Hey Element Enthusiasts!

Your Honda Element isn’t just a car; it’s a trusty companion for adventures big and small. Whether you’re hauling gear, cruising the city, or hitting the open road, keeping your Element in top shape is key to maximizing the fun (and minimizing unexpected repair shop visits!).

One of the best ways to do this? Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule! Think of it like a spa day for your Element – essential pampering to keep it running smoothly and reliably for years to come.

We’ve dug into the details (based on info for a 2005 model, but generally applicable – always double-check your owner’s manual!) to create this handy guide.

Honda Element Maintenance: Key Intervals & Checks

Regular maintenance often depends on your driving conditions. Honda outlines “Normal” and “Severe Service” schedules. You likely fall under “Severe Service” if you frequently:

• Drive less than 5 miles per trip, especially in freezing temps.
• Drive in extremely hot weather (over 90°F/32°C).
• Do lots of idling or stop-and-go driving (like city traffic or deliveries).
• Tow a trailer, use a loaded roof rack, or drive in mountains.
• Drive on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Here’s a breakdown of common maintenance items based on the provided schedule:

Fluids & Filters (The Lifeblood!)

• Engine Oil & Filter:
  • Severe Service: Change oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Replace filter every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
  • Normal Service: Change oil every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Replace filter every 12 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
• Automatic Transmission Fluid:
  • Severe Service: First change at 36 months or 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
  • Normal Service: First change at 72 months or 120,000 miles (192,000 km), then every 60 months or 90,000 miles (144,000 km).
• Manual Transmission Fluid:
  • Severe Service: Change every 36 months or 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
  • Normal Service: Change every 72 months or 120,000 miles (192,000 km).
• Engine Coolant: First change at 120 months or 120,000 miles (192,000 km), then every 60 months or 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
• Brake Fluid: Change every 36 months.
• Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models):
  • Severe Service: Change every 48 months or 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
  • Normal Service: Change every 60 months or 90,000 miles (144,000 km).
• Air Filter:
  • Severe Service (Dusty Conditions): Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
  • Normal Service: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
• Cabin Air Filter (Keep your cabin air fresh!):
  • Severe Service (Urban/Dusty): Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). (Note: Document mentions different intervals based on model year ranges 2003-06 vs 2007-11. Check your specific recommendations.)
  • Normal Service: Replace every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
  • Honda Element Cabin Air Filter Replacement Guide

Important Inspections & Replacements

• Spark Plugs: Replace around 110,000 miles (176,000 km).
• Valve Lash (Clearance): Inspect around 110,000 miles (176,000 km). Honestly, inspect your valve lash around every 20k miles. This is the most under rated maintenance items. Honda Element Valve Adjustment Guide
• Drive Belt(s): Inspect every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
• Brake System (Lines, Hoses, Parking Brake): Inspect every 12 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
• Suspension, Steering, Tie Rods, CV Boots:
  • Severe Service: Inspect every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
  • Normal Service: Inspect every 12 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
• Exhaust System: Inspect every 12 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
• Fuel Lines: Inspect every 12 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
• Wheel Rotation: Rotate every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).

Maintenance Schedule Table

Here’s a summary table based on the provided preventive maintenance schedule. Note that “Severe Service” applies under the conditions mentioned earlier.

Item	Action (Normal Service)	Action (Severe Service)
Air filter element	Replace every 30,000mi (48,000km)	Replace every 15,000mi (24,000km) if driving in dusty conditions
Automatic transmission/transaxle fluid	Change 1st: 72 months or 120,000mi (192,000km). Then: every 60 months or 90,000mi (144,000km).	Change 1st: 36 months or 60,000mi (96,000km). Then: every 24 months or 30,000mi (48,000km).
Body hinges, latches & locks	Lubricate (Schedule not specified for normal, defaults to severe)	Lubricate every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Brake system fluid	Change every 36 months	Change every 36 months
Brake lines & hoses	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)
Cabin air filter	Replace every 24 months or 30,000mi (48,000km)	Replace every 15,000mi (24,000km)
Crankcase (Engine Oil)	Change fluid every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)	Change fluid every 6 months or 5,000mi (8,000km)
Cooling system	Drain, flush & refill 1st: 120 months or 120,000mi (192,000km). Then: every 60 months or 60,000mi (96,000km).	Drain, flush & refill 1st: 120 months or 120,000mi (192,000km). Then: every 60 months or 60,000mi (96,000km).
Constant Velocity Joint Boots	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Drive Belt(s)	Inspect every 24 months or 30,000mi (48,000km)	Inspect every 24 months or 30,000mi (48,000km)
Exhaust system	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)
Exterior Lighting	Inspect (Schedule not specified for normal, defaults to severe)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Fuel lines	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)
Fluid levels	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)
Idle speed	Inspect every 160,000mi (256,000km)	Inspect every 160,000mi (256,000km)
Manual transmission/transaxle fluid	Change fluid every 72 months or 120,000mi (192,000km)	Change fluid every 36 months or 60,000mi (96,000km)
Crankcase Oil Filter	Replace every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Replace every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Parking brake	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)
Rear differential fluid	Change fluid every 60 months or 90,000mi (144,000km)	Change fluid every 48 months or 60,000mi (96,000km)
Steering gearbox & boots	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Spark plugs	Replace every 110,000mi (176,000km)	Replace every 110,000mi (176,000km)
Suspension	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Tie rod ends	Inspect every 12 months or 20,000mi (32,000km)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Underbody	Inspect (Schedule not specified for normal, defaults to severe)	Inspect every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)
Valve Lash	Inspect every 110,000mi (176,000km); Adjust only if noisy	Inspect every 110,000mi (176,000km); Adjust only if noisy
Wheels & tires	Rotate every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)	Rotate every 12 months or 10,000mi (16,000km)

Why Bother? The Perks of Regular Tune-Ups

• Longevity: Keep your Element running strong for more adventures!
• Reliability: Avoid inconvenient breakdowns.
• Performance & Efficiency: Maintain optimal power and fuel economy.
• Safety: Ensure critical systems like brakes and steering are in good working order.
• Resale Value: A well-maintained Element is a more valuable Element!

Wrapping Up

Sticking to your Honda Element’s maintenance schedule is the best investment you can make in its health and your peace of mind. Keep this guide handy, check your owner’s manual for specifics to your year, and don’t hesitate to grab the quality parts you need right here at HondaElementParts.com!

Happy Trails!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Always consult your Honda Element’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for maintenance schedules and procedures specific to your vehicle’s year and model.