What Is the Acura B16 Service and How Much Does It Cost?

The B16 Service notice came up on your Acura, and you are unsure what to do? This article will discuss what’s included in the B16 service, its intervals, the cost you should expect to pay, and most importantly, three alternatives that can save you money.

Here is what Acura B16 Service means

The Acura B16 service is a scheduled maintenance visit that helps to keep your vehicle running in top condition. During this service, Acura technicians will thoroughly inspect the car and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

They will also check your fluids and tires and top off anything that may be low. In addition, they will reset your maintenance minder system so that you can keep track of when your next service is due.

Why Is the Acura B16 Service Important?

Just like the B12 service, the Acura B16 service is important because it helps keep your Acura running smoothly and efficiently. You can avoid costly repairs down the road by catching minor problems before they become big ones. In addition, regular maintenance can improve your gas mileage and prolong the life of your engine and other vehicle components.

Here’s a Breakdown of the Services and Their Importance

Replacing engine oil and filter

Engine oil helps to keep your engine clean and running smoothly. Over time, however, it can become dirty or low. When this happens, it needs to be replaced. During the Acura B16 service, their mechanic will drain and replace your old oil with fresh, new oil. They will also check your oil filter and replace it if necessary.

Inspecting the front and rear brakes

Another common task of the B16 service is checking your brakes. They will make the necessary repairs or adjustments if they find any issues. They will also clean and lubricate your brake calipers to help prevent sticking.

Related content: What Does Check DRL System Means On Your Acura?

Inspecting and performing parking brake adjustment

The parking brake is a vital safety feature on your vehicle. Their technicians will check the adjustment of your parking brake to ensure it is working correctly. If they find any issues, they will let you know and fix the problem.

Rotate tires

Rotating your tires means moving them to different positions on your vehicle. This helps to evenly distribute wear and tear, which can improve the lifespan of your tires. In addition, it can help with traction and stability, especially in slippery or icy conditions.

Perform rear differential fluid change

The rear differential helps to power your vehicle’s wheels. Over time, the fluid in the rear differential can become dirty or low. When this happens, it needs to be replaced. During the Acura B16 service, their mechanic will drain and replace your old fluid with fresh, new fluid.

How Much Does the Acura B16 Service Cost?

As with every other service, the B16 Service price will vary according to location. However, you should expect between $200 and $300. Don’t forget to call different dealers and get some quotes to find the cheapest place to service your Acura.

If you are looking for ways to save money on your service, keep reading as I will list three main alternatives that allow you to do this.

Related content: What Does Check TPMS System On Your Acura?

How to Reset the Service Light on Acura B16 Service

The process of resetting the Service Light on your car can be found in your owner’s manual.

The owner’s manual describes the procedure for resetting the Service Light indicator on your Acura.

However, here is a standard reset procedure that most Acura models follow. If your car differs, you will have to either consult the owner’s manual or visit a local mechanic to perform this task for you.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the second position (ON)
2. Press the SEL/Reset button until engine oil life comes up
3. Hold the SEL/Reset button for 10 seconds.
4. Press the INFO button and select RESET.
5. Press SEL/Reset to reset engine oil life.

If the Service Light did not reset, you could try the procedure described above again, as you might have missed a step. If it still doesn’t work, the car might have a problem, and you will need to see a technician.

If the service light does not reset or comes back on after being reset, this may indicate a problem with the vehicle that will need to be addressed by a qualified technician.

Acura B16 Service Intervals

Acura recommends changing the differential fluid after the first 15k miles, then every 30k miles, or every two years, whichever comes first. Your car will alert you when you need to schedule your next service.

Keep in mind that the car will require more frequent services if you do a lot of city driving, where you spend most of the time in stop-and-go traffic. The same applies when driving in very high or extremely low temperatures.

Related content: What does “check VSA system” mean on Acura?

Can I Still Drive My Car If the B16 Service Notice Came Up?

It is understandable if you can’t find the time to take your car in for a service as soon as the warning shows up on the dashboard. Automakers designed their vehicles with this in mind, so your car will start alerting you ahead, so you have a couple of weeks before you need to take the car in for a service.

As for how much distance you can drive with the service warning on your dashboard, there is no definitive answer. As long as the car has no leaks, the oil level is normal, and there is no immediate need for repairs, you could drive the car for another thousand miles.

Here Are 3 Alternatives for a Cheaper B16 Service

With a constant rise in prices, people start looking for alternatives when it comes to their car servicing. Here are three main alternatives that you can opt for to save some money:

DIY

By far, the cheapest option for car servicing is to buy the parts and perform the service yourself. If you decide to go for this, you shouldn’t be spending more than $100 on your B16 service.

Honda/Acura specialist

You can expect the same level of service but at a lower price from an Acura or Honda specialist. Yes, Honda as well, as Acura and Honda are part of the same automaker group and share many parts.

While not as cheap as a DIY, you can save up to 30% by choosing an independent over a dealership.

National repair shops

There are the likes of SNIDER, Monro, or Firestone, where you can take your Acura for a B16 service. However, you should not expect the same quality level as a dealership. I usually do not recommend this option.

Related content: Why Does My Acura Say “Check Emission System”?

In Summary

Here is the takeaway! While the B16 service for your Acura is nothing major, you should not overlook it or delay it too much.

Keeping up with your car’s service schedule is the easiest thing you can do to ensure you don’t have any unpleasant surprises down the line!

Sources:

Recommended Acura Service Intervals

Acura MDX Maintenance Schedule