Where to start learning about car maintenance as an absolute beginner.

yeah... 30k for a golf is allot. you will get something decent. Just make sure there is NO rust. thats all. VW has known issues, but like any car, if maintained, no issues.

Fill the washer fluid, like someone posted above, get an understanding of the parts. so it kinds "fits" in (in your head). If you in the cape, i will gladly assist where i can
 
UsernameLadiesMan217, I haven't decided if you're Eks or not yet, but please note that you're under review. The findings will be published in your local science journal within the next 30 days.
 
Make sure you do not comprimise on the tools you use in car repair, if the job requires a torque wrench, get a torque wrench. Don't use shifting spanners. Insulate properly. Etc etc. But hey, if you don't pay school fees you never really learn so just try make your mistakes as cheap as possible :D
 
The nice thing about modern Mercedes engines is that they look like this:

20140225_114821.jpg

There is nothing to see and nothing to do, apart from check oil, brake fluid, coolant level, and window washer levels.
The battery (in the boot) is a sealed unit, so even that doesn't have to be checked.

Parts to check:
Top right - small red circular thing - oil dip stick. You check the oil with that. Most other cars use yellow.
Bottom right - blue cap - window washer fluid.
Top left - yellow cap - brake fluid reservoir - visual inspection to see if it needs to be topped up.
Bottom left - black rugby ball shaped tank - coolant reservoir - visually check levels.

That's it. Nothing else.
 
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berrypi said:
nah its easy -

Basic tools are sockets, and spanners.

Oilchange - you may need a oil removal tool.Common sense is the key. ALWAYS check the job out beforehand (like google etc), get the required tools and parts.

DO things systematically. Changing oil is THEEEE easiest. Plugs too. Hect you can do a basic service in 30mins.
Battery water checks and stuff like that is seasonal.
You dont need a manual, most are available as pdf online.

Im not a mechanic, but I have done engine changes, head gaskets clutch changes... WITH my PC in the garage to guide me :)
Click to expand...

LOL........... nuff said.
 
pezulu said:
The nice thing about modern Mercedes engines is that they look like this:


There is nothing to see and nothing to do, apart from check oil, coolant level, and window washer levels.
The battery (in the boot) is a sealed unit, so even that doesn't have to be checked.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's not like anything can penetrate the thin, plastic clip-on cover of doom...
 
XennoX said:
No. Do it properly. Secure your entire engine bay with expanding foam. Just ignore the smoke and the smell, it's just the engine breaking in the new blanket of awesome.
Click to expand...

and I should sterilize my fuel tank with chlorine. Just to keep the engine healthy.
 
just get a monza?! car of the year.. thats AWSOME personified.
 
If you're not mechanically inclined you are going to battle,something as simple as changing oil can become a nightmare if you round the sump plug nut. Seized/rusted bolts that shear, bits stuck away where you can hardly reach trhem,etc,etc. Best is to latch onto a family member or buddy who knows their stuff and work with them. I started @ about 5 or 6 yrs old helping my dad work on our old family banger, fetching and carrying and generally getting in the way, but it taught me stacks.
 
Alright, after lots of reading I have done the following.

Re-filled the water for the wipers pew pew thingy
Checked the oil levels and filled it up a little
Found out where the brake fluid goes, but didn't check if it's enough.
Checked the air filter, it was so clean that it looked brand new, not even kidding, it's probably the cleanest thing in my car.

When my dad came home he showed me his compressed and I actually pumped up a tyre!

Wooo! So this has been a good day so far.


Thanks a lot guys :D To everyone who gave me advice, you guys rock!

I'll keep reading, next time I want to try something more daunting, like Spark Plugs or maybe an entire oil change.
 
UsernameLadiesMan217 said:
Alright, after lots of reading I have done the following.

Re-filled the water for the wipers pew pew thingy
Checked the oil levels and filled it up a little
Found out where the brake fluid goes, but didn't check if it's enough.
Checked the air filter, it was so clean that it looked brand new, not even kidding, it's probably the cleanest thing in my car.

When my dad came home he showed me his compressed and I actually pumped up a tyre!

Wooo! So this has been a good day so far.


Thanks a lot guys :D To everyone who gave me advice, you guys rock!

I'll keep reading, next time I want to try something more daunting, like Spark Plugs or maybe an entire oil change.
Click to expand...

Keep it up!

I can recommend that you do some basic retail work at a DIY store (That is what I did when I was at school/studying). If you're based in Pretoria then I can recommend a place or two. It is also good cash on a weekend.

I use to speak to the artisans and mechanics that came in, my dad also always spend about R1000 per month on tools. I have inherited an entire workshop, I barely have to buy tools in my life.
 
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