96 Civic with 110k----looking for advice on taking care

I have a 96 civic EX with 110k on it. It has been a great car, the only
thing I have ever had to replace was the alternator and battery. I replaced
the timing belt not too long ago just to get it out of the way.

The engine however many times make a deep knocking when in low gear or going
up a hill, especially when the engine is cold. The dealer could not find
anything and suggested moving up an octane. I am curious if I should some
STP treatment to clean out the engine. I am not very car savy---cant even
change my own oil---so is the STP stuff safe?

Any other advice to take care of the engine? All my driving is stop and go
and I get the oil changed every 3k.

 

If the knocking sound resembles a metallic pinging, I believe I answered
this for somebody else recently. Try a higher quality gasoline brand,
regardless of octane. It worked for my '93 Accord after a few fill-ups.

Of course, has your car been tuned up recently? If the ignition timing is
off, that could also cause the knocking or pinging.

 

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Read the part in your manual about 'maximum shift points'. I wonder if
you're not reving the engine high enough.

You won't hurt it by reving higher, but you will if you let it 'lug'.

A can of injector cleaner twice a year wouldn't hurt at all, too

'Curly'

 

water pump too? have the valves ever been checked/adjusted?

id try moving up a grade or switching gas stations first.

 

Unless you're racing the car, I'd change the oil every 6k and use the
savings to put towards higher octane gas. In my opinion, the car tends to
run
better (more efficient) with the timming slightly on the plus side (which
forces you to use higher octane gas). If it's still 'Pinging' with 89 Octane
(assuming the gas stations is good), then the engine will need some
adjustment. Personaly, I like to blend Regular and Premimum, instead of
simply putting
in the mid range stuff (mid range = 89 octane).

Pars
98 DX Hatch