Honda Service A vs. Service B: What’s the Difference?

Service A is a basic oil change; Service B is an oil and filter change plus a comprehensive multi-point inspection, and may include additional items when numeric subcodes appear. Both are triggered by Honda’s Maintenance Minder system, which displays A or B (and numbers) when your vehicle’s oil life reaches about 15%.

How Honda’s Maintenance Minder Works

Honda’s Maintenance Minder tracks engine operating conditions and drives a dashboard message when service is due. You’ll see a letter (A or B) indicating the core service, sometimes followed by numbers (1–7) indicating extra maintenance items. The letter defines the base service scope; the numbers add specific tasks like tire rotation or air filter replacement.

Below is a quick outline of what the letters A and B mean within the Maintenance Minder system.

• A: Replace engine oil.
• B: Replace engine oil and filter, and perform a comprehensive inspection of key safety and wear components.

Understanding the letter code helps you plan time and budget, while the numbers tailor service to your vehicle’s actual use and age.

What Service A Includes

Service A is the system’s most basic reminder and centers on engine lubrication to protect longevity and efficiency. Most dealers also perform courtesy checks, but the official Honda scope for “A” is limited.

• Replace engine oil (per the required grade; many modern Hondas use 0W-20 full synthetic).
• Reset Maintenance Minder and check for applicable recalls or software updates (typically performed by dealers).
• Optional courtesy checks (varies by shop): fluid top-offs, tire pressure check, quick visual inspection.

Because Service A is oil-only by definition, any additional work—like a filter change or tire rotation—appears as numeric subcodes or may be added by the service center as good practice.

What Service B Includes

Service B builds on Service A by adding the oil filter and a thorough inspection. It’s designed to catch wear and safety issues early and to ensure the car’s core systems are operating correctly.

• Replace engine oil and oil filter.
• Inspect front and rear brakes; measure pad/shoe thickness.
• Check parking brake adjustment.
• Inspect tie-rod ends, steering gearbox/rack, and boots.
• Inspect suspension components (control arms, bushings, ball joints, struts/shocks for leaks/damage).
• Inspect driveshaft boots (CV boots) for cracks or leaks.
• Inspect brake hoses/lines (including ABS/VSA lines) for leaks or deterioration.
• Inspect exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, and secure mounting.
• Inspect fuel lines and connections for leaks or damage.
• Check fluid levels and condition (coolant, brake, transmission/CVT, power steering if applicable, washer fluid); top off as needed.
• General safety check (exterior lights, wipers) depending on dealer practice.

Service B is the more comprehensive visit and is often paired with one or more numeric subcodes that add time and cost; always review the full code shown on your dash (e.g., “B12”).

Numeric Subcodes You Might See With A or B

The Maintenance Minder’s numeric subcodes tailor maintenance to your vehicle’s needs based on time, mileage, and operating conditions. These numbers can appear with either A or B and indicate additional required items.

• 1: Rotate tires; inspect for wear and adjust pressures (includes TPMS reset if needed).
• 2: Replace engine air filter and cabin (pollen) filter; inspect drive belt(s).
• 3: Replace transmission fluid (AT or CVT) per model specification.
• 4: Replace spark plugs and inspect/adjust valve clearance (where applicable; interval varies by engine).
• 5: Replace engine coolant.
• 6: Replace rear differential fluid (for applicable AWD models).
• 7: Replace brake fluid.

For example, “B12” means oil and filter plus inspections (B), tire rotation (1), and engine/cabin filters with belt inspection (2). Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific details.

Typical Intervals, Time, and Cost

Intervals depend on driving conditions, but the Maintenance Minder ensures services occur when needed rather than on a fixed mileage clock. Costs vary by region, engine, and dealership versus independent shop.

• Trigger point: Around 15% oil life remaining, with a reminder escalating to 5% and 0% if ignored.
• Frequency: Service A often falls every 5,000–10,000 miles; Service B roughly every 10,000–15,000 miles or about once a year for many drivers.
• Time in shop: A ≈ 30–60 minutes; B ≈ 60–120 minutes, longer with subcodes.
• Typical cost (USD, varies widely): A ≈ $60–$120; B ≈ $170–$300; added subcodes can raise a visit to $300–$700+ (e.g., B123).

Driving style (short trips, extreme temps, towing) and local labor rates significantly affect both frequency and cost; the Minder adapts to these conditions.

Which Should You Choose and When?

You don’t choose between A or B; the car tells you what’s due. If you see “A,” you’re due for an oil change. If you see “B,” plan for a broader inspection and filter replacement. If numbers are present, include those items during the same visit to keep maintenance synchronized and avoid repeat labor.

Real-World Examples

These common scenarios show how codes translate into service tasks and help you set expectations when you book an appointment.

• A1: Oil change plus tire rotation.
• B: Oil and filter, full inspection; no extra items this cycle.
• B12: Oil and filter, inspections, tire rotation, engine air filter and cabin filter replacement, and drive belt inspection.
• B146: Oil and filter, inspections, spark plugs/valve clearance (4), brake fluid (7), and rear differential fluid (6) for applicable AWD models.

Shops will typically quote your visit based on the exact combination shown (letter plus numbers), so share the complete code when scheduling.

Key Differences at a Glance

The following points encapsulate what separates Service A from Service B in Honda’s maintenance logic.

• Scope: A is oil-only; B adds oil filter and extensive inspections.
• Depth: B is designed to catch safety and wear issues early; A is routine lubrication.
• Cost/Time: B generally costs more and takes longer due to inspections and the filter change.
• Add-ons: Numeric subcodes can pair with either A or B to add specific maintenance tasks.

In practical terms, Service B is the “bigger” service, while A is the foundation that keeps engine lubrication on schedule.

Warranty and DIY Notes

For vehicles under warranty, following the Maintenance Minder and documenting services is important. You can have maintenance done at any qualified shop (or DIY), but keep detailed records and use parts and fluids that meet Honda specifications. Some dealers include an oil filter during Service A as a best practice, even if not explicitly required by the code—ask what’s included.

Summary

Honda Service A means replace engine oil; Service B means replace oil and filter plus a comprehensive inspection of brakes, steering, suspension, driveline, hoses/lines, fluids, and key safety items. Numeric subcodes (1–7) add tasks like tire rotation, air and cabin filters, transmission fluid, spark plugs, coolant, rear differential fluid, and brake fluid. Follow the Maintenance Minder’s full code to keep your Honda safe, reliable, and in warranty compliance.

What is an A1 B B1 service on a Honda?

Honda A1 service consists of an oil and filter change along with a tire rotation while Honda B1 service includes an oil and filter change, a tire rotation, and the following: Inspection of the front and rear brake pads and rotors. Parking brake adjustment.

What does a and b mean on oil life?

A – Indicates engine oil should be replaced. B – Indicates engine oil and filter should be replaced.

What is included in Honda B service?

Honda Maintenance Codes: Honda B Service
The Honda B Service code also indicates that it’s time to replace the engine oil, but adds inspections of the following: Front and rear brakes. Steering gear box.

What is the difference between Honda A and B service?

What is the difference between Honda service code A and B? These service codes tell Honda technicians what maintenance your vehicle needs. Service code A means you need to replace the engine oil only, while service code B means you need to replace both the engine oil and the filter.