Acura TL Care and Maintenance

kph

Acutally, it is my experience that Honda/Acura dealers are willing to do pretty much any work on vehicles with the other label - as long as you are paying for it. But, as you mention, if it requires a billing to the other side, for some reason they are not set up to do that.

There are many parts in common, but even more that are unique to each vehicle. They do have to run to the other dealer's parts department to get those parts that are not stocked locally. In my case, they were happy to do that -- so I got Acura treatment for my '98 Honda Accord..

kahunah

Since you pay for things like oil changes, filters, wheel alignments, tire balancing, etc. Honda can do the work but warranty issues are a different matter.

kph

Forgot the ":)"

kahunah

Say I have a warranty issue and I'm vacationing in cottage country. Chances are the closest dealership that could service my TL is Honda. I'm sure they would help me out and do their best to fix the problem, and I would expect Acura to approve the service and pay for it. So, I could be wrong.

billyperks

kahunah

Care to elaborate? Have you or someone you know had their Acura serviced at Honda (or vice versa) under warranty? I'm not being challenging, just genuinely curious.

billyperks

I wanted to service my wife's (warranty work) at my Acura dealer because I have sort of a bond with them.

Service Manager told me no way- I will have to pay for that.

So back to the Honda Dealership for the warranty work.

kahunah

"Except for oil changes, the answer is no. Any work that requires an invoice to be sent to Acura cannot be done by Honda." And, vice versa. Oh well...

sjz1

sjz1

I took delivery of my new 04 TL this past weekend and have some questions:

1. Can the car be waxed immediately, or is there a certain timeframe that is required for the paint to cure?
2. Does anyone have experience with car covers? I don't have the luxury of a parking garage at work, so it will sit outside each day. Are they more trouble than they're worth? How much of a hassle is it when they get wet?

Thanks

dtate99

I can't answer your question regarding the paint curing, but I have heard in the past not to wax a car for several months after it has been painted. You may want to find out when yours was made.

As far as the car cover goes, you can buy a very nice one from Acura which is made to fit your TL. I had one for my '02 TL that I kept for my '04, but it doesn't fit as well -- the side mirror pockets are too tight -- but it will work if I fold in the side mirrors. It is made of a breathable fabric which I believe is referred to as NOAH. It's very light weight and relatively simple to take on and off. I would highly recommend it if you own a black car as my '02 was black and was parked outside all the time. It really showed dirt, but more than anything, over time it showed signs of rain spotting despite being waxed occasionally. If you have to access your car frequently during the day, you may want to just use the cover when the car will sit for extended periods of time, b/c it does take a few minutes to properly install/fold up.

kahunah

...Zaino Bros' now have a Canadian website in place. I just ordered the Z-Kit and now that Spring is finally on its way, I can't wait to use it on both my '04 & '00 TLs.

http://www.zaino.ca/

brew99

Let us know how it goes!

qali

I am returning to the Town Hall after about a 3 year absence. So I am not sure if this is the right board to post this message. I am about to buy out my 02 TL lease. It is flawless and expect it to last years. I am also planning to buy extended warranty from Acura for 6yr/110000 km for CDN$1200.

2 questions:
1. Does anyone know about any serious issues on this car ? I already have received Acura's warranty extension on the transmission. Anything that I should be mindful of before buying out my lease ?

2. In your experience is the extended warranty worth it ?

jofer

Hi everyone,

Just bought a 2004 Acura TL. The dealership has tried to sell me a 'car care' product that is supposed to help protect the exterior paint from acid rain, etc. It also includes interior protection. They were selling it for $499 (with free lifetime supply).

Is this a worthy investment? Is it really better than other products sold anywhere else? Appreciate any response to this question.

Thanks. Joe

jjabbytaylor

I'd be a little wary of their kit. Not only does it sound really expensive, but who knows whether the products are any good.

There are plenty of good car care products available. I'm sure you can get plenty of good recommendations here.

I personally use Meguiar's waxes and Lexol for the leather. As far as waxes are concerned, I've heard good things about Zymol and Zaino Brothers too.

Good luck,

Jeff

moeronn

For that much money, they should be throwing in someone to come to your house and do the car washing for you.

As Jeff suggested, there are some very good car care products out there. The Zaino system he mentioned sells for about 100 and will likely protect your interior and exterior better than what the dealer uses.

The only (exterior) car protection that would cost anywhere near the $500 range would be a clear bra for the hood, bumbers and fenders (including installation)

mdhauke

Joe,

I just applied Zaino to my TL and it looks like a million bucks, better then any dealer ripoff could do. If you don't mind applying polish yourself you should try it out. Here is the link: http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

billherrmann

Used zaino wax for the first time last week. The results after several heavy rains was AMAZING!!!
far better than anything I've ever used. Easy to use [one hour to do my TL] & what a shine.

phillyillini

Just curious, since I have never tried this myself. Which Zaino products did you apply?

Karen_S

Everything you ever wanted/needed to know about Zaino can be found in the M&R topic, Zaino Experiences.

mdhauke

For my Acura I Clay bared it and the washed it with the Z7. Then I Z2 with the additive 3 -coats then Z-6d it and it looks great.

dtd98

Hi All,
I have a 2000 TL and it's reaching 30,000 miles.I'd like to get a transmission fluid flush , but a friend of mine says the way the TL is built that I can't get it's tranmission flush, only replace it which is about half of the fluid every time I drain it. Is it true ? Please let me know if any one know about this.Thanks,
dtd98

micked

My 04 TL has almost 8100 miles on it and I had one oil change, and the current oil has 70% life left. I was reading in Acura Style a question someone had about the 03 TL and changing the oil. Part of the answer was "Oil changes after the break in period should be performed according to either the mileage or the timeframe recommended in the owner's manual. Oil that remains in the engine crankcase for an extended period of time, wheter or not the car is driven, can interact with condensation and cause acids to form that are harmful to the engine." Is 5-6 months between oil changes considered "extended"?

Thanks,

Eddie G

jrkelly

I just got my TL a week ago and want to keep it in tip top shape inside and out. I've read quiet a few posts recommending Zaino waxes. But there is a Z2, Z5, Z7. How do you know which one to use on your car (or do you use them all at some point) or is it best to just buy the whole kit? Thanks.

mdhauke

If your car is new than all you need is a claybar, Z2 which is the polish itself, ZFX which you add the the polish so it can bond to the car in a short period of time. Z6 which is a spray that you spray on and whip off to give a better shine. Some Z7 which is the car wash, and finally some applicator pads. You don't need Z5 because that is polish for cars that have minor scratches or swirl marks. Read the Zaino website's FAQ and instructions, they are very helpful. And the finish product will blow your mind. My car constantly gets comments and out shines all the others who are using other wax and polish products.

jrkelly

Thanks for that info. Just curious, do you use their leather products for the inside of your car as well? I'm definitely going to buy the other products but not sure what to put on the leather. Thanks.

mdhauke

Haven't used that product yet but am thinking of getting that along with the wheel glosser in my next order.

billyperks

You won't go wrong with this product, I started last fall and my cars always gets compliments from the neighbors.

White Diamond Pearl TLS and Graphite Grey Accord, the Accord stands out more because it has a darker color.
I did my summer coats last weekend, so between now and November its strickly Z6 and Z7 applications.

c5_4fun

I have a black TL and have used the show car glaze product from Meguiar's. Does Zaino give a better shine? What about compared to Zymol? Also, last week I saw the best looking black car and the owner told me he used a product from Griot's garage out of Seattle; do you guys have any experience with this product vs. Zaino?

tampajay1

Does anyone know about this product that is put on the front bumper which is almost invisible which protects against stone chips?

duval1

Anybody have 17" TL Type-S factory wheels for sale? Little if anything on ebay.

jjabbytaylor

My dealer called it Invisible Shield and I have it installed on my 2004 TL. I've been really happy with it so far, as I haven't seen any rock chips in the protected area (and only one on the entire car in 8 months) so I have been very happy.

It really isn't visible unless you are looking for it and you are pretty close to the car.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

gords

Afternoon All...

Just picked up our new 2004 TL BDP/Camel/Navi.

I would like to treat the interior leathers with a good product before it gets too broken in. (the car is 3 days off the dealer lot). Any suggestions. I am worried about darkening the colour of the interior leather with some of these so called leather protectors. I need you help on this one. Many Thanks. P.S. I LOVE THIS CAR!

billyperks

Go with the Zaino leather cleaner and conditoner.
I have been using this product since last October and my leather looks just as new like the first time I drove it off the lot.
I have the parchment interior on a 03 TLS.

gords

Thank you for your recommendation.

Will try to get my hands on this product from the Canadian distributor.

2001civiclx

I may buy a TL next year. Does anybody know when to change the TL's timing belt?

newanthi

What is the recommended break-in period and considerations for a 2005 tl?

sacdriver

I am thinking about leasing an '05 TL with auto trans. I am getting various information about oil changes. The dealer says it needs one only every 7,500 miles. On another forum here, someone said that is true only if I use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Someone else said that there is no way of adjusting the automatic oil change warning to indicate fewer oil changes are needed. Yet other people in these forums talk about getting various mileages out of an oil change before they are warned to get an oil change. Does the car somehow sense when it needs an oil change and that by using Mobil 1 that warning will come many miles later, or do you just assume that despite what the oil change warning says, you are good for 7,500 miles using Mobil 1 ? Will the blended synthetic put out by Union 76 give me added miles between oil changes (there are no Mobil service stations in my area)? This is all very confusing.

4cubes

Getting ready to replace the tires. Has anyone had success with this that they would like to share info. Much appreciated. Rob

hoyahenry

Does the car somehow sense when it needs an oil change...?.

 

Yes, by sensing the engine operating conditions over time and calculating the effect those conditions would have on the oil. It sends this information to the information display, which tells the driver, if selected, what percentage of oil life is remaining. At 20% remaining the car information display will display and chime the maintenance needed message to the driver on engine start.

 

So, I got almost 6000 miles on the original oil from the factory before the car indicated that the oil was at 15% useful life remaining. The information display says that I still have 50% remaining on the second oil and I am approaching 10000 miles.

 

and that by using Mobil 1 that warning will come many miles later

 

The car does not analyze the oil, and there is no setting to compute the life based upon oil type, so I'm fairly confident to say that the answer to the question is no.

 

My personal opinion is that the money to use Mobil 1 is best spent on something else. I think that debate and information is best left to the Oil forum.

csrsc

Hi folks - I routinely do my own air filter changes (about every 15,000), and I have Acura do the oil changes every 5,000 miles. I've got approx 61,000 on my car now...when is the proper time to get a fuel filter change ?? I asked the dealer today when I went in for an oil change...he stated there was no set time...and didn't (!) push for me to get it done today. Appreciate the assist !

ljwalters1

I'm having trouble finding the maintenance schedule for my 04 TL. I bought it used and wonder if I'm missing a book or something. Can you tell me where it lists the maintenance schedule for this car? You know, oil changes every X miles, total tune-up every Y miles, etc.

dadoftwo

I have a new 2005 Acura TL that is past the 600 mile engine break in period. I want to know if it is alright to change the oil now. My dealership used Castrol Syn/Blend and I want to switch to a full synthetic. Is there any reason that I can't do that before the first scheduled oil change?

dadoftwo

If you haven't already found it, the recommended time is 600 miles.

krisl

Hey All -

Just picked up my 2005 TL and like all new car buyers am trying to be "very" careful about its appearance. Was wondering what the general tips are for maintenance ? How often should one wax the exterior ? How often should one use the leather products mentioned here (Zaino etc) ?

Any pointers will be highly appreciated !!

soster

Please advise as to how often you apply Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner. I just purchased a 2005 TL Deep Green Pearl with parchment interior and my biggest concern is maintaining the interior.

Thanks for your input!

tedescm1

Does anyone know how to change the air filter in the 04 Acura Tl? It looks complicated!

I clear description would be appreciated.

TX,

Mike

Karen_S

Step over to Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences topic for advice from long time fans of Zaino.

epete

Yes. I cannot remember the name of the product, but my dealership offers it as an option. Call Los Gatos Acura, Los Gatos ,Calif for info.