I have a 2000 Honda CRV. The road noise in the car has been getting a little louder. It was always a little loud but it seems to be increasing lately. I read on a few Honda message boards that it could be the wheel bearings. Any suggestions?

Also, I read about problems with my year's valves. My car has 103,000 miles on it. Is it time to get the valves adjusted if I haven't already done so? I bought the car used from a certified dealer. Is this the kind of thing they would do on a routine service before they put in on the lot?

Thanks!

If you have the 2WD CRV, I would replace the front wheel bearings and lower ball joints (Moog) at the same time. This is a semi-difficult job and will be cheaper, if you get them both done at the same time. I would also replace the rear wheel bearings, which you may be able to do yourself. The road noise could also be a function of your tires.

If the valves are not especially noisy, when you first start the engine, you can postpone this routine maintenance at this time. Just remember that it's better, "to hear them than to smell them." The worst thing is to adjust the exhaust valves too tight--it will cause them to overheat and crack. Have the valves adjusted when the engine is stone cold, following the settings on the decal under the hood. Adjusting them every 50,000 miles should be sufficient. Unless the valves were particularly noisy, I don't think a certified dealer adjusted the valves, prior to sale.

Start using full synthetic engine oil (e.g. Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum). Engines perform better, run quieter, and last much longer. Change the synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.