Longer days and better weather might feel like a fresh start—but your Honda or Acura may be whispering a different story. After months of cold starts, icy roads, and rough terrain, spring can trigger a wave of new issues hiding just beneath the surface. Maybe it’s a subtle clunk when you drive over a bump, a check engine light that wasn’t there last week, or an A/C system that’s suddenly blowing warm air instead of cool relief.
If you’ve experienced any of these signs lately, you’re not alone. At Enright Automotive, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in Honda and Acura repair in Alexandria, OH this season. While some of these problems are just part of seasonal wear and tear, many are completely preventable with the right approach.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common Honda and Acura repairs we’re seeing right now, explain why they happen, and show you how to protect your vehicle before minor issues become major repairs. Let’s take a closer look at what your car might be trying to tell you, and how you can make sure it’s ready for everything spring has in store.
The Change in Seasons Your Car Wasn’t Ready For
As temperatures climb, dormant systems in your car suddenly roar back to life. Your air conditioning, cooling system, and even your suspension all undergo rapid changes. Add in the wear from winter roads and spring becomes the season when your vehicle starts speaking up—loudly.
Hondas and Acuras are known for reliability, but even the best vehicles need a little extra attention as the seasons change. The good news? Most springtime car issues are preventable with the right approach.
The Top Spring Repairs We See at Enright Automotive
1. Overheating and Cooling System Failures
Spring in Ohio can bring surprising heat—and with it, more cases of overheating engines. We often diagnose cooling system failures in:
- Radiators
- Thermostats
- Water pumps
- Cooling fans
In Hondas and Acuras, overheating can lead to head gasket issues if left unchecked. It’s something we’ve seen too many times at our shop.
Pro Tip: Schedule a coolant flush and system inspection in early spring to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
2. A/C System Failures in Honda and Acura Models
Nothing feels worse than turning on the A/C and getting hot air. At Enright Automotive, A/C issues in Honda and Acura models are among the most frequent spring complaints.
Often, it’s a matter of:
- Low refrigerant levels
- Faulty compressors
- Clogged or leaking condenser lines
- Blower motor issues
A/C repair is especially common in older MDX and TL models, and Honda Civics and Accords often need A/C recharges or new compressors.
3. The Dreaded Check Engine Light on Your Honda
Nothing gets a driver’s attention like a check engine light, and this spring, more Honda and Acura owners are seeing it. Whether it’s a failed O2 sensor, evaporative emissions leak, or a faulty catalytic converter, ignoring that light could cost you.
At Enright Automotive, we don’t just read the code—we go beyond that. We start with a full Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) to assess your vehicle’s overall health, and we follow up with detailed diagnostic testing to ensure every issue is accurately identified and properly prioritized.
How to avoid it: Don’t ignore that light. Stop by and let us determine the cause before it snowballs into a major repair.
4. Suspension & Steering Wear from Winter Roads
Spring reveals the pothole damage winter left behind. Your Honda or Acura’s suspension system may be feeling it too. We’ve been seeing:
- Worn shocks and struts
- Ball joint failure
- Steering rack leaks
- Uneven tire wear
Poor alignment or shaky steering aren’t just annoying, they’re safety concerns. If your vehicle pulls to one side or clunks over bumps, bring it in before your tires and suspension take a bigger hit.
Prevent It: Schedule a post-winter suspension check. Even if you don’t feel anything unusual, worn components can cause tire wear and alignment issues that are easy to miss until it’s too late.
5. Battery Trouble After Cold Winters
Spring exposes weaknesses left over from the winter. Batteries that barely made it through the cold often fail once warmer temperatures roll in. Add in electrical issues from corrosion or moisture, and you could find yourself stuck in the driveway.
How to avoid it: Get a quick battery and charging system test. It’s a small step that prevents big headaches.
What Your Honda or Acura Might Be Telling You—If You Listen Closely
Cars have a language all their own, and while they may not speak in words, they definitely communicate.
If you’ve ever thought, “Something feels off,” you’re probably right. Hondas and Acuras are especially good at subtle signals. Here’s what to listen for:
- A subtle whining when you turn the steering wheel? That could be early signs of power steering fluid loss or pump wear.
- A faint musty smell when the A/C kicks on? You might have mold buildup in the HVAC system—common in vehicles that sat during winter.
- Slight hesitation when accelerating? That’s often linked to early ignition coil issues or dirty throttle bodies—common in many Honda models.
At Enright Automotive, we’ve seen firsthand how listening to your car’s early cues can help catch problems before they get expensive. That’s why we take the time to educate our customers, not just repair their vehicles.
We encourage our clients to call or text, even if it’s just to ask, “Is this normal?” You’d be surprised how often that simple question leads to catching a problem early.
Get Ahead of Repairs with These Spring Maintenance Musts
One of the best ways to avoid seasonal surprises is by committing to preventative maintenance. Here’s how we recommend local Honda and Acura owners stay ahead this spring:
Schedule a Seasonal Inspection
We don’t just give you a laundry list of problems, we prioritize repairs so you know what matters now and what can wait.
Embrace the Convenience of a Modern Auto Shop
Enright Automotive is anything but old school. With conveniences like after-hours drop-off, text-to-pay, and detailed digital inspections, we make car care easy for busy families.
We understand our customers because we serve them on a personal level. From hand-written thank-you cards to thoughtful follow-ups, we make sure every interaction feels like a conversation, not a transaction.
Dealership-Level Knowledge, Without the Dealership Hassles
At Enright Automotive, you’re never just another repair ticket. You’re a valued neighbor, and we take pride in delivering service that reflects that.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Specialized expertise in Honda and Acura repair
- A focus on education over upselling—we explain your options so you can make informed decisions
- A truly personal customer experience rooted in honesty and trust
- Peace of mind with a TechNet-backed 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty
We’re intentional about what we work on. That means no diesels, no oversized trucks, and no European vehicles—just dependable, high-quality service for the cars we know best.
Proudly serving Alexandria, Pataskala, and surrounding areas, we’re here to offer an auto repair experience that’s as stress-free as it is reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my A/C system needs service?
If your system takes more than a few seconds to blow cold air, or it smells musty when it turns on, it’s time for an inspection. Regular maintenance can prevent expensive compressor or condenser failure.
Can I bring my Honda or Acura here instead of the dealership?
Absolutely. We specialize in Hondas and Acuras and provide a more personalized experience with a better warranty than most dealers.
I have a check engine light, but my car drives fine. Should I be worried?
Yes. Many serious issues start with minor symptoms. Early diagnosis is the key to avoiding major repairs. Let us check it out before it gets worse.
Ready to Give Your Car a Spring Refresh? Let’s Get Started
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a major repair. Schedule your Honda spring maintenance or Acura repair service with Enright Automotive today.
To schedule your next service, call or text Enright Automotive at (614) 604-2806. Our shop is conveniently located at 7933 Jug St, Alexandria, OH 43001. Online booking is also available at www.enrightautomotive.com.
Enright Automotive—where personal service meets professional care. Let’s make this your smoothest driving season yet.
