Service Issues: How do you service your Car?

[Ragamuffin]

Always do my own servicing and repairs. Always have done.

[RWD]

Do most servicing and repairs myself, having access to a fully equipped garage and some decent techies helps too though!

[David Whit]

I'm a mechanic so I do all the work on our cars myself.That way I know it been do right.The only time I go to a Volvo specialist is if Ive got an electronic problem because i don't have the correct software and i also service and look after my dads 850 volvo as well.

[-chris-]

Mine has annual service come MOT time at the local specialist plus oil change and any other minor faults that i can handle done at home.

[volpete]

Originally Posted by Oilydad

Just out of interest, how do you look after your car/cars?

I service mine myself with an annual visit to the MOT centre, but I also have a guy who I trust with jobs that I either don't have time to deal with, or possibly need work doing where using a hoist is more cost effective.

You may choose more than one option.

same here oilydad wouldnt trust any body else same as youuse trusted mate.Volpete.

[Toplights]

Getting a bit old for crawling around under cars,but will still attempt most things with the help of my son.I know that the job required has been done,if i have done it my self.

[wooble]

Do it all myself. Having worked in a garage, I KNOW some of the things that happen in there, even with the best will in the world on the part of the mechanic, things happen. if I do it myself, at least I know what's been done, how it's been done and what might need attention in the future. Luckily I'm still on good enough terms with my old boss he'll rent the ramp out to me on a sunday if I need it for a big job.

[isleaiw]

Serviced at the garage where my brother is service manager - fully equipped modern garage, well skilled techies, parts at trade discount and all OE, scrap parts if needed to keep costs down, all warranted as done and only done as and when needed, and credit facilities available (unofficially!)

do buy the cars from them too so they do OK out of me and I save a good sum over other garage prices. Car currently there for new alarm siren, full set of pads all round, 4 new tyres (at trade from their supplier), assorted bulbs, some bushes, and a full service. Think it may be pricey....

[JimG]

I have learnt so much from this forum, I have this romantic idea that I'm going to start doing some simple things myself.

Would people recommend a Haynes manual and/or other good book that would get me started? Don't know if there is a "Car Mechanics For Dummies Book"?

[Toplights]

Hi JimG,everyone who contributes to this forum started out as we all do, knowing nothing about cars.Start with the very basics like giving your car an oil change and small service.These sort of things are usually in the very front of a workshop manual probably by Haynes and matching your cars model,which are reletivly cheap and easy to get hold of.I f you dont know much about how the engine works get a book on the internal combustion engine from your local library this will give you an idea.
Of course you know what happens then Jim,you be come a tool buying nut.Seriously though dont be frightened to ask basic questions,you' amongst friends fellow enthusiasts and skinflints.