A Mechanics Guide To Maintaining Your SUV

In my experience as a mechanic, SUV maintenance is something that is often not considered when purchasing an SUV. In this video I cover the basics of SUV maintenance so that you have some idea of what you might be looking at to maintain your SUV.
If you take care of it, it will take care of you.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[@davidhoward5687]

Dang Eric. I have been watching your videos since I was 20 years old, I'm 34 now and it was because of your videos that I was able to learn how to work on cars, now I have my own business thanks to you.

[@aCiD0L2]

Dude thats awesome! Congrats man!

[@Acme-Logistics]

Totally agree 👍 Been watching & listening to Eric for years , he'd damn be a great teacher....such a friendly & likable Gent, I've been stuck on some jobs & was going to throw the towel in , but watching Eric helped me big time. Good luck with your venture 😉💯👍

[@andyhoffman8384]

I have a SUV and know next to nothing when it comes to maintaining it, aside from preventative maintenance. Thanks for the video!

[@psycohm4122]

Hope you’re doing good Eric! It’s great to see you returning occasionally, always look forward to a new ETCG video!

[@gano22perez]

You help people more than you know Eric, not just mechanical but in life generally.

[@wescot]

Hello Eric is so good to see you creating content again. Keep up the good and informative work. :)

[@yodead369]

Eric, the car guy! This guy was my automotive school! 😅

[@braydencochran6627]

Really hope to see some content coming from you again soon, your videos have always inspired me even 10 years later

[@artlopez9617]

Good to see you again ETCG! I go back as far as 2010 on your old videos from your old shop! Much props to you for a long successful journey 👏

[@robertmunroe3976]

Great video; especially for folks new to auto care. Eric’s right about the owner’s manual!! Sometimes, when I’m stuck parked & waiting for something, I pull the owner’s manual out of the glove box for some reading material. EVERY dang time I do this, I learn something new about my vehicle! Had my SUV for 2 years, glanced at manual, and learned my rear seats have two recline positions; who knew?!? Good advice Eric, stay dirty!

[@randyjohnson321]

I am looking forward to you getting your new shop and learning from the true professional that you are. Thanks for all you give to us.

[@falkononskiis4549]

I really appreciate this guide! Especially paying attention to the sounds, noises, smells, and feelings while driving! You'd be surprised what you can find by just turning the radio off and opening the windows

[@JoshBransonPhoto]

Big E! Good mornin' fella.

[@frugalprepper]

Got to fix the AC in Barb's VAN! Seriously, though. Great Video!

[@tbcarleton]

If you can't find aftermarket transmission pans or differential covers with drain plugs, you can weld or braze bungs onto the factory ones.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

I'd like to add if you have after market tires then go by what is on the tire or what the tire manufacturer recommends for your vehicle on there website.

[@TWRSHO]

Glad to see you putting out content!

[@TryMyMartini]

You have a maintenance video for cars, trucks, and SUVs. I have a Honda Element, so I figured I'd watch all three!

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Glad you're back bro good video on SUV Maintenance

[@ryulee458]

Always good to see you Eric

[@1hpOutbreak]

Eric I found you while I was in jail ironically enough but I love your content ❤❤

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

Glad to see the Pilot again. Still trying to resurrect mine

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Eric, 🙏 you & Family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God Bless you.

[@TechnoEveryday]

Great as usual. This video is applicable to all vehicles in my opinion 🎉🎉🎉

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Eric, Stay Safe😍

[@eastmanresearch3143]

Glad to see you back! enjoy the content.

[@Pissedabalone]

Thank you Eric!

[@jeffscomp]

That Honda pilot that was destined for the junkyard is now like new and improved.

[@charlesk9471]

Good advice. Seems most vehicles are SUV’s these days. Keep up the good work!

[@PizzaStew]

Thank God, you’re starting to come back! Automotive repair on the Internet was starting to get boring.

[@livesquad2810]

I love these types of informative videos. It's really helpful for people who are just starting out.

[@alexandercuello3168]

Hi Eric, it’s great to see you creating more content. Thank your for sharing this video. I own the 2007 4wd Honda pilot and I learned so much from your previous videos from when you restored your pilot. This weekend I will attempt to the replace both front lower control arms the bushings are really pretty worn out. Aside from regular maintenance and check ups like you just suggested I like to do additional stuff. Every 10k miles I like to remove the egr valve to remove carbon deposits, same with the throttle body and I like to inspect the pcv valve. I’ve been using some additives as well for years and so far my pilot keeps running great. For those who own any of the first generation Honda pilot 2003-2008 rust is a major issue in the rear subframe area! It needs to be addressed ASAP! on mine there was minor superficial rust that I removed then painted the area and finally applied an anti rust treatment to protect the area. This is a design flaw by Honda and I guess people are not complaining enough about it.

[@ericthecarguy]

I have dealt with that very thing on my own Pilot. Thanks for the comment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raDYZaahbb2nb80

[@adamshaw5032]

First viewer, thanks for all the help throughout the years!

[@Stryckerrr]

I remember when he would say "if its your Birthday, Happy Birthday" hope all is well Eric 🙏🏽

[@Matowix]

And the digital cake

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Thank God you are back!! Wish you the best always Eric!!

[@TimTurner115]

Thank you for the helpful tip sir.

[@NoyziNeighborz]

Love the emails. I just bought a 2019 Durango SXT AWD and wanted to know as much as possible to ensure it stays running at its best. Right on time Eric. TY

[@peterpowell6168]

Great video 👍 thanks for your videos 👍

[@SpufiMan1]

Missed you, Glad you're back 😊

[@armandoguerra8448]

Hey guys Chris fix here! Oh wait wrong channel!

[@bellybell542]

I love your videos, very educative.

[@vivachedesigns]

Great informational video for SUV maintenance! 💪🏽🔥🤙🏽

[@PedroRodriguez-hy5ty]

Iam glad to see your videos again eric

[@orlandol.telesforo9597]

Hi Eric , Thank you for sharing your video. 🤙☮️

[@kioumarsshahbazi1295]

Excellent

[@arielatom03]

Its been almost 2 years now, no shop, no regular uploads, i think he left us fr

[@TryMyMartini]

I thought this was posted about five months ago?

[@arielatom03]

@@TryMyMartini posting every 2 months aint regular uploads

[@philippevandenstockt5999]

Eric,i hope that you getting a shop soon. Love your vids.

[@USA_27]

Nice Content about SUV maintenance

[@JoeCnNd]

Thank god you're back to some video making.

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

But the most important bit: Don't buy an SUV if you don't need it. Get a wagon/estate if you want space, a truck if want to haul shit or an offroader if you wan to well, go offroad (bronco raptor looking sweet, landcruiser maybe more dependable but less capable). If you don't use your car for any of this, get a hatchback or better still, a miata rf.

[@internallyinteral]

Better yet if you can take public transportation, save yourself 10k a year at least when you consider all of the benefits

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

​@@internallyinteral Autonomy in transportation is a powerful factor. When I moved to the United States, I quickly came to the conclusion that large-scale public transportation is not a viable option beyond controlled environments. It also tends to be quite expensive. You want a good balance. A shitty crossover offers nothing over say, a Mazda 3 for commuting, it might actually be worse. But a car for me, is 4 times faster and half as expensive to run as public transport.

[@webtoedman]

I can do al lthose things in my Rav4.

[@MrZimmaframe]

2:36 That's the oil viscosity, but you also want to use the right oil specification too, it's usually found in the owners manual, or Google it if you dont have the owners manual. Oil specifications can make a big difference to your engines life.

[@Linuxman920]

Eric, I have an 06 pilot 4WD with a black plastidip grille like yours

[@iyervikas81]

Hey Eric, big fan ❤ here. Been watching your vids for many years now and you have saved me a ton of $$$ on my acura and honda v6 repairs. I owe you man! I am seeing a bit of vibration on my drive belt tensioner pulley. I am thinking of just replacing the tensioner pulley since my idler pulley is in great shape. Any tips on how to do that. Its a 2011 accord V6 engine. Thanks in advance

[@WayApp]

The ultimate SUV care manual!

[@thesetruths1404]

My four SUVs are 20+ years old and they all smell funny and sound odd. 😅 Mitsubishi Montero Limited...best near-classic SUV since they haven't been made or sold in USA for 18 years. 1998 Nissan Pathfinder and 2001 Ford Excursion I also own. And a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500, and 2004 Subaru Impreza. The least favorable is the Nissan...they went downhill in the 90s and stayed that way. This is a great beginner video for people who didn't have dads teach them the basics or haven't done any research for themselves.

[@George-Smith]

Greetings boss Eric more grace

[@steffydog]

Bloody neck, are you back matey?

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification squad Have a nice weekend!🔥🔥🔥

[@johnmarino4085]

Glad to see you’re still staying dirty !

[@BilliamNye1]

Eric's looking kinda fluffy good to see your doing ok!

[@326th]

Hello ETCG, I've been watching you since you saved me $20, 14 years ago. What are your thoughts on being a mobile mechanic? Could you possibly make a video about it?? It's great to see you back on YT again.

[@BraveHelios]

Hey Eric, I've been following you and your videos for a while now. Thanks for the excellent content, especially for all things Honda! May I ask, what ever happen to the plan of supercharging the Pilot? I have an M90 S/C from a GM Series II 3800 engine and a 2007 Ridgeline I'd like to install it in. Since I think both vehicles are similar in many areas, any top tips would be greatly appreciated! Also with my Ridgeline... I have had the alignment done and the darn thing still pulls to the right! All steering components are in good nick and caster, camber and toe and within spec (even non adjustable caster is within spec). Only questionable components are the front struts and driving half shafts. The half shafts seems to be okay... not too much rotational / in and out play in in the CV bearings and not too noisy either. You think that bad struts and strut bearings (on top of struts) might cause the vehicle to steer / veer to the right? Thanks!

[@tracy2762]

I just subbed and have 2016 crv ex...i am looking to lower my payments so i am looking at the other years and also the other ones like element or pilot..2006 crv is my other year i am looking at...do you have a suggestion on the honda thats older that would be least problematic? i also just noticed the element cant hold a lot of weight..ty

[@hukmai]

Love this series! Question, in my 2017 Ridgeline awd I have noticed my inner tread wearing out quicker than the outer tread So far I have replace 1 set of tires after ( 2 rear first then after 4 months the next 2) almost exactly about 1.5years of owning the tires around 20k miles on them. I do tire rotates and alignment after every 5k oil change. I'm at 179k miles and most of the suspension has already been changed except for rear Trailing arms and rear lower control arm which my mechanic says is still good. I really don't want to keep spending on tires, any thoughts?

[@lvazq211]

What’s the most mileage you’d recommend servicing the transmission? Got a 2012 cr-v with 180k and debating wether to do it or not since it’s the daily. Thanks for all the help over the years!

[@c0stly_cb7]

I love you eric

[@AllTheBoost]

Stoped watching your videos after the super charger tear down for the type r. Checked back for an updated every six months. Since there is no update, I’ll comment. Give us a boost update! Finish

[@marian_f1704]

Also, a good advice would be to grease the joints regularly whenever is needed

[@myviews469]

Did you ever replace rack and pinion on S60 Volvo or suggest where I can pick up rack and pinion ?

[@robertdiehl9003]

Add : drop and lube spare tire cable underneath back bumper twice a year

[@ericthecarguy]

Excellent suggestion.

[@InternetListener]

For the total cost of ownership of running (owning, maintaining and fueling) a SUV you may have one daily safe economic car and an older offroader just in case...

[@summushieremiasclarkson4700]

100% agree, horses for courses. I bought an Acura TL 2004 MT in fantastic condition for daily use for about $8k, and an old GMC Sierra 1993 V8 MT for $4k (I only buy MTs for reliability). Cheaper and much, much better overall.

[@museinglis1979]

…’the information can be found’…online or on KZbin! 😂

[@IIGrayfoxII]

These days the owners manual will say "See Dealership" for some information like fluid types as they want the dealership to do these things, not the owner.

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm sure they'd like to make as much money as they can from their customers. Thank you for that insight. I wasn't aware.

[@LetsFixIT]

Guess who's back. Hey Eric

[@user-db4py2do6t]

I have a 2016 Honda civic and it makes a vibration sound when I’m driving and only when I let off the gas I’m thinking it is a motor mount

[@Hodado]

I'd like to see manufacturers return to installing dipsticks for transmissions,it seems that they are omitting these on the newer models making them more difficult to service.Also the new CVT transmissions have became more prevalent requiring fluid changes more often.It seems like manufacturers don't want owners do do their own maintenance any more.

[@ronw9901]

What is the last word on an external power source for changing a car battery to keep ecm powered

[@gerrydoffner2491]

i have a 98 crv there is a noise coming from the rear I changed the diff the berrings are tightand smooth cv.s are tight and smooth but still a loujd howling at 30km and up

[@kylergaming2336]

Hi Eric! I just want to ask something about my Civic Ek I hope you could answer. When I srart my engine RPM goes up and down for about 3 seconds and I can hear that there is a misfiring but after that 3 seconds everything is normal. Also when I check my spark plugs 2 and 3 has some wet fuel on it. All is normal even when I long drive my car that first 3 seconds is my only problem.

[@tyrone3k16]

When u coming back Eric miss ur videos 😊

[@jarasblunt]

Oh hi man, long time no see. Damn you got old 😐 well I guess I didn’t get any younger either 😅 best wishes 👍

[@5Dale65]

SUVs became stupidly popular in Europe these days

[@glennhansel9411]

Monkey see, monkey do

[@ryans413]

Would load weight also include yourself because if you got 5 people in the car that all weigh close to 200 pounds that’s almost your 1000 pound limit

[@jasminesailes7650]

I have i want to purchase a car but I'm out of town how can I tell if motor and transmission are in video

[@ComblessMan]

I have some questions , do those bug shields actually work? And, dash cam, can you recommend the cam you are using?

[@ericthecarguy]

The 'bug shield' was on it when I got it, I did need repair it though. Not sure how well it works as I've never run it without it. Here is the dash cam. I haven't had any issues with it. amzn.to/3PGaKUj

[@notbanksy8294]

I would add, that in some cases, the owner's manual is out of date. I've had some vehicles that, when they were made, they used a certain type of fluid. Fast forward 15 years, and the manufacturer now recommends a different types of fluids, parts, etc.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Eric--- might be wise to let people know if they're tires are worn, to use caution before running there hand across the treads . As I'm sure you know what a steel wire from a radial tire can do to a human hand !

[@ericthecarguy]

Great point. Thanks for reminding me.

[@lisamchalebreland3633]

Good morning. 03 Odyssey won’t reverse

[@craigiefconcert6493]

I borrowed my girlfriends dad’s truck once to move. We were driving down the highway and it started to rain. Turned on the wipers and all they did was smudge everything. Check your wipers and fluid! Guy reading manual: “Car must be running to check the transmission fluid” Well….ok. Gets a buddy and goes down the road with the hood up and clinging to the front bumper. 😂😂😂

[@ramonjrusa]

What’s the life expectancy for the spare tire? Or when should we replace it?

[@ericthecarguy]

Frankly, I've never replaced one. I would inspect it for dry rot or cracks. If it has those, I'd replace it. Otherwise, I'd make sure it's inflated properly and hope I never have to use it.

[@ranger178]

i wish i could get my wife and kids to actually look at their cars while they are getting gas. they drive me crazy i go out and look and their cars will be low on oil or transmission fluid never checked since last oil change.

[@XqeDiosxqe]

Hey Erick, I used the wrong power steering fluid on my honda civic now is leaking from the steering rack...whats the deal ? 😂

[@RzVids]

Most of what you said is not listed in the owners manual.. the SERVICE manual lists everything maintenance/repair wise

[@yasmanibarajas7278]

Is this a re-upload? Or was the other fr a truck?

[@N1withaskillet]

If this is another video about checking tire pressure...

[@Dave30867]

😉👍

[@kenholt8297]

They say Eric the car guy fell off the earth.

[@bobbyr8071]

EricTheCarSasquatch ?? 😂😂

[@jp554731]

Hi, I don’t think I can DM on KZbin. I’m trying to repair my ecu because someone removed the pin connector and some traces need to be repaired. Do you know a professional that can fix and test traces? I asked around but all the people who work on car computers are scrubs and can’t do delicate work like this.😂 I’ve been asking around but like I said all the car guys who pretend to be hot shit end up being scrubs and ruin the part. I have 2 rare PRB ECUs from preface lift RSX Type S and these computers are getting rare as reflected in the $600 used price. And these are the only ones worth doing the kpro V4 on. I just don’t want to scrap them. Thanks!

[@George-Smith]

You said SUV maintenance is not like automotive maintenance Please my point is "is an SUV not an automotive" 6:10

[@georgeresburg5809]

Remember to drive fast and take chances 😂.