To start with your car needs servicing every 15000 klms. but one of those services (every second one) can be done by yourself so that you can be aware of the things that are developing. You will need a pair of car ramps and a drainage bucket.
Make sure that service team that you require to do your work is licensed and belong to some sort of association that keeps an eye on quality and doesn't charge through the nose.
Also!, pick a service dealer that will do your service to the manual AND ALSO UPDATE YOUR COMPUTOR. They will be a little more expensive, but because you will end up doing every second service , you will be winning in the long run.
You could also pick a service dealer who also does transmission service so you don't go running all over the place to get your work done. The easiest way to pick a good auto transmission dealer is have a quick look into his workshop. If the area is neat and tidy with the floor extremely clean and parts neatly up on the wall , he probably has good work ethics and as long as he doesn't charge like a wounded bull ,you will probably be okay.
CONTENTS OF SERVICE
WATER
Make sure that the water level in the radiator header tank is in the full mode . You can check this by looking at the header tank and see that the water should be in between low and high . If it is low , make sure that the car engine temperature is cold , then look in the top of the radiator. If it is full replace the radiator cap, then top up the radiator header tank so its on the full mark. also, when changing coolant(once a year } use radiator coolant only.
Also check that the hoses that are connected to the motor are not soft and leaking. This will be shown by a powdery substance at the end of the hoses where the clip is situated . If it is not leaking but is soft ,you should replace it next service.
Next you should check out the fan belt for cuts and nicks that will develop into bigger cuts resulting in fan belt breaks that could end up in a breakdown
OIL.
The oil filter should be changed every service. That's my view anyway and its entirely up to you , but the main cause of wear and tear in a motor is dirt and sludge that comes with the running of the motor over a period of time. You don't change the filter , you end up with a motor that blows smoke and is hard to start because of low compression. Some car oil filters are in extremely hard spots and can be a nightmare for beginners , however most are accessible for servicing. You can obtain an oil filter removal tool from any auto accessory store.
The oil it self ,should be of highest quality and should be the same type as listed in your car service manual . If you don't have a manual, most auto parts stores have the specifications listed on their computers and will be able to tell you the exact amount of oil required. Make sure you don't over fill or under fill the capacity because too much oil is worse than not enough.
Before you screw the oil filter on ,smear the rubber lip with a lubricant such as oil or a little grease for easy assembly and next time removal
Don't start by taking out the motor!!
AIR
All cars have air filters and if you want your car to run smoothly and what's more ECOMNICALLY, THEN THIS ITEM MUST BE CHANGED EVERY TIME THE CAR IS SERVICED.
Your petrol consumption rely on this very important point and that's why it is in capitals.
A lot of mechanics say you can get away with not changing the air filter , but it is in your best interest to do it every time you service the car . It usually is found on top of your motor and connected with snap down circ lips.
BATTERY
The battery should be checked for loose ends and terminals , the battery posts wiped and cleaned with a rag. Don't put any cleaners on these posts except when they are covered with green participles , then you can remove them with hot boiling water which will clean up the area and a small amount of Vaseline put around the bottom of the post. This is where the acid particles leak from.
The battery cells which are found under the battery caps have distilled water in them and this should just cover the top of the cells only , not completely full like some people suggest.
The terminals should be tightened firmly so they make a good contact.
TYRES
Tyres should be checked for wear ,especially on the inside of the tyre , and the spare checked for pressure every second service so when you get a flat , it is doesn't leave you stranded on the side of the road.
DOORS AND BONNET HOOD catches should be coated in dry lube which is purchased by the stick from your auto accessory store.
CHECK FOR ANY LEAKS .
AUTO TRANSMISSION should be carried out by a transmission specialist because of the cleanliness involved,. Any small particle that gets inside a gearbox will play havoc with the gearbox and for that reason I NEVER DO THIS MYSELF. It only needs servicing every 30000 klms. so stick this part on the service list that you can't do .
GEARBOX AND DIFF {MANUAL} The oil level should be just under the filler hole. If you take out the filler nut and you have oil pouring out all over the ground, it was too full.
BRAKES
MAKE SURE THAT THE FLUID LEVEL IS AT THE FULL MARK AND NOT OVER
Keep an eye on the brake shoes for wear and when it comes to doing a brake service ,I suggest that you put this also in too hard basket , mainly because , every car has different types of brakes and they all have to follow a certain procedure.
LIGHTS AND INDICATERS
Check all your lights and indicators and replace them if faulty.
