gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
A full service is usually a glorified engine oil change.
The Retirement Thread
- Thread starter Dirk
- Start date
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monkers
Veteran
A full service is usually a glorified engine oil change.
That's almost true. For best value for money for folk not doing big mileages, set your own tyre pressures, get the MOT done, ask the tester to tell you how much is left on the brake pads, follow up by getting an oil and filter change at the same time. That's what I do. That came to £60 odd for my Corsa the other week.
gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
Oops, forgot all filters as well to justify the cost. Thanks for that.
monkers
Veteran
Oops, forgot all filters as well to justify the cost. Thanks for that.
To be honest, I only get the oil & filter changed every second year because my mileage is so low and modern oils are synthetic rather than mineral. The other filters need not be changed so often.
In the case of petrol engines, the fuel filter will last a good 48 000 miles, likewise the air filter. The air filter usually removes easily, just remove and bang it on the kerb a few times and refit. In days gone by, when cars had carburettors, a choked air filter caused rich running resulting in heavy fuel consumption and high emissions - with fuel injection engine that doesn't happen, so need to worry so much as before. If you have air con it's necessary to change the cabin filter from time to time - again a very simple job usually, and Youtube will usually show you how. It's hardly more difficult than changing filters in a vacuum cleaner (petrol filter is more specialist job though).
oldwheels
Legendary Member
- Location
- Isle of Mull
Mine is done according to the service book and includes all filter changes and checks on brake fluid which has to be changed every few years as well as condition of brakes and discs. My front discs are reported as being slightly pitted but not yet dangerous. Tyres are also checked for wear and the list goes on. Pretty comprehensive really.A full service is usually a glorified engine oil change.
gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
I agree but apart from filters and oil change, most of it is just visual. Cambelt is every 6 years, cooling system every 4 years and brake fluid also every 4 or 5 years. Brake pads are depending on your left foot and driving style. Mine are still the original from 2015 and still 7 mm left on the them.
monkers
Veteran
This is absolutely the best approach for anyone who wishes for surety or maybe for those who don't have sufficient confidence to carry out any of the work. A fully stamped service book is needed to maintain any warranty, and helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. I've got a 17 year old but low mileage Corsa. It's pretty basic and hardly turns a wheel these days so those things are not a consideration for me.
You are correct to mention brake fluid. I have a hygrometer that also measures the boiling point so I can easily manage to check mine. There are some pretty cheap instruments for checking fluid condition around (about £15 and suitable for use by anyone capable enough of topping up the brake fluid).
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PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I play it by the book as well. We go to a local garage - 0.5 miles - who is trusted and fair for MOT and service on the same day.
My car did 4000 miles last year, my bike +/-7000. 😄 I also use an LBS.
Mechanically I'm useless so very happy to use trusted places for cars and bikes.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Well it's been drizzling, misty and cold all day. I cracked on with a load of domestic admin which needed doing. Updated and changed loads of passwords - still more to do - closed 7 bank accounts which were all opened when they paid 5% 
, cancelled 3 credit cards no one has used in years!!
Feeling more secure tonight 😊
, cancelled 3 credit cards no one has used in years!!Feeling more secure tonight 😊
Flick of the Elbow
less than
- Location
- Pentlands Water of Leith
It’s amazing to think that it is now illegal for me to cross the city boundary 
Where is the city boundary anyway ?
Where is the city boundary anyway ?
numbnuts
Legendary Member
- Location
- Gone over the hill and far away
Just been for a walk it's dark outside
oldwheels
Legendary Member
- Location
- Isle of Mull
I used to do all my own car work.
I had a guy who worked with me with an ancient Standard with virtually no brakes. In emergency he rammed it into reverse and broke a halfshaft on several occasions. I had to go and tow him in and call at a scrapyard for another halfshaft. We got so we could replace the broken one in minutes with our eyes shut.
I got so good at welding sills on my A60 I could almost do tinfoil. I could go on but there comes a time in life when one just cannot do it anymore.
Now I just want something reliable that works without me doing anything other than topping up screenwash and checking tyre pressures.
Also a good service book is worth money when or if I sell the car with it up to date.
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ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I waited ages for you to come over and say 'Hello' but you didn't bother! In the end I gave up and went on my way...Just had phone call from bestest mates regarding their house move to Minehead.
Contracts were exchanged today and completion is on 8th Decenber.
Can't wait for them to get down to the South West.
