Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?

I have a 99 Acura Integra, and in my owners manual is says that for all the fluids like power steering, antifreeze, brake, and transmission I have to use a genuine Honda fluid.



All of them say something like, "Use genuine Honda (insert fluid). You have may use (insert fluid) as a temporary replacement. However, continued use can cause (insert some sort of damage). Have the system flushed and replaced with Honda (insert fluid)."



Is all this talk about damage true? I feel like this is all a ploy to make Honda/Acura dealerships more money.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?Thats bullcrap, they just want to sell you their oils and anti-freeze, I'm sure their oil isn't as good as mobil 1 and redline transmission fluid, there just trying to make extra money off you.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?
You will get better results and get be safe with the honda fluids. Going with anything else may damage your engine and car permanently to the extent of engine replacement.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?You can use any fluid you wish to use. However, the quality of the fluid is up to you. You can replace the oil in your car with whatever oil you want, but using a lower quality oil will eventually damage the block but using a higher quality oil like synthetic oil wil give you many years of reliable performance.



That is a unique example though. Using a different power steering fluid or brake fluid or anitfreeze, etc will not damage your vehicle.



They only say use "genuine honda fluids" to make a few extra bucks and so that they are able to say "well, if you would've used genuine honda fluids, then this wouldn't have happened."



Honestly, Aftermarket parts are almost always better than factory parts.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?
Unless your driving a $600,000 Bentley or high performance exotic automobile you shouldnt even think about it. Its all about the $. Fluids, viscosity ratings, additives and detergents are almost identical. The no-image motor oils, other fluids, lubricants and myriad additive brands share much more in common than differences. Use any recognised brand and you should be fine.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?You can use other quality brands for oil,antifreeze/coolant,and brake/clutch fluid,but use only Honda genuine for the power steering and automatic or manual transmission fluids.Do I have to use genuine Honda fluids instead of over the shelf fluids?
I would stick with the Honda Tranny fluid and power steering for sure, the rest is off the shelf.