Car Wash Soaps Increase Fire Risk in Honda Pickups

It’s February, and that means those of us in northern latitudes are likely well into a third straight month driving vehicles covered in dirt and road-salt residue.

But owners of select Honda pickups might want to think twice before getting in line for another car wash.

Reports say that early next month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will officially begin a recall of more than 100,000 Ridgeline trucks from the 2017, 2018 and 2019 model years.

The reason? Regulators say the acid from car wash soaps can gradually corrode the trucks’ fuel pump feed ports. Over time, the ports could develop cracks and leak fuel, which increases the risk for vehicle fires.

Honda will notify owners beginning March 7 and cover the cost of repairing and replacing the trucks’ ports.

But until those repairs are made, perhaps take some comfort in knowing that your vehicle is being kept filthy out of an abundance of caution — and not laziness.