The 2021 Honda Pilot is a great midsize crossover SUV. It not only boasts an enviable style thanks to its visual appeal and striking look, but it also has great fuel economy and is known for being a dependable vehicle. However, in order to keep it dependable, you need to regularly have it scheduled for service at your Rochester Honda Pilot dealer, as well as carry out regular check-ups to keep it in proper running order. This 2021 Pilot maintenance guide will cover some of the basics when it comes to when you should get your 2021 Honda Pilot serviced and some of the key areas you should have serviced at regular intervals.
Maintenance Minder Service Schedule
Every Honda is equipped with what’s called a Maintenance Minder. This dashboard indicator will flash to let you know when the best time is to get your Pilot scheduled for maintenance. It even uses different symbols that indicate what should get serviced. You should always schedule the Pilot to receive maintenance when the indicator display comes on. The indicator should let you know what exactly should be inspected or serviced at various intervals.
Each symbol from the display corresponds to what should be serviced during that scheduled interval. This will change based on mileage, wear and tear, or if the sensors indicate that something is in need of repair. It’s important to be mindful of the Maintenance Minder indicator so that you know how to address any issues that arise with the crossover SUV. Keep reading this 2021 Pilot guide to find out when the best times are to schedule your Pilot for service, even if the Minder indicator does not directly alert you.
When Do I Change The Pilot’s Oil?
Sometimes it’s suggested to get the oil changed for the Pilot every 5,000 miles. However, you can go up to 7,500 miles before getting the oil changed. The Maintenance Minder will actively calculate when to change your oil based on road conditions and your driving style, displaying Symbol A when it is time to replace the engine oil. Even if you don’t drive much and the indicator does not display, it’s still advised to replace the oil once a year. Your 2021 Honda Pilot will need to use 5.4 quarts of Honda-approved engine oil.
You will also need to replace the engine oil and oil filter when Symbol B appears on the Maintenance Minder display unit, which may occur after 15,000 miles. Symbol B means that the engine oil and oil filter will need to be serviced in order to ensure that the engine stays well lubricated to reduce wear and tear on the engine components. This is one of the more vital aspects of maintenance because a well-oiled engine helps increase the vehicle’s longevity and overall performance.
How Often Should I Replace Filters and Other Fluids?
In addition to having the engine oil filter replaced, there are other filters that should also be checked or replaced as well. This includes the vehicle’s air filter. Usually, you should replace the air filter when you’re also replacing the engine oil filter every 15,000 miles when Symbol 2 is displayed by the Maintenance Minder. You may also need to replace the cabin dust and pollen filter. If you drive your 2021 Honda Pilot in a heavily industrialized or urban area where there are a lot of other diesel vehicles or factories putting pollutants into the air, then you may need to also replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles. If you notice that the air conditioning or heating is less than optimal, it may also indicate that the cabin dust and pollen filter needs to be replaced.
Some of the additional fluids that may also need to be replaced occasionally include the transmission fluid, the transfer assembly fluid, the engine coolant, the brake fluid, and the rear differential fluid. Most of these fluids don’t need to be changed too often. Transmission and transfer assembly fluid should be changed when Symbol 3 is displayed, while brake fluid is indicated by Symbol 7. You should always use genuine Honda fluids in your 2021 Pilot.
If you regularly drive your Pilot into high-altitude areas at low speeds or you frequently tow trailers, then it’s advised to replace the differential fluid at the 7,500-mile mark and then again every 15,000 miles. Otherwise, the differential fluid only needs to be changed when the Maintenance Minder indicator for Symbol 6 appears.
Nevertheless, every time you go to get your Honda Pilot serviced, you should have the coolant levels and fluids checked for every major component. This includes the transmission fluid, the engine coolant, the brake fluid, the rear differential fluid, the transfer assembly fluid, and the windshield washer fluid. All fuel lines, brake hoses, and other vital components should also be inspected during regular check-ups as well.
What Other Maintenance Should Be Done Regularly for My Pilot?
If you bring your Pilot to a Honda dealer service center, you’ll likely receive some feedback and advice on when the Pilot should be serviced and how often. Some of the other maintenance considerations would include having the front and rear brakes inspected at the 15,000-mile mark, along with inspecting the gears, the exhaust system, the parking brake, the steering, and the suspension.
Every 7,500 miles or so, you should have the tires rotated. Having the wheel alignment inspected is also essential. Every other maintenance period should see the gearbox boots checked for any damages or leaks, as well as have the tie-rods inspected. Further into the lifespan of the Pilot, usually between the 50,000 and 60,000-mile mark, the timing belt should be replaced, and the water pump should be inspected for proper functionality. The spark plugs should also be replaced when Symbol 4 is displayed.
Keep in mind that many of the core components of the 2021 Honda Pilot will have their maintenance reminders attached to the Maintenance Minder indicator. So even if you’re not entirely sure about when you should have the Pilot serviced, the Minder indicator will more than likely let you know. Your Rochester Honda dealer will always be happy to help you have your Pilot’s components inspected for proper functionality.
Where Should I Get My 2021 Honda Pilot Serviced?
If you live in the Rochester area, it makes complete sense to bring your Honda Pilot to a Rochester Honda Pilot dealer service center, where it can be inspected and serviced. At Ralph Honda, we have certified technicians who can look at, inspect, service, and repair your Pilot. It’s one of our specialties. Even if you would prefer to handle the repairs yourself, we encourage you to order genuine Honda parts directly through us for your Pilot. This includes OEM accessories and replacement components.
For more serious work involving service and collision repair, we also have a collision center at the ready. You can schedule to have your Pilot serviced for body shop work if it’s been dented, dinged, or banged up during an accident. Alternatively, if you had a question about servicing your Honda that you didn’t find in this 2021 Pilot guide, then you can also contact one of our service technicians about the issue using our website form.
Remember, if you treat your Honda Pilot well, then it will continue to treat you well on the road. The Maintenance Minder is a great little tool that helps remind owners when the vehicle needs to be serviced and how often. If you’re still unsure about service intervals, you can also refer to your 2021 Honda Pilot owner’s manual to help iron out the details or contact a friendly service rep at Ralph Honda, where we’ll be happy to answer any and all of your questions.