Great service - great service questions and answers!

Great service

Great service

Great service should be quite a simple matter with regular car maintenance. Unfortunately, there are so many ambiguities and different opinions on all issues: from what mileage to work a large service, which parts to replace and which not, which brand of parts to buy, whether it pays to buy more expensive parts, whether to change those parts that do not show signs of wear / fatigue…

At what mileage does a major service run?

Here's why the average driver breaks into the Twilight Zone! Who to trust ??? For example, according to factory instructions, the timing belt on Ford Fiesta needs to be changed every 240.000 kilometers !? Or after 10 years if that mileage is not reached. Many will say that it is insane and that there is no need to take risks. However, here we are talking about the original parts from the first installation.

Another example is Fiat Panda - Timing belt replacement is projected at 120.000 km or every 4 years if the car is driven in difficult conditions (cold climate, mostly city driving, long idling…) or every 5 years regardless of mileage. So, even if you do not drive much - after 4-5 years you need to do a great service. However, it is written in the instructions that the control should be performed every 60.000 km - at half the interval between large services.

There are factory intervals, and there is sound logic

Therefore, we conclude that the factory instructions should not be blindly followed, since they also state that the timing belt replacement should be done earlier if the car is driven in difficult conditions or if it is found to be ripe for replacement. After all, the same goes for small service - if you drive mostly in city traffic, with many go-to-stand situations, short rides, and the like, oil and filters change more often than to drive a car on the open road.

Toothed something

Toothed something

What is a great service?

While a small service involves changing the engine oil, as well as the oil, air, cabin and fuel filters… No, wait - for some the fuel filter never changes, for others to 60.000, the air filter and cabin for every two engine oil changes… Why all must it be so complicated?

It is similar with a large service. Due to the poorer quality of spare parts compared to the original ones, the intervals of large service should be shortened. How much? It depends on the conditions in which the car is driven, the effort to which it is exposed and the like. Check with the master. Ask other owners. You also have internet forums and sites.

And then decide if you want to do big service at 60.000, 90.000 or 120.000km. Water Pump (Water Pump) - also decide whether you will change it during each major service, each other or only when it cancels (it starts to "hear", lets go of water, etc.). Will you change the spanners / tensioners / rollers if the master estimates that they are in good condition, although as a rule they should be changed?

Do-it-yourself big service?

No, no and no. A large service, as its name suggests, implies much more serious interventions, so unlike a small service, you cannot do it alone. In fact, you can if you have a lot of time, will, tools, knowledge, nerves… That is why we do not recommend that you try to do a great service yourself - you can do more harm than good.

Great service

Great service

What is changing?

There is no universal rule - it depends on the type and type of engine. Generally, toothed belt, spanners, rollers, V-belt (PC belt), water pump (water pump), antifreeze (coolant) are changed…

Does every major service necessarily change "water pump"?

This is a dark gray zone. Some say that the water pumps (ie coolant - antifreeze) are generally of poor quality and should be replaced at every major service, others claim that there is no need to check, ie. if it is not leaking, buzzing / humming and the like. If the car is relatively new and still has it water pump built in the factory, then it is probably of good quality and can survive a couple of big service jobs, though it also depends on the mileage the big service is running.

The manufacturer's recommendation, as well as the advice of craftsmen and other drivers who own such a car, should be followed to prevent more damage. For example. you bought a new car - the water pump cancels after the expiration of the warranty period (eg after 130.000 km) - then what? You have to bear the cost of the repair yourself.

It is up to you - there are many different examples in practice, so we cannot give you specific advice. Some drivers had "bloody" problems because of the pump failure, while others always worked perfectly even though they were buying the cheapest.

Which cars don't have great service?

This is usually said for cars whose engine has a chain instead of a toothed belt. Since the chain does not even need to change, there is virtually no great service. Still, the chain is not eternal despite many local riders being convinced of it.

It is also worn, stretched and the like, so the worse it is, the greater its negative impact on both the sprocket and the engine itself. Therefore, the chain should be checked regularly, although it will respond in a timely manner when it decides to retire.

Great service

Chain or belt?

We won't talk about history now - when the chain was used, then the belt became more represented, and the chain started to be used more and more again… Basically, this should not be a factor when deciding on a purchase. Both the chain and the belt have their disadvantages and advantages. It is essential not to allow them to get hurt and cause damage to the engine and other parts.

The timing belt should be replaced at the estimated mileage, or after 4-5 years if during this time you have not reached the intended mileage or if there are any signs of damage or serious wear and tear on the belt. If the timing belt breaks or a pair of tines breaks, depending on the engine, it may cause a real crash. In some engines, the gear may break without major consequences.

The chain cannot break, though it is far from immune to problems. With some engines it has become a nightmare. Many manufacturers of the chain say that it does not have to change throughout the life of the car, but that it should be checked regularly and replaced in the event of any malfunction. The good thing about the chain is that it noisily or otherwise warns that something is wrong for a long time before more serious problems can occur.

What does a chain and a gear belt actually do?

They connect the crankshaft (crankshaft) to which the pistons, ie. the pistons rotate it; with a camshaft that controls the operation of the intake valves through which air or the mixture of fuel and air enters and the exhaust valves through which residues are released after combustion. So, they synchronize piston movement and valve operation, otherwise the engine would not be able to run properly. For some engines, the gear belt also drives the water pump (ie coolant).

Click the video below to see the gear belt in action:

In this video you can see the chain in part:

We remind you - after buying a used car, be sure to do a great service

If you are not able to determine with 100% certainty that a large service has been performed at the mileage at which the seller claims to be, be sure to have a large service after purchase. Namely, the service booklet is falsified easily, many dealers are willing to agree to sell a car, and the price of a large service is not a very small item, so the seller can try to convince you that a large service does not need to do another 40.000-50.000 kilometers.

Savings on this matter can easily turn into great harm. It does not have to snap the belt. It can "pump up" the water pump (water pump), which can cause the coolant to boil and be ejected from the cooling system, cause the cylinder head to bend, and damage to the belt as well as tear. In such cases, repair is often unprofitable, but another engine is installed.

Gear belt inspection

Often, owners or repairers inspect the timing belt and conclude that it should not be changed as it does not seem worn out, although it is time to replace it by the mileage or time spent in the car. This is very risky as the belt can act well-preserved, but in fact it has lost the characteristics necessary to reliably perform its function.

Do they change and candles on great service?

They do not change, but need to be checked and replaced after a certain mileage, regardless of small or large service, although it is not a stretch to check them even then.

Great service prices

From 250 to 350 euros. It can do a lot less than that, and it can do a lot more. It depends on what is changing - e.g. someone checks / looks at the spanners, estimates that they are fine and does not want to change them. Someone does not want to change the water pump. However, these parts can be correct at that moment and work without any problems eg. 20.000 km, but what about 30.000 km?

Also, parts prices can seriously vary. There are also "hands", ie. master work - generally around 50 euros, but can be up to 100 euros for more complicated engines.

Conclusion

If you buy a new car and you are sure that it has new and original parts, you can follow the manufacturer's recommendation and have a great service after e.g. 120.000 or 160.000 kilometers or 5 years if you have not reached that mileage. However, if you start installing cheaper parts afterwards, there is always a question of their quality, so shortening the interval is recommended.

And do not forget - regardless of the mileage - after 4-5 years drive the car to great service.

Prepared: Dragan Romcevic

Retrieved from: www.polovniautomobili.com


3 Comments

  • MileCitroen says:

    I would be free to offer my view on this matter and all my doubts. The vehicle must first be taken to a service center that gives a written warranty on its operation and the spare parts it installs. For such a service to be able to realistically provide such a guarantee, it must also obtain it from the parts supplier and the supplier from the manufacturer. Usually guarantees in all these cases are reduced to words and function until a problem arises. As for the choice of parts for installation, there is not much to be philosophized about, the parts that the factory used to incorporate at the beginning are installed. As far as the repairer is concerned, he is obliged to use his experience and choose the highest quality parts for the lowest possible price, whatever it may be. It's his job and he doesn't care how much it costs because he doesn't pay those but the owner of the vehicle. Its just to do and install quality. If the manufacturer gives a warranty of 50.000km or 4 years for a divorce set, then of course the service for the same parts cannot guarantee a guarantee of 80.000km and 5 years, although in experience this other option is quite normal and you would not go wrong on any vehicle. if they would adhere to it. When it comes to great service, the important question is whether it refers to large engine service or large vehicle service. In our service, we practice the following: Complete vehicle inspection, El. Diagnosis, then, replacement of engine and oil, engine oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, spark plugs (preheaters). at 10,15 or 20 thousand miles depending on how long the vehicle has traveled and the oil being poured. Then Crankshaft and Camshaft Seals / Camshafts under the Manifold, Water Pump, Timing Belt Tensioner, Timing Belt Runner and Belt itself. (If the vehicle has a total distance of over 450.000km, the pulleys should also be replaced. There is also an Aggregate distribution on the vehicle, that is, a Duct Belt that drives the Servo Pump, the Alternator and the Air Compressor. You need to replace it at the big service and Crankshaft Pulley, PK Belt Tensioner, PK Belt Runner, Air Compressor Bearing, and PK Belt itself. Then Anlaser, that is, starter and Alternator, need to be refreshed in order to prolong its life and prevent it from stopping its operation and causing new failures, or despite investing serious money for a large service they still issue the driver in an inconvenient situation, of which the servicer will of course be blamed. . In this service at 80.000km it is necessary to replace the gearbox oil, both manual and automatic. I must mention that in addition to the timing belt, certain vehicles also have an additional timing chain between the two camshafts, as well as an automatic oil tightener, and it would be desirable to replace that set as well as the oil pump every 250.000 km. that is, engine lubrication. It is also important to know that certain vehicles have a non-return valve or a valve that holds a certain pressure of the oil even when the engine is shut off and must be replaced if it is not in the oil pump assembly but in the engine block duct or filter housing. oil. Unfortunately for the driver, the story does not end here, but diverges from the differences between diesel and gasoline engines. On a diesel engine, at 125.000 km it is necessary to change the Clutch Set preventively, as well as the crankshaft pulley and other seals related to the engine lubrication. Then refresh the high-pressure injector as well as inspect the VP pump and wash the tank as well as the entire fuel supply system. The inspection and refreshment of the turbine and its lubrication lines should not be omitted. Whereas on a gasoline engine, with the exception of a clutch set that is less complex and changes at the same mileage as a diesel, the petrol injectors and pump in the tank changes to 250.000km.

  • Mirko says:

    Brother Mile, according to this recommendation of yours, it turns out that all car owners must work and serve what they should serve for the rest of their lives. I know people who hang out with one of the masters at least once a week, fix it properly, put on make-up and look at the car more than their family. Sorry, alli these are people with a disorder for me! Em and the masters began to act like doctors. Whatever they do in their car, they follow the "control for 1 km" style, so that some more money drips into their pockets.
    Personally, I drive a Japanese, specifically a Suzuki SX4 4 × 4. So far I have run with him just over 200km. Except for the oil, filters, tires, brakes and once both PK belts, nothing, but nothing more! For the last few months, my water pump has been buzzing, so I told the master to get it, because I am irritated by that buzzing, although it doesn't cause any problems, there is no loss of fluid, no overheating. When I do that, I whip on. Why fix what it does ?!
    Before him, Opel. A similar story. When he was at 420 km, I thought he had done his job. Sold it to some kids for a fine hunt I watched them live with him for a long time and later I don't know what was the matter.
    I don't understand why someone needs to have a car over 30 years old, which he says is "like new", and not a story about how he invested at least 3 new cars in it ?! Again, sorry, but it’s pretty sick!

    • my darling says:

      You're right. For what the Master wrote, you can buy a car a couple of years old and not change a thing.
      I also have a Japanese Daihatsu 1.0 DVVTi engine that goes to Yarica, C1 and Peugeor 107. 280 have so far gone, of which 000 are gas with about 260L gas consumption and none of these scalamers have been worked. Has a chain, replaced so far three times spark plugs (000din a piece and 6 of them), 750 times brake pads (3din), oil (Likqi Moli about 3din A liter goes 2500L), oil filters (about 950din), air (Toyota 3din) and gas (650din) every 700km and 1000 PK belt (12din) and twice stabilizers (000din apiece) and one front fork (200din apiece) and every 000 gas nozzles (1100din apiece) and twice changed antifreeze (900L). All this in the 3700 years and 50 000km that it has crossed so far. It would take a master to replace the valve erasers as it consumes a little oil (300-3.5L between replacements) but so is the last 12 km.

Leave a reply