What it takes to service own car

Servicing a vehicle is a must if you are to get the best performance out of it. When it comes to vehicles, short cuts should be avoided, lest you end up in danger. Different vehicles are charged differently owing to makes, sizes, among other factors. However, basic servicing is something you can do. Evaline Namuwaya shows you how to do it.

Servicing your car can be an expensive business, especially if you cover high mileages every year, so why not try it out yourself? It is quite a common thing to miss out a service here and there basically to slash down on expenses.
However, regular servicing of your car is important to keep your vehicle in good working condition.

According to driving test tips a, website on car maintenance, if one is able to service their own car, they save to at least up two thirds of the cost a mechanic would charge you.

“If you are servicing your own car for the first time, the cost of purchasing tools and parts may end up costing more than a basic service. In the long-term however, a small fortune will be saved by servicing your own car,” the site stated.

Mrs Annet Kasozi a workshop supervisor at El-Bethel auto workshop said a basic car service is a relatively easy procedure. If the car owner has the right tools.

She advised that if one has a new car one should check the car’s manufacturer’s manual if they have one, as this should provide details on when to service the car. Mr Simon Lutaaya a car owner says a full service is required after clocking a certain mileage as prescribed in the car’s manual.

The cost of a car service ranges from around Shs80,000 upwards for a basic service to around Shs300,000 upwards for a full service. This of course depends what is included in the service. It is important asking exactly what is included in the service and finding a garage or workshop that has a good reputation or reviews.

Experts say that regular car maintenance should at least include:
•Checking oil levels
•Checking engine coolant levels
•Checking hydraulic brake fluid levels
•Windscreen washer refilling
•Checking on tyre pressure and tyre damage such as cuts and bulges.

The tyre tread depth should be at least 1.6mm around the entire circumference of the centre 3/4 breadth of the tyre. Also check for safety marker indicators, brakes, rear and front head lights.

Start with the engine oil change. The engine oil needs to be warm before draining as warm oil will flow more than cold oil. Run the engine for 15 minutes or so before drainage. Ensure you perform the oil change on a level surface.

Jack the car up and axle stands for safety. Remove the oil cap on the top side of the engine. Failure to do this may cause a vacuum when draining the oil, resulting in not all the oil being removed. Place the oil catch pan under the sump plug and drain. The engine oil may be hot so be careful.

Oil filter
Turn the oil filter wrench anti-clock wise to remove the filter. The filter may still have plenty of oil inside so be careful not to spill oil.

Ensure the filter seat on the engine is clean and place a light coating of oil on the gasket of the new filter. Initially screw the oil filter back on and gently tighten with the oil filter wrench. Ensure not to over-tighten for risk of damaging screw thread.

The oil can take several minutes to fully drain. When the engine is fully drained, replace the sump plug using a new washer and refill the engine with oil. It is important to refill the engine with oil slowly making regular checks of the engine oil level indicator on the car’s dipstick. The last thing you want to do is have to drain the oil again by over filling the engine.

Once the oil level is a little below the maximum marker on the dipstick, replace the oil cap start and run your engine for around 10 minutes. Turn off the engine and check once again the oil level using the dipstick. Finally make a check for any leakages on the sump. Engine coolant / antifreeze.

The correct mixture of engine coolant is essential to keep the engine from overheating and to prevent the corrosion of internal components. An integral part of an engine is the cooling system. Around one third of the energy produced by car engines is wasted due to it being converted to heat.

Change spark plugs
This is for petrol cars, before removing the old spark plugs ensure there is no debris around the chamber that may fall into the ignition chamber. Using a good quality brand with a copper core electrode, insert the plugs until hand-tight. Continue to tighten the plugs with the spark plug removal tool for a further 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the tool ensuring that you don’t over-tighten as this may result in thread damage.

Air filter

Fitting a new air filter is a simple process. The air filter housing may be secured by screws or simply clipped on. The new air filter simply needs to be dropped in.

Antifreeze

Coolant tanks can be under pressure with boiling hot water. Ensure the engine has cooled sufficiently before opening the cap on the coolant reservoir. Any other discolorations or oil in the coolant tank should be investigated by a specialist.

Additional maintenance checks

When changing the spark plugs, check the leads for any sign of deterioration. A good set of leads should last for well over 10 years. Timing and cam belts should be checked for signs of wear and tear. These belts don’t usually need changing with each service although renewing them regularly will decrease the risk of engine damage.

Experts warn that if your car still has the manufacturer’s warranty, the warranty is likely to state that you must have it serviced at their dealerships.

Having it serviced by yourself or by another service provider may invalidate your warranty. It is also worth remembering that if you like to keep a car with a service history; self-servicing your car, a service history stamp will not be issued in your servicing book.

Most of the car owners I talked to preferred taking their cars to mechanics much as it comes with a cost. I could hardly find one willing to go through this hustle of buying own tools. Though challenging, it can save you lots of money, try it out.

MUST HAVE TOOLS

•Oil filter wrench/removal tool
•Spark plug removal tool
•Socket set or spanner for removing the sump plug for oil drainage
•Screw driver for unscrewing air filter case if applicable. Clips may be the case alternatively
•Car jack and axle stands
•Antifreeze tester
•Oil catch pan

These should be on your car service parts checklist:
•Engine oil - consult your car manufacturer’s guide/manual for the correct oil type
•Oil filter washer - use a new sump plug washer and not the old one
•Spark plugs - again good quality branded plugs
•Air filter
•Antifreeze if applicable - use a quality branded filter
•Sump plug