicle in peak condition. more Get to Know Your Honda Service Schedule Each Honda hybrid or electric vehicle comes with its own specific service schedule, located in the owner's manual. This schedule sets out Honda's suggestions for how often you should book your vehicle for service and inspection by factory-certified technicians. Sticking to the recommended service schedule helps keep your electric or hybrid vehicle in peak condition and prevents problems that could turn into costly repairs if not caught early. Practice Good Temperature Control to Extend Your Battery Life Heat kills batteries! Even a modest increase in temperature can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your vehicle's battery. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help keep your battery cool, including: Make sure to top up your vehicle's fluids, such as inverter coolant and brake fluid, on a regular basis Try not to park your vehicle in direct sunlight Perform regular maintenance of your battery's cooling and filtration system Wash debris off the body and underside of your vehicle before it gets into your battery's filtration system Perform a Regular Oil Check and Change Oil is still a vital engine lubricant in hybrid and electric cars. Since oil degrades over time, regular oil checks should be a part of your maintenance schedule. Honda suggests that you change your oil every six months or 7,000 miles and that you perform a manual oil check twice a month. If you notice that your oil is full of particulates, has changed color, or is draining more rapidly than usual, it's a good idea to book an oil change as soon as possible. Keep Your Battery Topped Up Leaving your vehicle's battery partially or fully discharged can reduce its lifespan. If you have an electric vehicle, you can prevent this with a regular charging schedule. If you have a hybrid, the best way to charge your battery is to go for a brisk drive, letting your internal combustion engine and regenerative braking top up your battery. If you'd like to experience the power, comfort, and versatility of a Honda hybrid or electric vehicle, then contact Bristol Honda in Bristol, TN, today! Our experienced staff are waiting to help you find your perfect Honda! Image via