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Thread ID: 136733	2014-04-08 05:27:00	Essentials of car maintenance ...	Nomad (952)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1372236	2014-04-08 05:27:00	We get cars at Turners b/c we have been burnt with dealers. With the Hayes book at the library it specifies maintenance schedules. We have changed the air filter, the oil filter and the engine oil. Today my dad's car was due for a WOF so he took a fuel filter for him to swap in. He then asked him, when does one need to do this. The mechanic said he has no idea, and he said that many people never change it. We've been doing more the filters now b/c I have suggested them to do so. However in the past, and we have used 3 mechanics, they've never changed even a air filter. We've (or my dad) always did the oil filter and engine oil of course. We usually pick up blown bulbs but if not the mechanic does. Today he also adjusted a seat belt and advised that the front brake pads are ok now but needs replacing down the road. I have read that with the WOF the minimum tyre thread is 1.5mm which is what our mechanic adheres to, some others may be more cautious and demand 3mm before they pass a WOF. Ok so .. what's this thing with the mechanics not adhering to 1yr or 2yr replace all filters. Flush our the radiator, the trans, replace spark plugs and coils and spark wires. Are most of them like that, are there mechanics that stick to the schedules? Are they even essential?	Nomad (952)
1372237	2014-04-08 05:29:00	Kiwis are too cheap to pay in most cases.	Alex B (15479)
1372238	2014-04-08 05:40:00	Kiwis are too cheap to pay in most cases. Exactly that. Many only go to a garage when the car fails a warrant or has an issue that simply cant be ignored . If you took a car into a reputable (ie not the cheapest) garage & asked for its annual service, Im sure all those parts will be swapped if needed ( oil, plugs, air filter) If they didnt know how often to change a fuel filter, perhaps you need to go to a better garage ? Just sayin. It doesnt help that garages etc charge way over the top prices for basic parts. Why were I charged $60 for 4 spark plugs when I can buy them myself for 1/2 that price at SuperCheap. And I dont get trade pricing.	1101 (13337)
1372239	2014-04-08 06:09:00	Exactly that. Many only go to a garage when the car fails a warrant or has an issue that simply cant be ignored . If you took a car into a reputable (ie not the cheapest) garage & asked for its annual service, Im sure all those parts will be swapped if needed ( oil, plugs, air filter) If they didnt know how often to change a fuel filter, perhaps you need to go to a better garage ? Just sayin. It doesnt help that garages etc charge way over the top prices for basic parts. Why were I charged $60 for 4 spark plugs when I can buy them myself for 1/2 that price at SuperCheap. And I dont get trade pricing. You are forgetting that business have to pay leases on the property, wages, holiday pay, taxes while still making a profit. Garages will also charge different rates depending on whether they are part of a larger dealer network or just a small operation. Members of the public who choose to do their own repairs at home don't have any of those overheads.	Webdevguy (17166)
1372240	2014-04-08 07:05:00	While I have asked them to do more the maintenance DIY of course or if it is bit hard like the fuel filter, get the mechanic to do it, he only charged us $10 for that particular job. He opens his own shop, so he doesn't hire other staff, very busy too, you have to come in to make appointments ... I have a finance background. Does it balance out financially? If one spends $8k or $6k for a used car at the auction ie a 8yr old Japanese family car. For many people they don't know how, so they pay for it to be done. If we ignore the big jobs like belts which many DIYers need to outsource the job anyway. Apart from the oil and oil filter and stuff when required like new tyres, and brake pads, fuses, bulbs etc. If we just look at the maintenance stuff, like filters, fluids, flusing, plugs that you ought to do etc. On the whole, if one holds the car for 10yrs themselves. Averaged out. Annually how much would that be? $400? 10yrs that is $4,000. That at least half the value of the car's purchase price. That aside, does the average person spend $4,000 on one vehicle :confused: I am kinda thinking that maintenance gives you more assurance but of course not gauranteed, in case if you break down away from home or on a particular morning when you have something important to do. Financially I am not sure if it is better off. Or if you seldom go away, so you're alway at home and can telephone your mechanic.	Nomad (952)
1372241	2014-04-08 07:33:00	I have gone pcteks way. Spend no more then 5k on a car. I only do regular oil changes, everything else gets done when it needs too.	plod (107)
1372242	2014-04-08 08:23:00	Hmmm, Pctek only spent $500 once on a classic car. So far anything modern hasn't cost more than $3000. Most garages state what is in their services......if you want a comprehensive one, best to specify. We do that sort of thing ourselves... Maintenance helps the car last longer.....like anything. Think of your PC filled with fluff and dust...versus cleaned now and then. Same kind of thing.....also a good opportunity to notice any leaks or worn Bits....	pctek (84)
1372243	2014-04-08 08:50:00	Car maintenance. If it starts use it, if it doesn't replace it.	gary67 (56)
1372244	2014-04-08 09:42:00	Like a computer. If the computer was either new or used. Like non techy people if they take the PC to the shop to do a yearly maintenance schedule should we say. Clear the dust, clean the fans, run a ccleaner, malware etc etc .. The once new $1,000 PC might now only be worth $300 after 2yrs. A single session at the shop might cost $100-200?	Nomad (952)
1372245	2014-04-08 12:50:00	If you skimp on your maintenance too much, it could leave you highly mortified. For instance, some cars have flexible fuel lines passing rather close to very hot bits; hardening / cracking in this area can lead to serious grief. Cracked or split brake hoses may ruin your day too. Cheap tyres, or those selected on the grounds of great durability may seriously lack adhesion just when you need it. Perhaps you should ask a policeman - they seem to have decided that pouncing on people 4 kmh over the limit now qualifies them to asses cars better than mechanics can. (At least that leaves the mechanics free to form posses to deal with those miscreants that seem to be freely committing assaults and thefts.)	R2x1 (4628)
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