Questions tagged [service]

A motor vehicle service is a set of maintenance procedures carried out either at set time intervals or after the vehicle has travelled a certain distance since it's last service.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
4 votes
2 answers
171 views

Renewed brake pads

I am new to the automotive world and especially in services. I did some research on some things, but others I cannot find definite answer. I bought a car which has had "renewed brake pads and discs"...
David Kasabji's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Should I have run out of engine oil?

I have a Holden Captiva 5 LT (2013, petrol 4cyl) I had noticed the other day that my light for "Dangerously Low Oil Levels" had come on. From my limited knowledge of cars, If my oil was filled last ...
Lachmonster Libke's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Buying a car without a service history? [closed]

I'm considering buying an Audi A3 from 2013, from an official Audi dealership. It's in good condition as far as I can tell, and has all the options I need. The problem is that they don't have a ...
laurent's user avatar
  • 153
4 votes
2 answers
271 views

Radically different car maintenance schedules in manual and service instruction sheet

I own a 2013 Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0L 74kW, and noticed that the maintenance instructions in the US version of the owners manual are very different from the service schedule available on Ford Etis. (EU ...
Ives's user avatar
  • 710
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I know if a TSB has been applied to my vehicle?

I have a 2013 Infiniti JX35 with a brake pedal that is softening when the car is at a full stop. An independent auto shop says that the ABS needs to be reprogrammed by the dealership as described in ...
Thomas Johnson's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Have my tyres been tampered with?

I took my car to the garage and arranged with them to replace all 4 tyres. I'd order the tyres to the garage and they'd fit them. I also asked the mechanics to check the tyres manufacturing date and ...
Plesos's user avatar
  • 175
3 votes
0 answers
754 views

What is full service / interim service / service a / service b?

I have been trying to book the car for service as the panel suggests that 'service B is due', but the booking services offer Full service an Interim service to choose from. I guess Service B is one of ...
Ivan Venediktov's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
790 views

Oil, brake, servicing reminder lights turn off using OBD-II

I am doing a project to reset oil, brake, servicing reminder lights etc. using OBD-II Bluetooth scanners (VGate and OBDLink SX Scan Tool). Basically, trying to do what enhanced OBD-II scanners are ...
Soumya Sen's user avatar
  • 1,521
0 votes
2 answers
418 views

2000 Ford Focus will not start

After turning the ignition the car will not make a sound. The radio works, and all the lights work except the headlights. What could be the problem?
Brenda's user avatar
  • 11
2 votes
2 answers
145 views

Service intervals of different cars

Background So in the process of buying a used car, I feel I need to know what kind of service a car should have had prior to the purchase and will have to have after the purchase. I'm looking for a VW ...
firelynx's user avatar
  • 121
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

Why does my garage insist on using an engine flush when changing the oil?

My car handbook lists what should be done at each service, and it does not say “engine flush” should be used. The main dealers don’t use it. Yet most small garages seem to insist on using it at ...
Ian Ringrose's user avatar
22 votes
7 answers
14k views

What's the point of servicing a car?

As you can probably tell from the question, I know almost nothing about motor vehicles. So apologies for my ignorance but I wasn't sure where else I might get this question answered impartially. ...
Bob Tway's user avatar
  • 331
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

How important is the procedure to service a car every 6 months [duplicate]

Recently I bought a car. The recommendation is to do the service every 12,000 kms or 6 months. I'm using the car for about 400 kms per month. I'm far from the next service. But I received a call ...
AFetter's user avatar
  • 203
26 votes
4 answers
506k views

What actually happens when there is way too much oil in a car engine?

I saw the answers to a question I posted recently highlighting the disadvantages of having too little oil in an engine, but that got me wondering what if the complete opposite were to occur! I know ...
Max Goodridge's user avatar
66 votes
9 answers
809k views

What actually happens when there is not enough oil in a car engine?

When a car is topped up with oil, it clear to most people that you are supposed to fill it to the recommended amount as specified by the manufacturer (normally on a dip stick). What exactly are all ...
Max Goodridge's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
21k views

As a consumer, can you buy the "OEM service manual" for your car direct from the manufacturer?

I recently found out you can buy a repair manual for your specific car (in this case Haynes and the repair manual is specific your make/model but spans multiple years). When I went to my car's Haynes ...
syn1kk's user avatar
  • 416
7 votes
2 answers
4k views

What repairs can a garage do without asking for permission if the car is in for MOT and service?

I recently sent my car to the garage for its MOT and service. It's a 1999 Nissan Almera so I wasn't expecting it to pass without some work being done to it. However, when I got the invoice back it ...
Kialandei's user avatar
  • 171
4 votes
1 answer
5k views

30K recommended service for honda civic 2013

I have Honda Civic 2013 and have 37K miles on odometer. Haven't done 30K recommended service but i scheduled appointment with dealership. The detail service list is 4 Wheel Brake Service Air Filter ...
Ahmed's user avatar
  • 43
1 vote
3 answers
3k views

2006 Infiniti G35 - Blown engine following Kwik Kar engine flush

(Apologies in advance for the lengthy post.) Background 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe, 6-speed manual, 112K miles. I bought the car from a friend when it had about 50k miles. He had the car for the ...
3Dave's user avatar
  • 3,149
9 votes
7 answers
19k views

Is it typical for a shop to charge extra for labor if you bring your own parts?

I brought my car into a new mechanic today for brake issues, and they discovered that my rear brake calipers had completely seized up. They gave me an itemized quote for parts (~$700) and labor (~$...
alexw's user avatar
  • 413
6 votes
3 answers
142 views

MOT coverage for car issues

This is a very UK specific question. I was wondering what sort of tests and (if any) fixes are covered by MOT tests. I know that lots of auto shops do servicing that focus on the MOT aspects of things ...
ha9u63a7's user avatar
  • 335
6 votes
3 answers
15k views

What to Inspect / Clean / Change After Buying a Used Car Without A Service Record [duplicate]

Let's say you've bought a second hand car that seems decent, but has no service record. What are the things you would inspect, clean or change right off the bat?
Robert S. Barnes's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
4k views

Time based versus milage based service [duplicate]

My car's maintenance schedule says I need to service every 7,500 miles or 6 months. It is now 6 months but my cars has only 4500 miles. Do I still need to get it serviced? Should I follow the service ...
Virendra's user avatar
  • 121
4 votes
1 answer
884 views

Will cars annual service light still come on if I do an early service?

I have a Jaguar XJ 2010 model, the service warning light comes on around October every year for the annual service. If however I was to get it serviced in June this year (i.e earlier than the service ...
User101's user avatar
  • 239
3 votes
2 answers
784 views

How do Lojacks work? Are there alternatives?

So I was at a dealership recently and of course they advertised the typical Lojack. No doubt I feel these things are useful but it seems the price actually fluctuates (one dealership was selling to me ...
aug's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

2007 Nissan Frontier Transmission, Differential & Transfer Case service intervals for light driving?

According to the owner's manual service/maintenance guide, automatic transmission fluid, differential oil & transfer case oil should be inspected for leaks at the following intervals: ...
aVeRTRAC's user avatar
  • 161
2 votes
3 answers
327 views

Does my car need a service?

I bought my car second hand and don't know when it was last serviced. Car has done over 100,000 miles, it's a 2004 Corsa. It's due for its MOT, so I was thinking of doing them at the same time. Also, ...
Donna Schulz's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
512 views

Motorcycle Maintenance Tasks - Please Provide a List of Actions

It's a BigBoy DRT-250, but I doubt that will be known outside of SA. I had it serviced at 500km, then 3000km, and 6000km, according to warranty. Then it was highlighted to me that the warranty ...
ProfK's user avatar
  • 465
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

How much of a VIN code is needed to identify make & model, across model years?

In a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) code, do the first 8 digits always refer to the same make/model, or does it change from year to year? For example, here is a VIN (5TDDKRFH5ES03F736) decoded: ...
koanima's user avatar
  • 143
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Service intervals for old, low mileage car

I have a manual 2000 Ford Focus, with only 64k miles on the clock. This question is more general than a specific car and year, I am really asking about > 10 years, with sub 100k miles Generally, I ...
Nick's user avatar
  • 1,945
0 votes
4 answers
23k views

What is the recommended interval change a Holden Barina timing belt?

It's a 2009 Holden Barina TK with 44,000 km on the clock. The mechanic is recommending that it's time to change the timing belt, but it seems to soon to me for such a costly procedure. When I've had ...
KiwiNige's user avatar
  • 141
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

What potentially may be wrong with a front-right leg of a stabilizer?

Not a long time ago, I went to the service for an annual technical inspection. They replaced the front-right leg of a stabilizer. And gave me the previous one back. I wasn't too smart to ask the ...
abyss.7's user avatar
  • 143
6 votes
2 answers
42k views

Proper pressure for run-flats on Mini Cooper

I have custom rims and Kumho 205/45/RF17 run-flats on my 2007 R56 Mini Cooper S (not convertible), and the tire pressure light came on. I checked, and indeed one of the tires was low (around 29 psi) ...
beroe's user avatar
  • 291
5 votes
3 answers
231 views

What checks or service should be performed before a long trip?

Before going on a long trip, say 10 hours a day, times 2 days at highway speeds, what checks or services should I have performed? This car is a 2007 Lexus ES350, but I'm looking for an answer that ...
JerryOL's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
6 answers
1k views

Easily serviceable/maintenance cars

I really want to get a little bit more familiar with whatever is going on under the bonnet, so I thought to buy an old car to conduct my experiments on it. What I had in mind - is trying basic ...
Eugene S's user avatar
  • 479
2 votes
1 answer
560 views

Toyota Camry 2004 service

I have just bought a 2004 Toyota Corolla (Altise). I couldn't get the exact date of the last service but the guy said that the next service should be done in 3000km. I guess there is a standard set of ...
Eugene S's user avatar
  • 479
4 votes
1 answer
156 views

Honda dealership questionable maintenance

My 2009 CRV with 59,500 miles and absolutely no problems went in for the 60,000 service. I was called and told that my power steering fluid smelled burned and looked dark. I was told that I needed a ...
Renee's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
3 answers
358 views

Is there any safe way to buy a used car and have it shipped to me?

I'm looking to buy a used car that is somewhat uncommon in the combination of year, make, model, trim package, etc. I found a car that I would like to buy but it is a 17-hour car ride away (one way). ...
northben's user avatar
  • 145
16 votes
1 answer
3k views

How important is time-based servicing vs. distance-based servicing?

For years I have been driving a very old car, and servicing it every 10,000 kilometres even though it took me almost a year to drive that much. Now I have a newer car which I care about more. It's ...
LeopardSkinPillBoxHat's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Reset Service Light 2009 1.6 Diesel Alfa Romeo Mito

Can anyone please advise me how to reset the service light on my 1.6 Diesel Alfa Mito?
Peter's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Where can I find a Haynes manual/equivalent for Suzuki Alto

I've bought a Suzuki Alto (also known as a Maruti Alto in India) and have found it very difficult to obtain a Haynes manual for it. Does one exist in the UK, or is there an equivalent source to go to ...
ajmccall's user avatar
  • 123
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

How to reset the service reminder on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor?

I have been looking for a few days now on how to reset the service reminder that keeps showing every time I start the car. I know the car repair shop can do this, but I would like to know how to do it ...
lejahmie's user avatar
  • 231
2 votes
3 answers
8k views

Frequency for servicing bike?

I have a Hero Honda air cooled single cylinder 4 stroke engine bike. It's about 5 years old, and I've done all the recommended servicing on time. I lost the servicing manual, but I remember that the ...
Nav's user avatar
  • 1,441
1 vote
2 answers
24k views

Is it a good idea to have MOT and Full service at the same time?

Or is it better if we do them in two different places? MOT Test = Ministry of Transport Test - an annual test carried out on vehicles over 3yrs old in the UK to ensure they are roadworthy (i.e. safe ...
Mo Valipour's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
4k views

Dealer service records from Toyota, Honda, Mercedes Benz - don't exist?

I'm shopping for used cars at the moment, and have been considering some models from Toyota and Honda, as well as an older Mercedes Benz. Many of the cars I've seen so far have been at dealers, i.e. ...
Jason Antman's user avatar

1
2