DIY Car Servicing - happy or dont touch?

[murkeywaters]

Rather than derail a sales thread I thought I would ask peoples opinions of home/DIY car servicing and mechanical work?

Personally, I enjoy working on cars, servicing is easy and I research the right oils and fluids so I use the best possible, this still works out far cheaper than a paid for service.

I'll change suspension, brakes, engine ancillaries - most jobs I'll tackle, I see it as a form of satisfaction and learning, regardless of what care I take I know when I come to sell its frowned upon, whereas a garage service and book stamp retains value even though there are many stories of unchanged components and fluids!

Each to their own but I prefer my own servicing, I must stress this is mostly on lower value cars and my modern classic..

[Reeny]

For me, it would be similar to getting a haircut, tattoo, or dentistry from a none professional.
I would always go to a talented, competent, and able person, but not to an armchair expert down the pub.

Unfortunately main dealership staff are seldom talented, competent, or able.
So my vote is for the small independent mechanics who are more trustworthy, and will get the job done.

Any kind of service history is OK.
- Dealership while under warranty.
- Independent workshop or self employed mechanic for timing belts, wheel bearings etc.
- Owner servicing records for new filters and a basic oil change if the owner is competent.

[DONGinsler]

I changed the air filter. Filter cost me $10, but dealership wanted $60 for filter and job. Washer fluid and air in tires.

I'll let others do the messy work

[Michael 38]

We get my mrs car serviced by an ex mechanic 2 doors up the road does a good job but as you say problems when we come to sell

[Reeny]

My mate is a mobile mechanic.
He does the welding repairs and complicated stuff.
I can look after the 2x motorbikes and basic old school car maintenance.

There is no need for me to buy and sell.
From new, we own 3 vehicles over 20 years old, and a "new" motorbike at 10 years old.
Home maintenance by the owner can work (most of the time)

[MartynJC (UK)]

What about these new fangled EVs. I hear there is even less to maintain. For warranty I have to go back to the manufacturer who charges maybe 200€ for oil and air filter change and tick a checklist (I have a HEV).

I have to admit I have no clue how to deal with mechanical things. (I’m more a theoretical physicist at heart). Though I do know how to apply polish and paint sealant and clean up my car.

[KavKav]

I believe there is a general lack of trust in main dealers. My wife’s old uni friend ‘uup north’ had a turbo problem, she took her little VW to the main dealer she bought the car from and was quoted £2,200 to sort it with a unspecified wait for parts, (seriously, she was told they had no idea what day/week/month the parts would be available from VW, they would just give her a call when the parts came in) I got involved and did some online digging (she is single and has little idea about car repairs) and I found her a well regarded garage pretty local to where she lives and they sorted the whole thing in two days for her at a cost of £780 and this local garage is where she will be taking her business in future.
Main dealers bleat about their overheads but when they give bloated quotes, indifferent customer service and are charging up to £150 per hour for mechanics who are often NOT specialists they can hardly expect much in the way of sympathy and/or loyalty from motorists.

[vagabond]

As with most things, I would imagine it depends on your level of competency.

For a competent DIYer, changing the oil, oil filter, air filter etc. are very easy. (And I'm happy do this for our cars).

On my 1997 Landcruiser or 2001 Yaris these are things even a novice/beginner could tackle.

However, most modern cars have many sensors and electronics which require sophisticated diagnostic tools - and not always available to the casual DIYer.

Even something relatively simple like changing the battery, requires it to be "re-coded" to the car.

[Reeny]

After the local (father & son) body shop took 6-months to complete a 3-week job to fit new wings onto the classic mini, I bought a myself a compressor and spray gun.
Practice makes perfect.

[adrianw]

Biggest issue with working on modern cars is the range of tools required, it makes it uneconomic to start now, modern cars report most faults, so diagnosing faults has become easier. Obviously anyone can carry out simple maintenance jobs.

Most garages work on the basis of if it isn't broken don't fix it, so change fluids, check brakes on one side, kick the tyres and bend the customer over with the bill.

[xxnick1975]

If I had the skills no problem, sadly for me I don't, so have to cough up

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[xellos99]

I have serviced my cars since the late 1990`s with zero problems.

I service 3 cars currently with no problems.

Probably saved many many thousands over that time.

[catflem]

I tend to buy bangers for 2 or 3k, and repair minor faults as required. I'll tackle most things but if it requires welding or an engine/gearbox removal I usually flog it or scrap it. However, the house we now live in is going to restrict what repairs I can take on myself.

It's usually referred to as Bangernomics........ but my wife has other names for it

[magpie215]

Happy to tackle most jobs.

I Have in the past done cambelts, engine swaps clutches gearboxes etc.

Currently running a JDM vehicle, which a lot of none specialists don't really want the hassle of (parts sourcing etc).

Therefore I try to keep as much as possible "in house".

[Neil.C]

I owned a tuning firm and garage years ago so I've done it all. Modern cars, apart from the basics often require computers/special tools and even changing a headlamp bulb can be a nightmare.

I've done my time messing about with cars and getting dirty so I let a friend of mine service and MOT ours.

I've better things to spend my time on.

[Hood]

Better things to do with my spare time so at the moment if its a newish car goes to main dealer as a non main dealer stamp loses you more on resale. Older car goes to indy.
Guys doing their own servicing is like someone telling you the watch has been serviced but I don't have an invoice. It's meaningless from resale perspective.

[Filterlab]

I could do it, but genuinely can't be bothered any more. The thought of scrabbling around under the car, fiddling with filthy components, just makes me feel it would be a waste of my limited time.

Straight to my mechanic's, who I've used for 31 years. No hassle, no trouble, just done. Proper receipt for the service history. Sorted.

[Sinnlover]

I enjoy doing the basics on the Willys
Oils plugs etc but for more complex task I will go to a guy
That said a few years ago I changed the head gasket, the carb and the distributor by myself.
It still works!

[Chris_in_the_UK]

Defender I do pretty much everything, X5 goes to the main dealer.

[Halitosis]

I have done a few oil and filter changes myself, but over the last decade have relied on a great local father and son garage who I totally trust. They mark a date on every filter and part they fit, and show me the worn brake discs/clutch/bit they've removed.
We even take Mrs H's brand new Audi to them rather than the dealer because we intend to keep the car for 10+ years so will definitely save more than the loss in resale value for the D in FDSH
Convenient to combine a service with an MOT on my older Mini.

[ralphy]

I like doing my own DIY on cars and motorbikes. Older vehicles (pre-ECU) are easier as they're more intuitive to diagnose and fix and for modern stuff a good OBD code reader is a great tool for identifing problems.

Older car example:



A Vauxhall estate that belongs to a neighbour and for which he was quoted over £200 to replace the roof aerial, I managed the job in two hours and less than £10 in parts.


Modern car example:



10 year-old car presenting multiple issues (16 in fact) but with OBD diagnostics, two hours spent and £60 parts it was all sorted.

R

[mitch1956]

without sounding too crass , i would put my skills in undertaking any mechanical work against any but the highest manufacturer trained technicians for the super high end mechanical undertakings, certainly most dealership mechanics and independent mechanics, although mechanics has not been my sole career the motor trade is something i have been in all my life, and i have seen first hand so called professional mechanics work! so servicing is something i undertake on my cars, wife cars, sons cars, i don't undertake paid work or friends of friends work. been retired now i find it a pleasure rather than a chore knowing the jobs done right and its cost effective

[TheTigerUK]

What I can do service wise myself I will because apart from it saves a good chunk of money I think we do a better job on our own cars than a third party will do, for example I changed the plugs recently in one of my cars but while doing that I checked and cleaned everything I could get too in this part of the engine, a third party would have just changed the plugs, job done.

Last week I had two track rod ends fitted to my MR2, simple job but after fitting a wheel alignment is needed so these were fitted at a garage and a good job done but if I had been able to do the job myself I would of cleaned the area, treated any rust in reach, sprayed WD40 on nuts/threads and perhaps replaced any unimportant screws/nuts/bolts with stainless etc.

Plus doing it myself I find it satisfying and keeps the brain and hands going.

[adrianw]

What I can do service wise myself I will because apart from it saves a good chunk of money I think we do a better job on our own cars than a third party will do, for example I changed the plugs recently in one of my cars but while doing that I checked and cleaned everything I could get too in this part of the engine, a third party would have just changed the plugs, job done.

Last week I had two track rod ends fitted to my MR2, simple job but after fitting a wheel alignment is needed so these were fitted at a garage and a good job done but if I had been able to do the job myself I would of cleaned the area, treated any rust in reach, sprayed WD40 on nuts/threads and perhaps replaced any unimportant screws/nuts/bolts with stainless etc.

Plus doing it myself I find it satisfying and keeps the brain and hands going.

You can do it yourself, string it

[adrianw]

without sounding too crass , i would put my skills in undertaking any mechanical work against any but the highest manufacturer trained technicians for the super high end mechanical undertakings, certainly most dealership mechanics and independent mechanics, although mechanics has not been my sole career the motor trade is something i have been in all my life, and i have seen first hand so called professional mechanics work! so servicing is something i undertake on my cars, wife cars, sons cars, i don't undertake paid work or friends of friends work. been retired now i find it a pleasure rather than a chore knowing the jobs done right and its cost effective

A mechanic and a fitter are completely different things, unfortunately most dealerships employ fitters

[adrianw]

Heater fan suddenly developed a loud noise, Mercedes dealer quoted £900 to replace the fan (part £81) took me 15 minutes to sort

[Dave+63]

What I can do service wise myself I will because apart from it saves a good chunk of money I think we do a better job on our own cars than a third party will do, for example I changed the plugs recently in one of my cars but while doing that I checked and cleaned everything I could get too in this part of the engine, a third party would have just changed the plugs, job done.

Last week I had two track rod ends fitted to my MR2, simple job but after fitting a wheel alignment is needed so these were fitted at a garage and a good job done but if I had been able to do the job myself I would of cleaned the area, treated any rust in reach, sprayed WD40 on nuts/threads and perhaps replaced any unimportant screws/nuts/bolts with stainless etc.

Plus doing it myself I find it satisfying and keeps the brain and hands going.

You do realise that WD40 is a penetrating oil, used to help loosen tight and corroded threads? It doesn’t protect against corrosion, grease in one of its many guises (normal/copper/aluminium etc) is what should be used in this instance.

[adrianw]

You do realise that WD40 is a penetrating oil, used to help loosen tight and corroded threads? It doesn’t protect against corrosion, grease in one of its many guises (normal/copper/aluminium etc) is what should be used in this instance.

Unless specifically waterproof, most greases are hydroscopic

[Mouse]

Unless specifically waterproof, most greases are hydroscopic

I think you mean 'hygroscopic'

[TheTigerUK]

You do realise that WD40 is a penetrating oil, used to help loosen tight and corroded threads? It doesn’t protect against corrosion, grease in one of its many guises (normal/copper/aluminium etc) is what should be used in this instance.

Thats why I use it in preparation of replacing rusty bolts etc.

[adrianw]

I think you mean 'hygroscopic'

Yes sorry

[Enoch]

You do realise that WD40 is a penetrating oil, used to help loosen tight and corroded threads? It doesn’t protect against corrosion, grease in one of its many guises (normal/copper/aluminium etc) is what should be used in this instance.

Sorry to disagree Dave.🤓👍 It’s a moisture dispersal spray with some lubricating qualities. But as a penetrating oil it’s pretty poor. It’s a general purpose spray and will help in many situations, but it just doesn’t compare to a proper dedicated penetrating oil.

[adrianw]

Sorry to disagree Dave.邏 It’s a moisture dispersal spray with some lubricating qualities. But as a penetrating oil it’s pretty poor. It’s a general purpose spray and will help in many situations, but it just doesn’t compare to a proper dedicated penetrating oil.

Out of interest this has to be the best penetrating oil on the planet

https://htsupplies.co.uk/products/in...ck-oil-aerosol

[Enoch]

Having used it for many years I’m a fan of this one. https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-146827-...ing-spray.aspx There are of course many flavours including WD40 brand, and folk whom use it will all have their favourites.

[magpie215]

Plusgas is a good one.

Also mouse milk.

Apparently a 50 50 mix acetone and ATF can be a good mix for releasing rusted nuts and bolts.

[Franky Four Fingers]

Out of interest this has to be the best penetrating oil on the planet

https://htsupplies.co.uk/products/in...ck-oil-aerosol

Dont use anything else.

[Mouse]

Plusgas is a good one.

There's a name I haven't heard of for years. I remember using that way back in the day. Was good stuff as you say iirc.

[Liner33]

I have two cars , one I use the dealer for since it’s too new and too expensive, the other I do myself . I bought a generic service book from eBay and complete it each time and keep all the receipts for parts where I write the date and mileage on them

Prior to me buying the car it was serviced annually by Halfords and I’m sure I’m doing a better job than they did

[adrianw]

Dont use anything else.

When I was rebuilding my Noble I had a steel bolt seized into the ally gearbox, could get to both ends , tried plus gaz, WD40, 3 in one and a set off bottles, nothing not a millimetre, a car restorer I know said try it, ordered some , gave it ten minutes and it gently tapped out, I've used it several times since then, it's never failed.

[murkeywaters]

Plusgas is a good one.

Also mouse milk.

Apparently a 50 50 mix acetone and ATF can be a good mix for releasing rusted nuts and bolts.

Was going to say the 50/50 mix is supposed to be by far the best penetrating fluid, just not the sort of chemicals in most people’s garages!

As others have said, there is a sense of achievement and education when doing your own car work, it’s never straight forward though, always a seized bolt, something in the way etc, so you have to enjoy it or you’ll get yourself in a pickle.

Opie oils are great too for sourcing the correct fluids at good prices, they also now sell filters and other key service parts..

AUTODOC are good too for most parts at great prices, you have to wait a week or so for delivery as parts are sourced through Europe.

[Hocuspocus]

Like Liner33 I have my daily serviced by the main dealer, and have done since new. It's now 4 years old but still on a servicecplan.

My other car is a Caterham 7. I do my own servicing on that. I have had other "specialists" look at it over the years but never had I had full confidence. I keep receipts for all service items, type up what I've done and put both in a plastic sleeve before filing it. As well as planned maintenance it also gives me the opportunity to check the car over properly. I don't do anything on engine or gearbox internals, or timing belts and water pumps.

Sent from my SM-A145R using TZ-UK mobile app

[Franky Four Fingers]

When I was rebuilding my Noble I had a steel bolt seized into the ally gearbox, could get to both ends , tried plus gaz, WD40, 3 in one and a set off bottles, nothing not a millimetre, a car restorer I know said try it, ordered some , gave it ten minutes and it gently tapped out, I've used it several times since then, it's never failed.

Yeh, its expensive but we order a few hundred quids worth at one time so it brings the price down. Tried loads over the years and without doubt it’s the best ive used.

[Kingstepper]

Plusgas is a good one.

Also mouse milk.

Apparently a 50 50 mix acetone and ATF can be a good mix for releasing rusted nuts and bolts.

ATF?

[magpie215]

ATF?

Automatic transmission fluid

[Kingstepper]

Automatic transmission fluid

Thanks!

[Mj2k]

Did my own oil changes on the Z4M and M4, Porsches are a nightmare trim removal wise (981 cars). And no space to much about with the smart 453.

Changed a brake light on the smart at the weekend, dropped the screw, went down the holes in the bumper to never be found again.

£2.40 from Mercedes. Worst part is the light still doesn’t work, so it’s something else. Good news is the while read light housing and electrics is only £114 which is a bargain vs the screw!

[TheTigerUK]

Out of interest this has to be the best penetrating oil on the planet

https://htsupplies.co.uk/products/in...ck-oil-aerosol

I had never heard of that as I normally use WD40 or PlusGas, one ordered, thanks.

I hope this comes into the you get what you pay for category :)

Innotec Deblock Oil XS Aerosol £17.99 GBP 1 £17.99 GBP

Subtotal £17.99 GBP Postage and packaging £8.34 GBP Total £26.33 GBP

[Chris_in_the_UK]

£20.99 posted on eBay.

[TheTigerUK]

£20.99 posted on eBay.

ha ha there is always an alternative :)

[Chris_in_the_UK]

ha ha there is always an alternative :)

Sorry John - always worth a quick bit of googling!.