OK, now i've been doing my own car maintenance for a few years now, thought I had the basics down pat. Difference is, coming up for the first major milestone (ignoring 5000 mile oil change due to "extreme" i.e. intra-urban conditions) since I treated "new" car (and myself) to a dealer service, i've discovered the service book lists a great number of things to look for compared to what i thought was the norm, and it's making my head swim trying to follow down all the columns for all the different models/engines at different mileages...
Roughly what would the experienced spanners out there reccomend I do for a 10000 mile self service? Past oil, filter, airbox, plugs/leads, battery/fluid levels checks, belts, making sure tyres/wheelnuts are OK & a decent scout around the less commonly seen bits of the body?
(esp. how exactly would you check the front disc/rear drum brakes, previously i've just waited til they squealed/juddered... oops :)
Cheers... you'll help keep a guy safe!
MP
2006-10-17 15:24:18 · 4 answers · asked by markp 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask!
You didn't mention what year/make your car is. A LOT has changed. Many cars are now built needing very little until mileage is rather high. At 10k miles, I doubt if you need anything but oil change, check air filter, tire pressure, rotate (of course).
Call or go by a dealership and let them highlight which maintenance schedule you should be following.
P.S. - ALWAYS log date/mileage and receipts for warranty purposes...just in case.
2006-10-17 15:32:50 · answer #1 · answered by mickeyg1958 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apart from the mechanical stuff, take a close look at areas that are vulnerable to rust like the underside of the fenders. Clean out the mud and see if there is any rust starting. If there is, remove as much as possible (sandblasting is about the most effective way, but phosphoric acid solutions like Naval Jelly and Ospho will work), then apply some magic rust-converting and protective stuff like POR-15.
2006-10-17 20:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by Wombat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and the front brakes have little wear indicate-rs on them,you can look and see how far they are from the rotors,and on the back breaks look and do the same ,if there drum brakes,look and see how much wear is left on them,and as far as the other stuff,just check everything on it,check for loose bolts and grease hinges good ,clean the engine area real good ,just go over the whole thing,you can spend a whole day on it ,and still not get done with all of it,just take your time and look it over real good,im sure you,ll find things to do on it,,,good luck i hope this help,s.
2006-10-17 15:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As for your brakes, you can pull the wheel off the front and check how much pad is left. There is a wear indicator on it that rubs the rotor and makes the squealing sound. if it is touching the rotor, then they need to be changed.
2006-10-17 15:28:25 · answer #4 · answered by Robert H 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋