Drivers who service their car should learn and read up more

[Evillusion]

11 years old spark plugs!

 

What brand is it?

not spark plugs la......its the spark plug cables..

[carloverguy2017]

TS u come in complain people duno abt car.. then u dun teach ppl, how will they know wat to look out for..

I don't think "teach" is the right word to use.

What if I tell you snake oil doesn't works and 90% disagree with me ?

Would I be lying, bulls**tting or teaching ?

 

The best advice is not to teach.

Rather, go walk the ground, understand what the mechanics are doing to your car.

Understand why they want to do that, or suggest items to fix.

Evaluate and think of 2 criteria :

1. Is it detrimental to the car if I don't repair it today ?

2. What are my alternatives ?

 

Once you evaluate the "suggested fix " by your mechanics or workshop, then decide would you love to part your extra dollars on that same day ?

If yes, good for you on your decision, it's your car anyway.

If no, what is the alternative ? Can you find another workshop to re-evaluate the condition before working on it ?

Will the car be able to drive for another day or week before acting on the "suspect" part ?

 

If you can wait, and the problem isn't causing immediate breakdown of your car, then the problem can usually be re-evaluated on a second opinion from another workshop. 

 

Yes, it takes more time, maybe you need to take a day off. 

But if it is worth it, go for it.

 

If the fix is $20 or cheap ( in your own context of dollars sense ) , then I say just let the guy do it, don't need alternative opinion. It will be a waste of time anyway.

[Ahbengdriver]

For me,  I change my own spark plugs, air filter, aircon filter and my car cams 2x single channel are also installed by myself.

 

For more complicated jobs that require special tools or proper disposal of fluids, I just leave it to the workshop. But most of the time I am the one telling them what to check and what to change as I do check my car regularly.

 

Like many others mentioned, if you have the interest, you will want to learn and know more. If no interest, no point discussing further.

 

But for many who earn big bucks, i believe they are more willing to pay to get the job done without wasting too much time. Their main concern would be more on reliability and avoiding roadside breakdowns.

 

Well cum to the klub.  I also DIY a list of things then those I cannot do myself I go WS n F the guys to check this check that  .

 

Actually DIY not so diff la.....all these I do myself...

Ignition coils

Spark plugs

Tensioner

Tensioner belt

Radiator hoses

Coolant flush

brake pads / rotors

Oil filter housing gasket

Heat exchanger gasket

manifold gasket

throttle gasket

air filter

aircon filter

oil change n filter

brake fluid 

wipers

fuel pump

and a list of other gaskets n seals.

 

All u need is a complete set of automotive tools, jacks, rams, etc....

Edited December 3, 2018 by Ahbengdriver

[Zze121]

As long u record and track parts & lub change out date and milage, refer that record for next change date and milage due. Its normal ppl do not do this and they have no idea of when the next change should take place.

[Alex53]

My last servicing I brought my own oil and only pay $18 for labour n oil filter. The boss didn't up sell me anything cos I clearly know what I want to do. He inspect and didn't have anything to ask me change.

Can bring our own oil for servicing? seem I am too outdated. haha

[Sdf4786k]

My last servicing I brought my own oil and only pay $18 for labour n oil filter. The boss didn't up sell me anything cos I clearly know what I want to do. He inspect and didn't have anything to ask me change.

 

18 is a good price.

 

Mine charge me 30 for oil change and oil filter. Both items was purchase on my own