How To Service Any Car (EASY Guide)

[00:00] This time on Road and Race, the Beginners Guide to servicing your car. In this episode we'll take you through the six major service items

[00:12] to tell you when on average they need doing and give you a cost comparison. I'm excluding the cost of buying the tools to make it simpler. Please check out this other episode with the essential tools you'll need to buy to start working

[00:24] on your car. Service intervals vary from car to car so I'm going to give general figures for an average family car. You should consult your handbook or buy manual for the correct intervals for your car. So for number one, the engine oil. This is the big one. Not changing your oil and

[00:41] filter will lead to engine damage. Change every 12,000 miles or one year wherever comes first. Expect to pay about £180 for a dealer to do this or £30 in parts if you do it yourself. Click the screen now to view my step-by-step guide.

[00:56] Number two, the brakes. Brake fluid will stop being as effective after about two years. A dealer will charge about £60 to change this, but you can do it yourself for about £5 in parts. A dealer will also charge over £70 just to check your brakes and up to £350 to change the brake pads.

[01:14] Click the screen now to see how the check your brakes are free and save nearly £300 changing the pads yourself. Number three, tyres. When you change your tyres depends on how many miles you drive and how

[01:26] you drive. Click the screen now to see my guide on how the check your wheels and see if they need replacing. Number four, air filters. The air filter removes dirt and particles from the outside air as it flows into the engine. It will eventually become blocked so replace every 24,000 miles

[01:42] or two years whatever comes first. There is also a cabin filter and that helps clean the air coming into the car through the heater and aircon. Replaces every 12,000 miles every year. A dealer will charge up to £80 to replace them whilst they cost about £10 each and are simple to fit.

[01:59] Number five, battery. A car battery last about five years as after that it stops being able to hold a reliable charge and may not be able to start the engine. A battery cost about £40 costs a dealer charged up to double to supply and fit. Number six, screen wash. Not much to say about

[02:16] this one except make sure you buy a screen wash of anti-freeze so that it doesn't freeze in the winter and are detergent so that it removes grease and dirt effectively. Most come concentrated so you can dilute it with tap water at home. You can buy five litres for £1.20 or a dealer charge you £20.

[02:32] Check out series two where we will go through the more advanced service items. That's all for this time. If you found the show useful please hit the like button and also subscribe as this helps us make more shows. If you have any questions or requests for things you'd like to see please leave a comment

[02:47] we read and reply to all of them. If you'd like to buy anything used in the show then a link is in the description box. For more shows check out rodemrace.co.uk or our Facebook page. You can also follow us

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