DIY Minor Car Service

qscwbt said:
Trust me its easier than it looks. Very satisfying to do it yourself. when not sure search a you tube video. there is many videos available. Ask a mate to come help. you will be done in a hour.
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It does look easy. I am looking forward to doing it.
 
KhoisanX said:
How often do you need to replace the spark plugs? Might only be every 100k km or so, definitely not every time you replace the oil. You should still remove and inspect them though.
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I have been replacing them every 15 000 km. What I am going to stop replacing is the antifreeze and airfilter, that can be changed every year.
 
thechamp said:
100k kms sounds extreme, I replace mine every time I do a service, at 15K km, I don't have a service schedule to follow on what to replace, so I replace everything at service time.
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I have been doing the same thing. Changing everything every 15 000 km but not anymore, apparently there's no harm. Only change oil, oil filter, spark plugs are a MUST change according to the guy I used to service with.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Definitely not 100k.

But ultimately it depends on what plug was installed previously.

Could be anything from every second service (30k) or every fourth service (60k) if only done as per schedule.

****

In the case of the Honda Jazz it’s every 40,000km with Iridium plugs recommended.

At the same time they say if Iridium plugs were used it can be done every 100,000km as per the Indian manual I Googled, so the original statement of 100,000km isn’t too crazy but I’m thinking certainly unusual.

So probably varies from country to country somewhat.
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Hmm

Sounds expensive. I will stick to R120 set.
 
SauRoNZA said:
But they cost a fortune.

So you may as well just stop every 50,000km for less money.

In a lesser stressed car like this makes sense since the sportier cars do Iridium plugs every 60,000km.
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A quick Google serch kept showing NGK plugs, I guess stick to what has been working, especially for such an old car.
 
oscarlets said:
I hear I will need two tools, a wrench and spanner. This I can get at nearest AutoZone for less than R100

The rest is time and patience to ensure everything is done correctly.
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And a torque wrench if you don’t want to leave lasting damage.

And that will cost more than R750.

Also the loss of value for not having a full service history...
 
oscarlets said:
I have been replacing them every 15 000 km. What I am going to stop replacing is the antifreeze and airfilter, that can be changed every year.
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Before touching your car at the very least get a proper service schedule instead of just winging it.

Even better a full service manual.
 
oscarlets said:
I hear you. But R750 for such? That's why I'm considering DIY over the weekend.

I have been watching the guy do it and it's not difficult.

1. Drain oil. There's a screw underneath,

2. While oil is draining in a bowl

3. Remove engine cover. Unscrew plugs, insert new plugs, screw them right. Put the engine cover back

4. Now the oil is drained. Put the nut back. Unscrew oil filter. Pour new oil on new oil filter, screw it back.

5. Pour oil from the top lid. Wait few minutes,check level. Pour until the level is on 2nd dot on the dip stick.

6. Take out the air filter, dust it off, (on the next visit to petrol garage, blow it with air pump. Put it back *

7. Start the car, wait and observe it. If no warning light stay on, test drive it.

8. When I return. I'll check oil level. If still normal then the job is done.

9. I Saved R750.
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Replace the air filter, it's not expensive.
 
oscarlets said:
I hear you. But R750 for such? That's why I'm considering DIY over the weekend.

I have been watching the guy do it and it's not difficult.

1. Drain oil. There's a screw underneath,

2. While oil is draining in a bowl

3. Remove engine cover. Unscrew plugs, insert new plugs, screw them right. Put the engine cover back

4. Now the oil is drained. Put the nut back. Unscrew oil filter. Pour new oil on new oil filter, screw it back.

5. Pour oil from the top lid. Wait few minutes,check level. Pour until the level is on 2nd dot on the dip stick.

6. Take out the air filter, dust it off, (on the next visit to petrol garage, blow it with air pump. Put it back *

7. Start the car, wait and observe it. If no warning light stay on, test drive it.

8. When I return. I'll check oil level. If still normal then the job is done.

9. I Saved R750.
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When screwing the sump plug back just don't over torque it. I did that the first time.
 
oscarlets said:
Hello Everyone.

So I have been using the service of this former SuperQuick mechanic. I would buy the service kit for the car (Honda Jazz) he would then do the minor service.

Changing oil

Changing spark plugs

Changing oil filter

Blowing the air filter

Changing antifreeze

*Brake fluid is still there and I'm told you don't just change it.


Please share your suggestions.
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Suggestion: Take your car to a reputable workshop & stop mucking about with back yard mechanics.

A few points:
On a Honda Jazz the spark plugs only need changing every 150,000 kilometres. They need checking at every service, not replacing. A replacement set is around R800!
Air filters not never be "blown", they should be replaced, (It's a R150 part FFS).
Pollen filter should be changed at the same time, or at least every second service.
Antifreeze should be changed every 5 years or 100,000 kilometres.
Brake fluid should be flushed & replaced every 2 years.
 
WaxLyrical said:
We actually didn't need to know about the guy who blows the air filter.

I would google changing spark plugs correctly.
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Thanks.

The internet says they are 8. I'm struggling to find tutorial that show changing all 8.

It looks like I'll take the car to super quick one last time.
 
Trompie67 said:
Suggestion: Take your car to a reputable workshop & stop mucking about with back yard mechanics.

A few points:
On a Honda Jazz the spark plugs only need changing every 150,000 kilometres. They need checking at every service, not replacing. A replacement set is around R800!
Air filters not never be "blown", they should be replaced, (It's a R150 part FFS).
Pollen filter should be changed at the same time, or at least every second service.
Antifreeze should be changed every 5 years or 100,000 kilometres.
Brake fluid should be flushed & replaced every 2 years.
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Thank you.

Hmm so spark plugs are that strong. I thought the car losing the power at times was because of them spark plugs. The spark is no longer strong.

Don't judge me I'm new to car technicalities.
 
skinndeep said:
When screwing the sump plug back just don't over torque it. I did that the first time.
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Hmm scary. Plus I screw things tight. Last time I screw back the wheel I broke the trestle. I don't trust my hands.

But I suspect the trestle had a crack as I hit pothole one rainy day.
 
SauRoNZA said:
And a torque wrench if you don’t want to leave lasting damage.

And that will cost more than R750.

Also the loss of value for not having a full service history...
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I don't need service history. The car is out of warranty but I want to keep it well taken off.

It is very reliable and I want to keep it that way.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Before touching your car at the very least get a proper service schedule instead of just winging it.

Even better a full service manual.
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Proper service schedule?

I was told to service it every 15000 km's and I'm doing just that.
 
oscarlets said:
Proper service schedule?

I was told to service it every 15000 km's and I'm doing just that.
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What I mean is a schedule that tells you exactly what needs to be checked/replaced when because it seems you are going into this quite blindly.
 
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