Self Servicing - Best place to buy filters?

Sleepy · 19-05-2009 11:51am #1

Newbie to self-servicing (inspired by Volvoboy's excellent thread on this forum) but at this stage the car's probably worth less than the cost of the service! I'm looking to do an oil change and replace the oil filter, air filter and sparks on a 97 5-door civic, I've got the Hanes manual and necessary tools so before heading straight to Halfords, I thought I'd see if there's somewhere better to get the new filters/sparks and oil from?

Any recommendations?

OldmanMondeo · 19-05-2009 11:54am

Go to your local Motor Factors. These guys have been in the business years know their stuff. You will probably get the stuff you need cheaper and still gt OE quality.

Stevie Dakota · 19-05-2009 11:57am

First off don't buy parts in Halfords, way too expensive. Any motor factor should be able to sort you out. Also if you are getting under the car make sure you use proper axle stands, do not depend on car jacks or hydraulic jacks, chock the wheels and put the handbrake on. Don't over torque the sump plug and left loosy right tighty!

niceirishfella · 19-05-2009 12:27pm

Agreed. Halfords are a no no for filters and the like.
Motor Factors all the way, and when in there, ask for the trade price!

O.A.P · 19-05-2009 12:39pm

For the sake of a euro maybe less get a genuine part oil filter, its a very important part of any engine.

JimmyCrackCorn! · 19-05-2009 1:12pm

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

First off don't buy parts in Halfords, way too expensive. Any motor factor should be able to sort you out. Also if you are getting under the car make sure you use proper axle stands, do not depend on car jacks or hydraulic jacks, chock the wheels and put the handbrake on. Don't over torque the sump plug and left loosy right tighty!

For the first while you will find you save nothing as you end up buying tools.:D

BTW the above advice is spot on.

Small tip depending on car you may need a sump key

Sleepy · 19-05-2009 1:27pm

JimmyCrackCorn! wrote: »

For the first while you will find you save nothing as you end up buying tools.:D

BTW the above advice is spot on.

Small tip depending on car you may need a sump key

To be honest, I picked up all the tools I should need in Lidl a few months ago... only getting round to trying to do the job now:o

eringobragh · 19-05-2009 1:30pm

O.A.P wrote: »

For the sake of a euro maybe less get a genuine part oil filter, its a very important part of any engine.

Second that on the Genuine Oil Filter is only a euro more from Nissan directly. I'd also change the copper washer on the sump plug while your at it.

Careful not to cross thread anything especially the spark plugs

Tipsy Mac · 19-05-2009 3:01pm

Id tend to go the main dealer route for the oil and air filters, as was said its only a few quid more expensive. The spark plugs can be a beaatch to take out, especially first time, theres a socket with rubber casing thats about €7 or €8 and makes the job of loosening the plugs and extracting them so much easier. Id also look at a good oil filter removal tool, it varies with your car as to what works best. Give yourself plenty of time doing it, dont rush, 2nd time around you will fly through it.

JHMEG · 19-05-2009 3:39pm

OE oil filter is in the €12 region, spurious from the motor factors is typically €5.

10W40 semi-synth is in the region of €22 for 5L, your car will take a bit less than 4L per oil change.

You will need a deep socket extension (ie 8 inch or more) to reach the spark plugs.

ronanc15 · 19-05-2009 3:43pm

or else one of the handy spark plug tools they sell these days, right cheap and very handy.

Best of luck with the first service. Its really easy to do and its extra satisfying when you do it yourself!! Have fun and remember to double check everything before ya start/drive her again

Sleepy · 19-05-2009 4:37pm

Got one of those spark plug tools in Lidl for €4...

Thanks for the well wishes... now let's just hope it's dry enough at the weekend to get stuck into it...

blahblah06 · 19-05-2009 4:49pm

these are a great crowd. got my things today

5 litres of fully syntethic fuel get 1 litre free
oil filter
air filter
diesel filter
twin pack ntp fuel additves

all for 82 euro

http://www.team.ie/

Tipsy Mac · 19-05-2009 6:36pm

Sleepy wrote: »

Got one of those spark plug tools in Lidl for €4...

That tool is grand when they are not too tight and come out easy but in my experience you normally need the socket set on standby for peace of mind, especially if they have not been changed in a while. It always helps when doing the job if you have a member of your family or mates car at the ready should you need a quick scarper to get more parts or tools to finish the job

Self Servicing - Best place to buy filters?

Comments