Servicing my car... Checklist?

[DavidPartay]

Hey guys,

Due to having recently moved and no longer being within short proximity of the only mechanic I know and trust I have started servicing the car myself.

Obviously I can change oil and check fluid levels, etc., and follow the guidelines in the service manual for scheduled replacement of plugs, leads, etc.

What I really need to know though, is how I can correctly identify a few things - such as worn brake pads/hubs, belt tension, etc. I'm aware there are some things I should be shown rather than told, but nonetheless I figure this is a good place to start .

Also, any recommendations for things I should be checking regardless of the amount of driving I've done.

[HamaTime™]

worn brake pads, just open up the caliper and see how much meat there is on the pad, very easy to spot, because there is the larger metal plate, with the pad body on it. Check your brake fluid at the same time (pop the master cylinder resevoir cap)

Not sure about belt tension.

[edals]

Go get your self a Gregory or ellery Service manual. Has a whole check list for 10,000km and 40,000km services. and tells you how to check everything. well worth the $40

[DevilDRake]

Car Service Centres

Perfectly will suit what you need @ which service.

[db_notso]

get your self a manual
pads have aminimum thickness like rwc is 2mm i think
if you service your own car you need to do it as well as you can e.g check every fluid in the car
check for noises how it drives
if you follow the maintanance book you should be right when the book runs out then you have to work it out for yourself thats the hard part

[nemesis_adrasteia]

worn brake pads, just open up the caliper and see how much meat there is on the pad, very easy to spot, because there is the larger metal plate, with the pad body on it. Check your brake fluid at the same time (pop the master cylinder resevoir cap)

Not sure about belt tension.

you dont need to open the caliper, there is a square opening in the caliper, you need to take the wheel off to get a proper look at it.

[nemesis_adrasteia]

since its my job ill tell ya what we do.

engine oil and filter
air filter(if required)
fuel filter(if required)
washer fluid
battery acid levels
coolant level and condition
brake fluid level and condition
check lights
windscreen wipers
diff oil
transmission fluid
tyre pressures
tyre tread wear
condtion of universal joints
seatbelts
any warning lights on the dash
reset service reminder


thats all i can think of now but im sure theres more

[DavidPartay]

Thanks, everyone!

[2005vzute]

if you keep your brake fluid resivoir full all the time, then next service you may be able to determine how worn your brake pads are without taking wheels off etc...the fluid will drop within the resivoir, the only time fluid drops is an ibvious leak or as brake pads wear, need the extra fluid to keep the caliper piston doing its job properly

[edals]

Also Good to look under the car also and check for anything loose or Rusting. Like Fuel lines, brake lines. Invest in a jack/stands or ramps. I bought ramps just for that purpose lol