Learn to DIY Service and Maintain still possible?
Discussion
Ladies and gents,
Has anyone, or does anyone, have any hints and tips on learning to service and maintain relatively "new" cars?
Long story short I'm struggling to justify paying main dealer prices for services, and after trying a couple of independents I've a nagging doubt the extra I'm paying for genuine parts is nothing more than extra margin 😡😡
While I'm an engineer by training (so not completely mechanically useless!) I've never done more than changing a wheel - ha. My hesitation is more around both my cars (discovery 4 and bmw 1 series) don't feel like the easiest to start trying a bit of spannering on!
However, the ability to service and maintain my cars with the benefit of taking the time to do the job right with the best components is what is motivating me the most!
So am I mad and should just be handing over bundles of cash for the "main dealer service history"?
If not where do I start?
Has anyone, or does anyone, have any hints and tips on learning to service and maintain relatively "new" cars?
Long story short I'm struggling to justify paying main dealer prices for services, and after trying a couple of independents I've a nagging doubt the extra I'm paying for genuine parts is nothing more than extra margin 😡😡
While I'm an engineer by training (so not completely mechanically useless!) I've never done more than changing a wheel - ha. My hesitation is more around both my cars (discovery 4 and bmw 1 series) don't feel like the easiest to start trying a bit of spannering on!
However, the ability to service and maintain my cars with the benefit of taking the time to do the job right with the best components is what is motivating me the most!
So am I mad and should just be handing over bundles of cash for the "main dealer service history"?
If not where do I start?
Thanks for the info
RSV: yes I do have some mechanical knowledge and a relatively good understanding of how a car works (engine suspension hydraulics etc) the degree is Aerospace based (hence the ID) my stumbling block has always been around the process of correctly removing and replacing in the right order, torque etc etc. For instances the disco has a epb system that from some research on other forums looks very sensitive to being correctly adjusted! And you guessed it, it's the rear discs that need doing!
Kev b: your point on a level concrete surface is interesting? I've got a level Tarmac/gravel drive, is the issue around load bearing of the surface or have I missed something?
Aero
RSV: yes I do have some mechanical knowledge and a relatively good understanding of how a car works (engine suspension hydraulics etc) the degree is Aerospace based (hence the ID) my stumbling block has always been around the process of correctly removing and replacing in the right order, torque etc etc. For instances the disco has a epb system that from some research on other forums looks very sensitive to being correctly adjusted! And you guessed it, it's the rear discs that need doing!
Kev b: your point on a level concrete surface is interesting? I've got a level Tarmac/gravel drive, is the issue around load bearing of the surface or have I missed something?
Aero
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