The benefit of servicing your own car is to save money, and let's face it in today's current climate of rising fuel and garage costs we can all save money by carrying out some basic servicing essentials. The following basic guide has step by step instructions that will give you the information on how to give your car a basic engine service including oil change, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs.
Please note that the following is meant as a guide for the standard petrol engine only and therefore should not be relied upon as fact as all vehicle manufactures differ.
Equipment Required
• Oil-drain plug spanner / suitable tool.
• Oil-filter pliers / suitable tool.
• Spark plug spanner / deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
• Jack and axle stands.
• Oil drain pan.
• Clean rags.
• Safety gloves.
Oil & Oil Filter Change
The engine needs to be warm before starting these procedures as this will allow the oil to drain more freely.
1. Raise the front of the car with the use of a jack and then support with axle stands.
2. Using an oil drain plug spanner or a suitable tool, loosen the oil drain plug at the bottom of the sump and using an oil drain plug spanner or suitable tool slacken the plug approximately half a turn.
3. Position an oil pan directly under the drain plug and remove drain plug allowing the oil to run, be aware that it may take some time for the oil to drain completely.
4. Clean the drain plug and sump using a clean rag then refit the drain plug securely, ideally fit a new sealing washer before refitting plug.
5. Move the oil pan and position it under the oil filter.
6. Using oil filter pliers or a suitable tool loosen the oil filter then unscrew it by hand and empty the oil into your oil pan.
7. Wipe away all oil from engine-filter area with a clean rag.
8. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the new filters seal and screw into place firmly by hand.
9. Once you have removed everything from under your vehicle lower the vehicle to the ground.
10. Unscrew the oil filler cap positioned on top of the engine and pour in the specified grade of oil for your vehicle. Continue to do this until oil reaches the top mark on your oil dip stick and refit filler cap.
11. Start engine and allow it to idle for a couple of minutes.
12. Turn off 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 required.
Changing the Fuel Filter
The position for the Fuel filter vary on most cars however the most usual places are in the engine bay or under the vehicle usually close to the fuel tank.
1. Remove the strap that holds the filter in its position.
2. Look for the direction of an arrow on the filter (when available) and disconnect the fuel lines / hoses from filter and remove (please note that fuel may be spilt on removal). Prior to removing the fuel lines you will need to block the fuel lines using a small pair of mole grips or something similar.
3. Put the new filter into place and refit fuel lines / hoses.
4. Refit fuel filter into its original position securely fastening it back.
5. Start engine and check for any leaks, don't be disheartened if it doesn't start first time as the fuel takes time to circulate initially.
Changing the Air Filter
1. Disconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes from the air filters housing.
2. Remove all retaining clips and open filter housing.
3. Remove the filter.
4. Fit the new air filter into its housing ensuring that it sits in its correct positions.
5. Refit the filter housing and securely tighten using the original screws or clips.
6. Reconnect all vacuum and breather hose pipes back up to the air filters housing.
Changing the Spark Plugs
It may be necessary to remove other parts to enable you to gain access to the spark plugs. Refer to your owner's manual if unsure and always change spark plugs one at a time.
1. Clean the immediate area around the spark plugs clean using a clean rag.
2. Remove the spark plugs (HT) lead.
3. Carefully remove the spark plug using a spark plug spanner or deep socket with extension bar and ratchet.
4. Carefully fit the new spark plug ensuring that it is securely tightened.
5. Refit (HT) lead making sure you have made a good contact / connection.
6. Repeat the above steps for each individual spark plug until complete.
