When you take your car in for a "service"

[crazybalhead]

What exactly is done?

Do you even know?

Was having a discussion the other day and some padnas swore their mechanics checked EVERYTHING when their car goes in for a service.

So what do you have done? Just cusrious as to responses.

[Mini]

when I take my van in to lifestyle motors there are 3 types of service at different intervals... they have published what each class of service entails... so i know what i being done everytime... and sometimes I make special requests that they inspect certain things or correct certain problems

[crazybalhead]

Cool mini.

[slow323]

depends on how through your mechanic is, each is different,
I fine depends on how much cars are in the garage and who services it cause some garages have a good mechanic but the guys working under him may not be so through

as for myself i do the regular service at home and take the car up massy about every 10,000km

oil, oil filter, inspect air filter, check fluid levels, check spark plugs, spray out throttle body

[A172]

well when you smoking everytime you give it gas, yuh know yuh orn dey

[tr1ad]

i'm there when the car servicing 99% of the time


ah learning nah

[Ignorant Ignis]

i'm there when the car servicing 99% of the time


ah learning nah

same

[crazybalhead]

So Tr1ad, what gets done on a regular service?

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

I even tell them that im completely dotish when it comes to cars.

[God Bless the Black Top*]

regular service AFAIK:

- oil change
- alignment check
- belt check
- suspension check
- adjust handbrake (if necessary)
- inspect air filter
- inspect and top up fluids
- fuel treatment (if necessary)
- brake pad/caliper assembly/rotor check

all for $1000 average at dealerships... FAIL!

[pete]

From what I've seen at Lifestyle Motors

Basic Service:
Change oil and oil filter
Check Air Filter
Adjust Brakes
Alignment

At higher level services they change windshield wipers, spark plugs, coolant and so on

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

Every 10,000 kms

• Mobil 1 – Change engine oil & oil filter.
• Check and top-up all fluids (coolant, power steering, brake, transmission etc.).
• Clean K&N air filter (best done at 7,500 km mark).
• Wheel rotation, balancing & alignment. Check condition (include spare wheel).
• Check and adjust all belts. Replace if any are cracked / worn out.
• Check all hose pipes. Replace if any are cracked / worn out.
• Check wiper blades & adjust washer nozzles.
• Check all lights.
• Check / service battery.
• Complete cleaning and waxing of the car.

Annually OR Every 20,000 kms

ALL FROM STEP ONE, PLUS:

• Radiator flush & engine coolant change.
• Replace wiper blades.
• Replace fuel filter.
• Check and clean brakes.
• Check brake hoses and lines.
• Check spark plugs.
• Check engine idle settings (speed & CO).
• Check clutch release arm travel.
• Check suspension (include dampers, bushings, tie-rod ends etc.).
• Check steering gearbox & boots.
• Check driveshaft boots.

Every Two years / 30,000 kms

• Change transmission / gear / differential oil. Some 4x4’s may require this on an annual basis.
• Brake line bleeding and fluid change.
• Change power steering fluid.
• Replace spark plugs.
• Clean fuel injectors.
• Clean / adjust throttle body.
• Check distributor cap, roter and ignition wiring.
• Check PCV valve.
• Check ignition timing.
• Check valve clearance and adjustment
• Complete air-con service.
• Check brake pads. Replacement may be necessary, especially for German cars.

Every 60,000 kms

• Change timing belt / balancer. Water pump replacement recommended.
• Revamp suspension (some cars may require this earlier).
• Change all drive belts.
• Change all hose pipes.
• Change K&N air filter?
• Check status of clutch plate and related parts.
• Check condition of engine mounts. May need replacement in some cars.

ETC.

• Check Tappet clearance. This is car specific, so best to check your owners manual for when / if tappet settings are required.
• It's a good idea to get your alternator & starter serviced every 5 - 6 years. Lucas has some company-owned outlets which would be of help.

[tr1ad]

crazybalhead,

oil change
alignment check
belt check
suspension check
adjust handbrake (if necessary)
clean air filter
inspect and top up fluids
fuel treatment (if necessary)
brake pad/caliper assembly/rotor check

as per above

also check steering rack, downpipe up pipe, check plugs


*this ad courtesy united auto*

[tr1ad]

crazybalhead,

oil change
alignment check
belt check
suspension check
adjust handbrake (if necessary)
clean air filter
inspect and top up fluids
fuel treatment (if necessary)
brake pad/caliper assembly/rotor check

as per above

also check steering rack, downpipe up pipe, check plugs


*this ad courtesy united auto*

[crazybalhead]

Thanks for telling me twice Tr1ad.

So lemme ask nah, anybody does do any of these checks themselves?

[tr1ad]

if i have the time
i would do some of it myself


*yuh wha hear that twice to?*

[wagonrunner]

Thanks for telling me twice Tr1ad.

So lemme ask nah, anybody does do any of these checks themselves?

they don't know how to, or figure it makes better since to pay 3 to 5 times the price ti should reall be.
don't knock it, it pays for beers and more.

[Mini]

Thanks for telling me twice Tr1ad.

So lemme ask nah, anybody does do any of these checks themselves?

yes and no

before owning a dealer maintained vehicle I used to do all myself...

but now I just do minimal checks to ensure safe motoring... i.e. tire wear, tire pressure, lights (front, rear, indicators), oil, wipers, and brake fluid level. I do check the air filter sometimes also since I have an aftermarket K&N, and the dealer doesn't change it.

[crazybalhead]

Makes sense.

[slick]

regular service AFAIK:

- oil change
- alignment check
- belt check
- suspension check
- adjust handbrake (if necessary)
- inspect air filter
- inspect and top up fluids
- fuel treatment (if necessary)
- brake pad/caliper assembly/rotor check

all for $1000 average at dealerships... FAIL!

you all do realise that these things they say that they do at the dealership are not really done...they just tick it off on the sheet but half of them things they don't ever do...knew a guy who sent in his 4x4 for servicing at the firm, when he got it back, he checked the oil and it wasn't changed...if you all have any really good friends working at the firms as a mechanic, ask them and they will tell u, u paying for a service through your nose and you are not getting it.

[crazybalhead]

Hence the question slick. My bro had a service and alignment done on a 4x4 only to realise that it was handling funny. When he looked there was a completely disintegrated cradle bushing....

So the purpose of this thread is to see if people are aware of what is really being done.

[slick]

Hence the question slick. My bro had a service and alignment done on a 4x4 only to realise that it was handling funny. When he looked there was a completely disintegrated cradle bushing....

So the purpose of this thread is to see if people are aware of what is really being done.

yeh CBH, had ah feeling you wanted to awaken the masses as to what really happens...

[crazybalhead]

But is long time now eh.

[slick]

yea...u better going by a trusted mechanic
or talk to one ah dem dealership mechanics and organise on a sunday

[God Bless the Black Top*]

i buy my filter etc. and mark it with liquid paper or anything like that. you'll be surprised how ofter your oil filter is really changed...

[janfar]

I learned the hard way. I do all my checks and changes myself with the help of my Haynes manual and the handy dandy internet.

[crazybalhead]

Over the years I have learned this:

"Somebody has already done it and posted pics on the internet"

[Damien]

DIY ftw

[Peanut Punch]

> oil change
> oil filter if needed
> battery water if needed
> alignment if needed
> rotate tyres if needed
> fluid check - battery water, coolant, pwr steering, etc etc
> fuel treatment if needed
> and Test drive
> check what's necesary after the test drive
1 hour 30 minutes @ $100 TT