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[Rob James]

Hi,

I'm going to enter the brave new world of servicing my own car. I know for many of you this may seem like the easiest job in the world, but for me it is an unknown. Can anyone offer me any advice on what tools I will need? Also what would be a good trolley jack to get - my drive is on quite a slope, will I need to use the jack to get the car level for emptying/filling oil etc?

Thanks,

Rob.

[tunnie]

when i first joined, i could not even do an oil change!

Best thing i bought to get started is the halfords 150 pc set, its normally £150, but i think its still on offer for £99. It has nearly all the tools you need to get started, its missing a few adaptors from 1/4 to 1/2 inch but that's about it. Spanners can dig in slightly, but on the whole its an excellent kit.

[Omega 37]

just be carefull on the slopy drive, chock the all the wheels with lumps of wood. I nearly came a cropper on my slopy drive once, the car fell off the jack I always use axle stands + jack now;D

[TheBoy]

Don't eve just use a jack - the car should also always be on axle stands.

If the drive slopes too much, you may not be able to do it safely

[feeutfo]

info is the key, know what to do and where(on the car) to do it before you start. There are guides in maintenance for the majority of tasks. Any doubts, ask first BEFORE you start where possible. :-)

Dont mess with that drive way if its too steep though. Really is not worth it.

Halfords cover your tool needs well enough or try machine mart, dont be tempted by a cheap jack, mine nearly folded in half on a flat drive, never mind a slope, 2 ton minimum if you want it to last.
Ratchet axle stand are far easier to use than the pin on a chain efforts.

[feeutfo]

oh, and how could i forget, before you do anything else, get yourself a trade club card for vx and halfords.

Links at the bottom of my post. Well worth it. :-)

[Entwood]

Whatever you decide to do .. think SAFETY ... 1.5 tonne of car on top of you is not worth cutting corners for.

I buried a friend years back who had a car fall on him, as he worked under it with just a jack...  not nice at all

Put it on axle stands then grab hold of  something substantial .. and give a good shake .. if it even thinks of moving .. redo the axle stands.

[amba]

I would opt for a decent trolley jack with a lift of 3 ton.Pair of good quality racket type axle stands and as already stated,the 150 piece Halfrauds tool kewt is very good value.
With those basic tools you should be on your way and can build it up as you get more confident,torq sockets/oil tray/and numerous other odds and sods.
Trade cards are a major source of saving and before long you will be doing quite major jobs.
This forum and the guys will always provide assistance and guidance,but for referrence worth buying a Haynes manual for the car.
Best of luck with your "new brave world"

[rustym95]

and dont forget the big hammer for bashing your fingers on it is a must.

[Bionic]

Do not forget the BIG tin of new skin too! OUCH!!!!!
GudLuk in your new renterprise, I am sure you will find it very satisfying but remember that any mistakes are down to you. If not sure ASK!
If not you may end up like me - Bionic.

[feeutfo]

I would opt for a decent trolley jack with a lift of 3 ton.

I have a 3 ton, very heavy and cumbersom to work with. Very good jack, but ott for this sort of work.

There are a couple of threads on the subject on here, worth a search if anyones interested :-)

[amba]

I find the overall stability of the 3 ton jack better.Mines is a clarkes hi reach and whilst it is quite heavy it is fairly manouverable and does give you the assurance of you now it wont move.Also have a 2 ton but find the trolley slightly unstable when lifting to axle stand height...just personal thing ,but agree the larger weight lifts are usually less manouverable.

[rustym95]

i have had some lock bottles they were better as it jacks up then you put pin in and turns into axel stands come as a pair.
there is no faffing about.

[Rob James]

Thanks for all your replies.

I've got myself the Halfords 150 piece socket set, a funnel and something to drain the oil into. I just need to choose a trolley jack and axle stands now. Oh, and a trade card. I've printed out the forms from http://www.autobahnstormers.org/. Do I automatically get sent a club card on paying for membership?

Thanks all.

Rob.

[amba]

When you have completed the registration form just send it off in the post.
He is very quick with the turnround and you should get your membership card and welcome letter in a few days.The card will have your membership number on the back.
Every couple of months you will receive a nice gloss club magazine .Once a year your membership fee will be collected,although you will save more than that cost the first time you buy parts/service items from Vauxhall Stealer.
Just remember that all standard service items are at "club prices"which is less than trade...if you deal with just one stealer and get a good relationship with parts counter staff you will also find you get trade prices on everything you buy ,so its all good news...happy saving !!