It's obvious that you can save a great deal of money by performing simple routine operations yourself: this booklet will highlight some of these, and problems that you may come across. For example, the importance of a regular inspection, under the bonnet and underneath the car, cannot be over-emphasised. But it's no good looking unless you know what to look for, or even what you're looking at. A good workshop manual will be a great help; unfortunately, good manuals are rare, and for some models unobtainable.

Please note that if your engine has fuel-injection or electronic injection then any fault tracing, other than loose connectors, should be left to an expert.

 

 

General servicing handbooks can usually be found in the odd bookshop that specialises in motoring books, and the Internet is fast becoming a valuable source of information, because a number of web sites carry servicing details for most vehicles.

Is it possible to do a better job than the garage, given that the
workshop staff of a major dealer have specialised knowledge and special equipment to help them?

The answer for many easily performed repairs is yes, for a very basic reason. The mechanic is only doing a job, earning a wage, but you're interested in your car, often passionately. This means that you want to make a proper repair, and get the satisfaction that springs from doing it right.

Which models can still be serviced at home? Virtually all the light commercials listed in the CAR guide, most of the entry-level cars, and a great many of the vehicles sold before the early '90s.