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Author Topic: Self Service?? Would you?  (Read 25660 times)

Scoobysook

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #15 on: December 02, 2013, 10:51:09 PM »
Costco do fully synth Mobil 0w40 for £30 or castrol edge for abit cheaper. Do your plugs need doing too?
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Problemchild

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2013, 11:15:15 PM »
Yeah - it's a B

Think set is £50

Filter = £10 max

Already got cabin filter on way.......

Mot just passed.

Could do with aux belt doing too!

JJ
« Last Edit: December 02, 2013, 11:16:34 PM by Problemchild »
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mozilla

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2013, 11:21:39 PM »
Belts might not be so DIY friendly for lack of space
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Problemchild

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #18 on: December 02, 2013, 11:31:03 PM »
May invest in an uber jack from Costco too. Still cheaper than merc!!

JJ
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CrazyG

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #19 on: December 03, 2013, 05:39:50 AM »
Mde got one of those lightweight all aluminium jacks from Costco...
well worth having.

Oh and technically speaking.....you should use 5w-40....as 0w-40
is for freezin places like Iceland/Finland/Norway/Sweden.
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Bigwill

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #20 on: December 03, 2013, 08:02:29 AM »
Quote from: CrazyG on December 03, 2013, 05:39:50 AM
Mde got one of those lightweight all aluminium jacks from Costco...
well worth having.

Oh and technically speaking.....you should use 5w-40....as 0w-40
is for freezin places like Iceland/Finland/Norway/Sweden.
What happend to the days of 10w-40 in every car :( 
Never had any problems running that grade. I used it in my smart fortwo and never had any problems...
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mozilla

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #21 on: December 03, 2013, 09:56:43 AM »
If your going to service it now use 5w30. My last service was in summer and I put the recommended 5w40 but as this is a wee bit more viscous it doesnt get the most power/efficiency from the engine in winter driving.
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Ben99w

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #22 on: December 03, 2013, 10:06:42 AM »
With respect, 'the days of all cars having 10w-40' is one of the reasons I would service a car myself, so that it gets the oil specified as opposed to the same old oil that we bung in all the cars we service.

I service all my cars once they reach a certain age/value and keep the receipt for the bits renewed with a record of the date and mileage done at.

To the op's list of servicing I would add changing the sump nut washer or at least apply ptfe tape to the nut to prevent oil leaks. I would also check the gaps on the spark plugs  because new ones aren't always correct. And presumably you brake fluid will need renewal too (it's normally an every 2 year job).

Even if you have to buy a few tools to do a service, youll still save money over paying someone else to do it, and seeing the condition of the oil and plugs gives you an idea how the car is running.

Ben
« Last Edit: December 03, 2013, 01:24:46 PM by Ben99w »
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Unknown

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #23 on: December 03, 2013, 02:02:12 PM »
If you have the tools, time, space and confidence to service a car yourself, then it is worth it. But a lot of people don't have a drive or suitable space to carry out servicing, let alone the tools or the time too.

I ended up getting a Halfords Autocentre to service my forfour as it was cheaper and nearer than a smart dealer.
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Scoobysook

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #24 on: December 03, 2013, 05:24:48 PM »
I only said 0w40 as they only do one grade of petrol and one grade if diesel Mobil 1.

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/ for the plugs seem cheapest from my research
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Fox

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #25 on: December 03, 2013, 07:44:54 PM »
I've always serviced my own vehicles. The only work I won't do is MOTs, clutches and air-con. I'd like to do clutches but at the moment I don't own an engine lift. I could rent one but to be honest I just don't know yet if I could do it.

I'd go in and get your hands dirty if you can. There's a good sense of satisfaction. Granted you need to Invest in a good trolley jack or two, axle stands and some chocs - as well as all the tools... But I enjoy working on cars so yeah. I don't mind at all.
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mr singh

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #26 on: December 03, 2013, 07:58:16 PM »
have a look on ebay for snap on hand tools... carnt go wrong with them! blue point is also by snap on, its there budget brand
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Problemchild

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #27 on: December 03, 2013, 10:07:13 PM »
i have a pro set of halfords tools with the lifetime warranty

i have axle stands and chocks/bricks

defo would do the sump washer as its a crush washer

brake fluid maybe......changed it when i upgraded to my big brakes but that was over 2 years ago now.

think its now a plan - as i haven't done it, its the confidence side of things just because i've never done it.

JJ
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Fox

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #28 on: December 03, 2013, 11:21:42 PM »
Imho halfords professional are the best choice. I have teng and snap on tools and they are no better, just more expensive.

I bought myself a halfords professional rollcab and tool chest as they were selling them at £250 for the set. Absolutely love it and want more!

You'll get the confidence, it's just taking the first step. There's always that hesitance but it's worth doing as once you have, you'll always do it. Oh and I recommend wearing latex gloves. Cheapo will do, just toss them when they rip or after a job. Especially when doing oil.
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basilbrush

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Re: Self Service?? Would you?
« Reply #29 on: December 03, 2013, 11:33:15 PM »
I would change the brake fluid at two years as a matter of course. Especially with the non standard disc and caliper set up.
A really good big drain tray for the oil as well. If you drain the oil warm once that plug comes out it's not going to go back in  ::) and you don't want it over the garage floor (yes I've done it  :( )
These look such a good idea for a reasonable outlay http://www.quickvalve.co.uk/f106.htm?veh=Smart%20forfour%20(454)%20Brabus%20(1468%20petrol)%202005-2006
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