2008 EX-L with 162,000 miles. I changed the Rear Differential fluid with genuine Honda VTM-4 when i purchased the vehicle in July 2020 with 135,000 miles. Over the last 2 years it’s done some light towing (1500lb camper) and some moderate New England mountain driving. Drained the fluid today for a change and the old fluid is still bright pink. (See photo.) the old fluid, on the left, is pretty much indistinguishable from the brand new fluid, on the right.
Is it necessary to change the rear differential every 25 to 30k miles? Is differential fluid different from motor oil or ATF in that it doesn’t darken as it ages/breaks down? Changing the rear diff fluid is easy, but I’d rather not waste fluid — for environmental reasons mainly, but also $$ — if it’s not necessary.
Thoughts?
Is it necessary to change the rear differential every 25 to 30k miles? Is differential fluid different from motor oil or ATF in that it doesn’t darken as it ages/breaks down? Changing the rear diff fluid is easy, but I’d rather not waste fluid — for environmental reasons mainly, but also $$ — if it’s not necessary.
Thoughts?