SERVICE YOUR OWN CAR.
Here is a basic guide with step by step instructions that will give you the information on how to give your car its basic engine service consisting of oil, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs.
With the ever raising labor costs of garages this easy to use step by step guide could potentially save you a fortune.
Please note that the following is meant as a guide only and therefore should not be relied upon as fact as all vehicle manufactures differ.
GUIDE BASED ON A STANDARD PETROL ENGINE.
- A LIST OF EQUIPMENT NEEDED.
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Oil drain plug spanner / suitable tool.
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Oil filter pliers / suitable tool.
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Spark plug spanner / deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
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Jack and axle stands.
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Oil drain pan.
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Clean rags.
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Safety gloves.
- CHANGING THE OIL AND OIL FILTER.
Ideally the engine needs to be warm before starting these procedures as this will help allow the oil to drain more easily.
- Raise the front of the car with the use of a jack and then support with axle stands.
- Using a oil drain plug spanner or a suitable tool slacken the oil drain plug approximately half a turn (located at bottom of sump).
- Position the oil pan directly under drain plug and remove drain plug allowing the oil to run out into the oil pan(please note that it may take some time for the oil to drain completely).
- Clean the drain plug and sump using a clean rag then refit the drain plug securely (note that it may be necessary to fit a new sealing washer before refitting plug).
- Now move the oil pan and position it under the oil filter.
- Using oil filter pliers or a suitable tool slacken the oil filter then unscrew it by hand and empty the oil into your oil pan.
- Wipe away all oil from engine-filter area with a clean rag.
- Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to your new filters seal and screw into place tightening it firmly by hand.
- Once you have removed everything from under your vehicle lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Unscrew the oil filler cap (on top of engine) and pour in the specified grade of oil for your vehicle until oil reaches the top mark on your oil dip stick and refit filler cap.
- Start engine and allow to run on tick over for a couple of minutes.
- Turn of engine and check for any leaks allow the engine oil to settle for a few minutes then check the oil level at the dipstick again and top up as necessary.
- CHANGING THE FUEL FILTER.
Fuel filters positions very but the most common places it is found are in the engine bay or under the vehicle usually close to the fuel tank.
- Unclip / undo the retaining strap that holds the filter in its position.
- Note the direction of arrow on filter when available and disconnect the fuel lines / hoses from filter and remove (please note that fuel may be spilt on removal).
- Put the new filter into place and refit fuel lines / hoses.
- Refit fuel filter into its original position securely fastening it back.
- Start engine and check for any leaks (note it may take a little while for the fuel to circulate so don't be surprised if it doesn't start up first time).
- CHANGING THE AIR FILTER.
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Disconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes from the air filters housing.
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Unclip / unscrew all retaining clips and open filters housing.
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Now you can remove the filter.
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Fit the new air filter into its housing ensuring that it sits in its correct positions.
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Refitting the filters housing and securely tighten using the original screws / clips.
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Reconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes back up to the air filters housing.
- CHANGING THE SPARK PLUGS.
Note that it may be necessary to remove other parts to enable you to gain access to the spark plugs.
always change spark plugs one at a time.
- Wipe the area around the spar plugs clean using a clean rag.
- Remove the spark plugs (HT) lead.
- Remove the spark plug using a spark plug spanner or deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
- Fit the new spark plug ensuring that it is securely tightened.
- Refit (HT) lead making sure it has made a good contact / connection.
- Repeat the above steps for each individual spark plug.