In the service center at Don Carlton Honda in Tulsa OK, we've spent years responding to the very good questions we get from customers who drive here from Broken Arrow and Claremore OK. While Honda models are designed to be simple, we know the answers to your service questions aren't always obvious. Here are a few answers to some questions we get most often. See one of our friendly advisors to get your own questions answered.

How often should I change my oil?

The safest course of action is to check the maintenance schedule in your Honda owner's manual for the right oil change interval. For a Honda that has the Maintenance Minder system, you should plan on changing your oil when the display reads 15%. We recommend that all other Honda SUVs, sedans, minivans and trucks get an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles or at least once a year. It's the best way to keep your Honda happy.

What happens when I don't change my oil?

Every vehicle including a Honda is subject to daily assaults by uninvited guests like dirt, grime and dust. All that grime can build up over time and contaminate your oil. If you delay getting your oil changed, the oil will start to break down and will begin to leave sludge in your Honda's engine. That obviously won't do your engine any good and it can cause engine components to gradually break down, leaving you with big repair bills.

Why should I rotate my tires with each oil change?

Honda recommends that you get your tires rotated every 6,000 miles. The reason is because tires on the front can wear differently from tires on the back. By rotating your tires, you help your tires wear more evenly and last longer. With the Maintenance Minder system, you'll be driving about 5,000 to 7,000 miles between oil changes. When you keep your tires rotated, you're protecting your tread life and giving your tires a longer life expectancy.

Can I look to see if my Honda timing belt needs to be changed?

Sorry but that simply isn't possible with a normal visual inspection. The reason is because the timing belt is located in a spot inside the engine that can't be viewed without an extensive tear down. With most Honda vehicles, the factory recommendation is a timing belt change every five years or 100,000 miles. Follow the recommendations in your owner's manual and you should be able to get your timing belt changed in a timely way.

Is my Honda safe to drive with the Check Engine light illuminated?

When Honda owners in Owasso or Pryor OK see a check engine light that's illuminated, that means your Honda's internal computer isn't getting a full go-ahead operational signal from one or more of the components within your Honda system. If you see that the check engine light is on but not flashing and the car is drivable, drive it to our dealership. If the light is on and flashing, don't drive the car but have it towed to our dealership.

Do the fluids in my Honda need to be flushed?

No, American Honda strongly recommends that you should never do any flush services for your vehicle. According to American Honda, you should do only drain and refill fluid exchanges. If you have any other questions about how to take great care of your Honda sedan, SUV, minivan or truck, talk to a service advisor at Don Carlton Honda in Tulsa OK.