The Honda Accord A14 service is a routine maintenance procedure that includes an oil change, tire rotation, and major engine servicing. This comprehensive service is crucial for keeping your Honda Accord running smoothly and efficiently. But what exactly does the A14 service entail, and how much can you expect to pay for it? This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about the Honda Accord A14 service cost.
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Honda Accord A14 Service Cost Breakdown
Table of Content
- 1 Honda Accord A14 Service Cost Breakdown
- 2 What is the Honda Accord A14 Service?
- 3 Factors That Affect Honda Accord A14 Service Cost
- 4 How Often is the A14 Service Required?
- 5 DIY A14 Service Cost Savings
- 6 Other Common Honda Maintenance Services
- 7 Questions to Ask When Scheduling A14 Service
- 8 Ensure Proper Maintenance with A14 Service
Now let’s break down what you can expect to pay for each item in the A14 service package:
Oil and Filter Change Cost
This basic maintenance item starts at around $40-60 on average. It includes:
- 5 quarts of new oil (conventional or synthetic)
- A new oil filter
- Labor for draining oil, replacing filter, and refilling
You may pay more if using premium oil or an OEM Honda oil filter. This service should be done every 5,000 miles.
Tire Rotation Cost
Rotating tires is a quick service that usually costs $20-40. Some shops include it free with regular oil changes. This should be performed every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
Expect to pay $400-700 for a complete spark plug replacement service. This includes:
- Set of 4-6 new iridium spark plugs ($100-200 parts)
- Labor for access, removal, and installation ($300-500)
Spark plugs normally need replacement at 100,000 mile intervals.
Valve Adjustment Cost
Valve adjustment cost is typically $350-550. This includes:
- Labor for valve access, measurement, and adjustment
- No major parts required
Valves should be checked and adjusted to specs every 100,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement Cost
This more extensive repair runs $450-750. It involves:
- New timing belt kit with water pump ($250-400 parts)
- Labor for removal of old belt, installation of new kit ($200-350)
The timing belt needs replacement around 105,000 miles.
Total Honda Accord A14 Service Cost
Putting together all the items above, you can expect to pay $1,260-2,100 for the complete A14 service at 105,000 miles. This includes:
- Oil change – $40-60
- Tire rotation – $20-40
- Spark plugs – $400-700
- Valve adjustment – $350-550
- Timing belt – $450-750
Costs may be slightly higher at dealerships or in major metro areas. Replacing other worn components at the same time can also add cost but saves on labor.
What is the Honda Accord A14 Service?
The A14 service code indicates that your Honda Accord is due for three important maintenance tasks:
- A – Oil and filter change
- 1 – Tire rotation
- 4 – Major engine servicing
Let’s explore each of these service items in more detail:
A – Oil and Filter Change
- This involves draining the old oil from the engine, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with new oil to the proper level.
- Fresh oil helps lubricate internal engine components, maintain ideal operating temperatures, and keep the engine running smoothly.
- The oil and filter should be replaced every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
1 – Tire Rotation
- Rotating the tires means moving them to a different position on the car.
- Front tires get swapped to the rear and vice versa.
- This evens out tread wear for longer tire life and balanced handling.
- Tire rotation should be performed every 6,000-8,000 miles.
4 – Major Engine Servicing
This code indicates that it’s time for major engine maintenance at the 105,000 mile mark. This includes:
- Replacing the spark plugs – Worn plugs reduce engine power and fuel efficiency. New plugs ensure proper combustion.
- Adjusting the valves – Valves can get out of sync over time, leading to issues. Adjustment restores engine performance.
- Replacing the timing belt – The timing belt keeps crucial engine components working in harmony. Replacing it prevents potential engine failure.
- Other components like the water pump, drive belt, and tensioner are often replaced at the same time.
So in summary, the Honda Accord A14 service covers all the key maintenance tasks needed to keep your engine running well for the long haul.
Factors That Affect Honda Accord A14 Service Cost
The total cost of the A14 service can vary quite a bit based on certain factors:
- Your location – Labor rates and part prices can differ greatly across regions. Major metros tend to be more expensive.
- Service center – Dealerships often charge more than independent shops. Shop around for quotes.
- Model/engine – Different Honda engines have different maintenance needs, affecting costs.
- Age of vehicle – An older car with more wear may require more extensive service.
- Condition of parts – Replacing more components at once reduces labor costs but increases parts cost.
How Often is the A14 Service Required?
The maintenance items in the A14 service are required at different intervals:
- Oil change – Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
- Tire rotation – Every 6,000-8,000 miles
- Spark plugs, valve adjustment, timing belt – At 105,000 miles
So you would get the oil change and tire rotation more frequently, then the major engine service around every 100,000 miles.
Many Honda owners opt to split up the services – doing the oil and tires regularly, then the bigger engine items all together at the 105K interval. This can help spread out costs over time.
Monitoring your Honda’s maintenance minder system ensures you get each service done on schedule. Following the full A14 schedule maintains performance and longevity.
DIY A14 Service Cost Savings
The A14 service costs above reflect professional shop pricing. But you can save over $1,000 in labor costs by performing some of the procedures yourself:
- Oil change – DIY cost $25-40 for oil and filter
- Tire rotation – Free if you have jack and torque wrench
- Spark plugs – DIY parts cost $100-200
- Valve adjustment and timing belt – Require advanced expertise
With DIY oil changes and tire rotations alone, you could potentially knock the total cost down to around $750-1,200. This requires some mechanical skill and comfort working on your Honda.
Carefully consider your ability before attempting any engine repairs like spark plugs. The valve adjustment and timing belt replacement require advanced training and tools.
Other Common Honda Maintenance Services
In addition to the major A14 service, there are other routine maintenance items to keep in mind with your Honda Accord:
Brake service – Replace brake pads, rotors, and fluid as needed every 25,000-40,000 miles.
- Pads and rotors: $300-500
- Brake fluid flush: $80-150
Coolant service – Drain, replace, and flush coolant every 3-5 years.
- Coolant replacement: $80-140
Transmission service – Drain and replace fluid every 25,000-60,000 miles.
- Transmission fluid change: $75-150
Air filter – Replace cabin and engine air filters every 12-15,000 miles for $20-60.
Regularly changing these items is key to reliability and longevity. Budgeting a few hundred dollars yearly helps cover ongoing maintenance costs.
Questions to Ask When Scheduling A14 Service
When it’s time to schedule A14 service for your Honda, asking some key questions upfront can give you clarity on costs:
- Do you offer any coupon specials on this service package?
- Can I get a breakdown of parts and labor costs?
- Do I really need to replace all items listed at this time?
- Do you use OEM or aftermarket replacement parts?
- What is the total estimated cost out the door?
- Do I get a warranty on any services performed?
Getting quotes from at least 2-3 shops is wise. This allows you to comparison shop for the best overall value.
Ensure Proper Maintenance with A14 Service
While spending over $1,000 for the comprehensive A14 service may seem daunting, it is crucially important preventative maintenance for your Honda Accord. Not staying on top of these services increases the risk of major engine damage down the road.
Investing in professional A14 service or taking on DIY repairs provides engine protection that saves thousands over the long run. Given proper care, your Honda Accord’s engine can reliably deliver hundreds of thousands of miles. Don’t cut corners on maintenance – regular A14 service enhances performance, fuel economy and longevity.
