[shaggy2010]

OK so It's my first service tomorrow (For me as a personal experience).


Cars a 1.0 2001 X Reg Corsa C (Comfort).

List of things I'm aware of are:

Hand break needs tightening
Tracking slightly out
Oil Pressure switch has failed but I fixed it (had failed in past looking through service book).
Coolant drops a CM every few weeks or so.
Can be a bit sluggish when cold / Sounds rough for 2seconds upon start when cold.
1st/2nd Gear sometimes feel stiff
Sometimes I can hear a squeaky noise from the right side of car.
Front Wipers have changed position slightly
Sometimes a bit jerky/sluggish when cold in low gears.

I was quoted £170ish for a Full Service and MOT.

My MOT is due on 27th June. I was thinking of getting a service then doing MOT but I think with it coming up just to get them both done today.

I personally think the car is sound and it did have most of its repairs/work done on it in 2010 which also seemed just like sound maintenance.


Does this all seem fair? is there anything I should do?

 

[AdamDowning]

Have you tried to adjust the clutch cable for first/second being stiff.

 

[shaggy2010]

I've not tried to do anything, it's only on the odd occasion it happens.

I have no clue with what I am doing with cars. It's not un-useable stiff, just doesn't slide in as easy as the other gears.

 

[AdamDowning]

There's a guide if you search for it on how to adjust your clutch cable. Did it with myn the other day, feels smooth as now.
Definately bring the coolant loss up with the garage. Could be something simple to fix, but could lead to larger problems in future.

 

[Vegas]

What's being included for service???
You're effectively paying about £130 for a service :0

 

[AdamDowning]

I'd do this stuff myself in all honesty. Get a Haynes manual and crack on!

 

[shaggy2010]

I best find out, I asked and got "full service" which is a bit vague.

I'll ask what entails a full service.

They could be things I am unaware of, which is why I want it to go in. At least half the stuff in the list I doubt the garage will do and I will do myself. I'll try get them included if I can though - depends what happens when I chat with them.

 

[Vegas]

I've seen various descriptions of full service.

Usually spark plugs, oil, oil filter and air filter. Totalling about £40..

 

[shaggy2010]

Rang them:
Spark plugs
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Fuel Filter
Lights, brakes etc he reeled off (Was a short phone call tbh).
Coolant, he will flush that also (because I want it doing).
Engine flush, oil flush I think he said.

Talked to a different guy to earlier.

 

[Vegas]

Brakes? What about them?
Check they're working?


Bulbs you can see yourself.
Coolant change it about £8 if they actually do it.
Engine flushes are generally denned not a
Good idea on older engines

 

[Lee]

Please post in the relevant help & advice section in future. Moved!

 

[shaggy2010]

Didn't think it really fit anywhere here, thanks!

Maybe I'll just point out what I want looking at then.

Brakes work, all bulbs but a dash bulb near fan controls work. Either way all filters need changing and I gotta get this MOT done sooner than later in case It fails on anything.

 

[AdamDowning]

Why are engine flushes not recommended on older engines?

 

[shaggy2010]

Old engines are dirty and you don't want to have chunks floating around that can be cleaned off - I think?

 

[HAYTON2K3]

Why are engine flushes not recommended on older engines?

I think when older engines are done the break up of deposits and such in the engine along with deposits been removed leading to issues with gaskets and such.

 

[AdamDowning]

So coolant and radiator flushes are bad for the engine with it being old? Jesus christ, I didn't know that. I've been doing myn every three months, let's stop that then!

Nice read up: http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

Definately something I didn't know.

 

[shaggy2010]

Nah not coolant and radiator. Oil flushes into the engine block.

 

[AdamDowning]

Ah fair does. So engine flushes? Oil etc...? I take it by flushing you mean dragging everything out, rather than just dropping the sump plug and putting in afresh?

 

[Vegas]

Yes, otherwise people would never chane their oil

 

[AdamDowning]

I figured, just clarifying haha.