Honda Civic Type R FL5 Maintenance Guide

Honda Civic Type R FL5 Maintenance Guide

The Honda Civic Type R FL5, released in 2022, has quickly established itself as one of the most capable performance hatchbacks on the market. As with any high-performance vehicle, regular maintenance is crucial to keep the FL5 running at its best. Whether you are a current owner or considering purchasing one, it’s important to understand the service schedule and what to expect in terms of maintenance to ensure your Type R remains in top condition.

This guide provides an overview of the Honda Civic Type R FL5's recommended maintenance schedule, along with essential checks and replacements. Since the FL5 is a relatively new model, many of these items will be relevant for owners of cars that are a few years old, and as a newer model, there should be fewer concerns with wear and tear.

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Service Schedule for the Honda Civic Type R FL5

The Civic Type R FL5 follows a regular service schedule that aims to keep the car in peak performance condition while ensuring the engine, transmission, and other key components operate smoothly. Honda recommends that the vehicle is serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles (20,000 kilometres), whichever comes first.

The servicing intervals typically consist of basic maintenance, including fluid checks, filters, and inspections, and as the car ages, more significant work such as brake pad replacement and timing belt checks will become necessary.

1st Year / 12,500 Miles (20,000 Kilometres) Service

For the first service at 12,500 miles or one year, the following checks and replacements are recommended:

• Oil and Oil Filter Change: Engine oil is crucial for smooth engine operation. Honda recommends replacing the engine oil and oil filter during each service to maintain engine health and performance.
• Brake Fluid Check: The brake fluid should be checked and topped up as necessary. Regular brake fluid checks are essential to ensure proper braking performance.
• Air and Cabin Filter Replacement: Both the engine air filter and the cabin filter should be replaced if necessary to maintain airflow and efficiency.
• Tyre Inspection: Tyres should be checked for wear and alignment to ensure proper handling and safety.
• Fluid Levels: Fluids such as coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid should be checked and topped up.
• Visual Inspection: A comprehensive inspection of key components like the suspension, exhaust system, and undercarriage for any signs of wear or damage.

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2nd Year / 25,000 Miles (40,000 Kilometres) Service

At the 25,000-mile mark (or every two years), the following maintenance items are included, in addition to the regular checks:

• Oil and Oil Filter Change: This remains a priority for regular engine upkeep.
• Brake Pads and Discs Inspection: Check the condition of the brake pads and discs. Any signs of significant wear or uneven surfaces should be addressed to maintain optimum braking performance.
• Spark Plug Inspection: Spark plugs should be inspected for wear and replaced if necessary.
• Coolant System Check: Ensure the coolant levels are sufficient and that the system is free from leaks.
• Wheel Alignment and Balance: Regular checks of wheel alignment and balance can prevent uneven tyre wear and ensure safe handling.
• Transmission Fluid: Inspect and top up transmission fluid if necessary.

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3rd Year / 37,500 Miles (60,000 Kilometres) Service

As the car approaches the 3-year or 37,500-mile point, more extensive checks and parts replacements are required:

• Timing Chain Inspection: The timing chain should be checked for wear. While the Civic Type R FL5 uses a chain rather than a belt, it’s still essential to ensure its integrity.
• Brake Fluid Change: At this stage, brake fluid should be fully replaced to ensure the braking system remains in top condition.
• Full Suspension Inspection: Given the performance nature of the Civic Type R, the suspension system should be thoroughly inspected for any signs of wear or damage.

4th Year / 50,000 Miles (80,000 Kilometres) Service

At this stage, additional in-depth checks are recommended:

• Brake Pads and Discs Replacement: Depending on usage, brake pads and discs may need to be replaced. Performance vehicles like the FL5 often require more frequent brake servicing, especially for owners who use the car for spirited driving or track days.
• Spark Plug Replacement: If spark plugs haven't been changed earlier, they should be replaced to maintain fuel efficiency and engine performance.
• Fluid and Filter Change: Fluids, such as brake fluid and transmission fluid, should be replaced if they haven't been changed recently.

Additional Maintenance Considerations

While the Civic Type R FL5 is relatively new, here are some areas to keep an eye on for the future:

• Performance Driving: The Civic Type R is designed to handle spirited driving, but frequent track use or aggressive driving can put additional strain on components. Be mindful of the tyres, brakes, and cooling systems if you use the car for performance driving.
• Upgrades and Aftermarket Parts: If you're planning on modifying the vehicle with aftermarket parts such as a performance exhaust, air intake, or ECU remap, it’s important to ensure the car is regularly serviced, and that any upgrades are compatible with the vehicle’s factory systems.
• Warranty and Recalls: As the FL5 is a relatively new model, keep an eye out for any recalls or warranty-related issues. Honda has an excellent reputation for addressing issues quickly, and regular checks at the dealership will ensure your car remains up to date.

If you are primarily using your FL5 for fast road, or track driving, consider checking out our FL5 Brake section here.

Conclusion

The Honda Civic Type R FL5, being a recent release, follows a standard maintenance schedule that is straightforward and manageable for most owners. Regular servicing every 12,500 miles (20,000 kilometres) or annually will ensure that the engine, transmission, and other key components continue to operate efficiently and at peak performance. The car is designed to handle regular use as well as occasional spirited driving, but to keep it running in top shape, following the recommended service schedule is crucial. Whether you're a current owner or considering purchasing an FL5, staying on top of regular maintenance will help preserve the car’s performance and reliability for years to come.