How to service your car

Onto the brakes next,

Measure the disks and pads against manufaturer minimum tolerances.

Front disks were worn slightly below minumim, mimimum for this car is 23mm,


The pads were still above the minimum(2mm) so in this case the customer is advised that they will need replacing before the bext service and given the option to have them done now.


On the rear, drum brakes fitted to this car so remove the drums and check the brake shoes for uneven wear, cracked friction material and remaining thickness,


Check cylinders for leaks, early leakage is often contained within the seals so always check the seals as in the pic,


Finally check the drum condition, wear, scoring etc,


Then check the brake lines for damage, cracks, corrosion on the fittings and steel pipes, Bend the brake line where it joins the steel fitting to check for cracks,



A visual check of the shocks and springs for damage, leaks and torn bumpstops/dust shields,

The final items, admittadly most of which can't be carried out at home,

Diagnostic check of all systems,


Wheel alignment check, confirms the evidence seen earlier on the tyre,




And to finish, stamp the service book....This car has no history aside from its first service so its stamped at year 6(service 6).

unkel wrote: »

Focus looks very rusty for a 6 year old car. UK import?

The corrosion in the spark plug recess is a common problem with the focus, they suffer both leaking freeze plugs in the head and water ingress from the top as there is no plug cover fitted.

The surface corrosion on the suspension arms etc is normal TBH..

cronin_j wrote: »

I'd like to point out that Although I have never met Nissan Doctor, he is obviously a mechanic that takes pride in his work.

The attention to detail by checking and tapping the plugs backs this up. This almost never happens by mechanics. They just fire the recommended plug in. What most people don't know. That model number plug could be used in ten different cars and every one should be gapped to th manufacturers specs especially with a ford focus because they have soft coil packs and this causes them to be damaged.

Well done.

Many thanks,:)

TBH gapping plugs is alot more important then most realise. The gap effects the strength of the spark and the temperature it burns at, if this is wrong, you will have less efficient fuel combustion, higher emmissions, more deposit build up which will further reduce economy as well as foul the plugs themselves and effect the cat performance too.

Its something that takes about 10 seconds before you fit the plugs and yet, as you say, almost no-one does it.

Doylers wrote: »

Hi everyone, dont know if this has been asked before, im looking to service my fiesta for the first time. How do I get under the car safely while also having some room to see what im doing? I do have the cars jack.

The cars jack is really just for emergencies.


You really need a trolly jack and axle stands to work under a car.

Doylers wrote: »

Is there anyone that rents them out for a day that you know?? I'm in Waterford. Thanks:D

There wouldn't really be a market to rent out something so cheap and basic.

If your anywhere near a halfords you could get youself a jack and stands for easily less then €100 I'd say.

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Nissan Doctor, can you do emissions and electrical timing? Its the two things I cant really do at home to my 924. Its about a simple anengine as you can get but I dont have the gear?

Unfortunatly we don't have the emmissions testing gear in my garage although its on my list of equipment I want to get in. Cost versus usage etc etc:rolleyes:

If by electrical timing you mean setting the timing with timing light etc then yes I can do that no problem.

Fingers McGee wrote: »

NissanDoctor, do you just set the distance on the plugs with the tip of a hammer, down to the feeler gauge?

:eek:You can't hit spark plugs with a hammer! The tips would be very easily damaged.

A small pliers does the trick, adjust them gently untill you get the right clearance.

I wouldnt recommend putting a screwdriver through an oil filter, its messy anyway.
As for the people asking about bleeding brakes, its not too difficult but if you are really unsure then dont chance it. As for which corner to do, depends on the design/layout of the piping at the master cylinder.

Also I hope to god people are disposing of their oil properly, it will be taken for free by local authorities, dont do what my neighbour has done which is water the local trees with it???:eek: or pour it down the drain, anyone that does that should be given hell.