Service Items Priorities

davidjwest

My car is due a service but I really cannot afford the ~£150 or so that it would normally cost (tax and MOT also due this month). What items do you think should be a priority - I can afford to get the oil/filters changed etc but is there anything else that would be a high priority?

The car was serviced back in March but I've done ~16k miles since then so the oil is a priority I assume.

I can probably afford the service in a couple of months if the MOT isn't a disaster!

Thanks for any advice.

neilmcl

Bear in mind that if you don't follow the manufacturer's service schedule then you could find your warranty invalidated.

Hintza

neilmcl wrote: »

Bear in mind that if you don't follow the manufacturer's service schedule then you could find your warranty invalidated.

Probably not under warranty anymore

We have a 2004 Fiat Panda that now only really gets oil and filters. But I will do an inspection (hoses, gaiters, brakes and pads etc)

Main thing would be an oil change the rest can wait.

If it is going in for an MOT it might pay to clean up the brake pipes (wire brush) as these always seem to fail when if they were clean they would be fine and giving them a brush might save you a few quid.

colino

If your not mechanically minded, apart from getting the oil and filter changed, pay someone else to check the brakes and tyres. You can be as parsimonious as you like (though probably being less economical due to old air filter and plugs), but don't let your car become a danger to others. Everything else can then drift into old age.

neilmcl

Hintza wrote: »

Probably not under warranty anymore

You're probably right I missed the bit about the MOT being due.

neilmcl

colino wrote: »

You can be as parsimonious as you like.

Jeez, someone's eaten a dictionary today.

oldagetraveller

neilmcl wrote: »

Jeez, someone's eaten a dictionary today.

Not for using "your" for you're though.:p:D

Strider590

Oil

Air + Oil + Fuel + Pollen Filters

That's your basic service, the rest of the checks really are for numpties who never check or care for the condition of their vehicles.
I mean if my door catch is sticky I lube it, I don't wait til it goes in for a service.

benham3160

Oil and filter are the only things that really matter if you're in a pinch.

Everything else can wait.

Regards,
Andy

Hammyman

Oil + filter, air filter and pollen filter as previously mentioned. Pollen filter is included because on many cars, the resistor pack for the heater speed control sits in the fresh air vents and can burn out if the pollen filter blocks.

And I'd also have a brake inspection too - see if National Tyres is offering a free one.

Ebe_Scrooge

I'll reiterate the oil + filter as an absolute minimum. If you're really strapped for cash, you can probably do it yourself. On *most* cars it's very easy ( filters on some engines can be very awkward to get at, but usually they're easy ). I would suggest a local motor spares shop rather than a big national chain ( whose name may begin with H ) is likely to be cheaper.

Just make sure you get the correct grade of oil, and the correct filter, for your particular car. You can find this in the owner's handbook, or the Haynes manual, or ask at the shop - they're usually very helpful people :-)

I appreciate that not everyone has the confidence to tackle car engines, especially if you've never touched one before, but in the spirit of money-saving ......