What is the maintenance schedule for a Honda Ridgeline?
Honda Ridgeline maintenance is driven by the vehicle’s Maintenance Minder system and varies by model year and driving conditions. In general, a baseline service—oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection—is due roughly every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal use, with more frequent visits if you tow, drive in harsh conditions, or have severe driving patterns. Always refer to your specific Ridgeline’s Minder alerts and the owner's manual for the exact schedule.
How the Maintenance Minder guides service
The Maintenance Minder is Honda’s onboard scheduling tool. It analyzes engine parameters, driving conditions, and maintenance history to indicate when service is needed. Depending on your Ridgeline’s year and configuration, you may see A or B service codes at different intervals, which determine which tasks to perform at each visit. This system helps tailor the schedule to actual usage rather than sticking to a rigid calendar.
Baseline maintenance intervals for normal driving
Before each service visit, many Ridgeline owners follow a standard set of routine tasks. The list below outlines the core items typically addressed during routine, non-severe-service intervals.
- Engine oil and oil filter replacement
- Tire rotation
- Brake system inspection (pads, rotors, fluid level)
- Fluid level checks and top-offs (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid if applicable, power steering fluid, windshield washer)
- Comprehensive multi-point inspection (belts, hoses, lights, wipers, battery, suspension components)
Routine maintenance focuses on keeping the engine lubricated, tires wearing evenly, and the major systems within expected tolerances. The Maintenance Minder will adjust the exact tasks and timing based on how the Ridgeline is driven.
Major service milestones and typical items addressed
As mileage accumulates, certain components are inspected or replaced at longer intervals. The following list highlights common milestone tasks that arrive as the vehicle ages and accumulates miles, though the Minder may adjust this sequence for your specific model year.
- Engine air filter replacement
- Cabin air filter inspection and replacement (or cleaning) as needed
- Transmission fluid check, and replacement if recommended by Minder or at typical intervals
- Coolant level check and periodic coolant replacement per the manual or Minder guidance
- Spark plugs inspection or replacement around higher mileage (often near 100,000 miles for modern Hondas, depending on model year and plug type)
- Brake fluid replacement or flush when recommended (typically every few years) and brake system inspection
These milestone services are designed to address wear items and fluids that benefit from periodic replacement to maintain performance and reliability. The exact mileage and service codes will be shown by the Maintenance Minder for your Ridgeline.
Model-year notes and how schedules can differ
First-generation Ridgeline (2006–2014)
Early Ridgeline models followed Honda’s conventional maintenance minder framework with a focus on oil/filter changes, tire rotation, and inspections roughly every 7,500 miles in normal conditions. Engine air filters tended to be changed around 30,000 miles, with cabin filters following a similar but slightly different interval. Transmission fluid and coolant checks followed the manufacturer’s guidance specific to those years, and timing belts were not used on the V6 engine (it has a timing chain instead).
Second-generation Ridgeline (2017–present)
The second-generation Ridgeline keeps Honda’s Maintenance Minder approach but with updated intervals and service items aligned to newer engine technology and driving patterns. Engine oil may be changed at similar baseline intervals (around every 7,500 miles for normal driving; more often under severe conditions or with conventional oil). Engine air filters, cabin air filters, and other items follow revised schedules that reflect improved efficiency and diagnostics in the newer platforms. Always rely on the Minder display and the owner’s manual for the exact sequence.
How to check your own Ridgeline’s exact schedule
Because schedules vary by year, trim, and driving conditions, the most reliable source is the Maintenance Minder in the dashboard and the official owner’s manual. You can also:
- Consult the vehicle’s maintenance schedule section in your owner’s manual for year-specific tasks and intervals
- Review the Maintenance Minder codes (A/B) shown on the dash before service
- Ask a Honda service advisor to pull the published schedule for your exact VIN and model year
Following the Minder and the manual ensures you perform the right tasks at the right times, which helps preserve warranty coverage and resale value.
Summary
In short, a Honda Ridgeline’s maintenance schedule centers on Honda’s Maintenance Minder, with a baseline of oil/filter changes and tire rotations roughly every 7,500 miles under normal conditions, plus regular inspections. As mileage grows, or under severe driving, additional items such as air filters, transmission fluids, coolant, and spark plugs come into play. Always rely on the Minder and the owner’s manual for the exact intervals for your specific year and configuration, and don’t hesitate to consult a Honda technician for personalized guidance.
