[Nail Grease]

Visually, if the brake fluid is turning brown, I'd replace. If it looks like it will need front brake pads soon, I'd wait and do a complete system flush then. That includes bleeding the back brakes even if the pads were not replaced. 3 years is likely soon for most, but Honda is covering their bases. A 2016 Pilot with the factory brake fluid likely needs attention, regardless of where you live.

 

[Nail Grease]

Is everyone using OEM fluid? How much does the system take for a fill bleed/flush?

I use generic grocery store Dot 3, Wal-Mart SuperTech Dot 3. Just make sure it's Dot 3.

 

[Nail Grease]

Thanks NG! I didn’t any reason to use the OEM notwithstanding the “specified” directive in the manual. How much do you go through for a flush/bleed on your ‘17? I’ve never done one before and want to make sure I have enough on hand.

I'd buy 32oz.

 

[Nail Grease]

No shame at all! If there is one thing I have learned on this forum, it’s that we can’t all be perfect like @Nail Grease! 😱

Certainly not perfect. 🤦‍♂️
Just living by my experiences.
Be sure to wear eye protection when bleeding brakes. Just one drop in the eye can be a painful experience. Much more so if your this guy.

 

[Nail Grease]

Do you also use "generic grocery store" motor oil and transmission fluid?

No.
Dot 3 is Dot 3.
Not all motor oil and transmission fluid is the same.

 

[Nail Grease]

I really see no reason to use Dot 4 in a Pilot. The price is considerably higher. All Dot 3 brake fluid is full synthetic.

 

[Nail Grease]

All I know is SuperTech, O'Reilly's and this off brand GTC Dot 3 brake fluid is in 6 of the 8 vehicles I care for.

(HEB Grocery Store)
I honestly have never had brake issues. Simply flush completely all the way around when replacing any brake pads.

 

[Nail Grease]

Do you ever check the temperature of your brake fluid after you've slowed down from those 75+ mph highway speeds?

No. Not like I'm ridin the brake or anything. Should I be concerned?

 

[Nail Grease]

Given how particular you are about choices for motor oil and transmission fluid, and your mention of the relatively high summer ambient temperatures prevalent in your locale, it just seems curious that generic DOT3 brake fluid would be good enough for you.

Never had a reason to change from Dot 3 brake fluid. It was explained to me that Dot 3 is full synthetic no matter what brand you buy.
I don't buy Amsoil. It's proven they make the best oil.
¯\(ツ)/¯

 

[Nail Grease]

I've always meant to get some kind of tool to help me flush out the old fluid and bleed the brake lines. I've seen the fancy pressure units like the motive and also the vacuum tools like the mityvac. don't know what I should get if any or just hookup some tube to a plastic bottle and let my wife pump the brakes while I go wheel to wheel

Either Or.
Me wife helps with pumping brakes. So put the dishes up, out of the dishwasher.
🙄

 

[Nail Grease]

From what I've read, Lifeguard ZF 9 is compatible. ZF 8 is the same fluid without the anti-foaming agent. I'd buy the Honda 3.1 or switch to Valvoline MaxLife ATF like someone here did recently. 😯