#carmaintenance — Public Fediverse posts

The #muffler on my #Forester gave up after 10 years of service and started to make my car sound like a rally participant.

#muffler #forester #car #carmaintenance #carrepairs #subaru #SubaruForester

The #muffler on my #Forester gave up after 10 years of service and started to make my car sound like a rally participant.

#muffler #forester #car #carmaintenance #carrepairs #subaru #SubaruForester

Helped a work colleague do #OilService on #AudiA6 2,0 TDI - used #Sealey oil extractor to get 4,5 litres out of sump via access tube (there isn't a dipstick on this #car but there is a hole for one with a removable plastic bung).

Used oil from #diesel engine is not pleasant stuff, (I need to redo the GHS labels on the repurposed pop bottles as some oil spilled down the side and obliterated them) it is also hard to see the level in the extractor due to the sunlight

4,5 litres new 5W30 went back in + new oil filter (in awkward place to get to even though its up top) (you have to check on the display for the oil level on this #Audi !) and service indicator reset..

#Cars #CarMaintenance

Helped a work colleague do #OilService on #AudiA6 2,0 TDI - used #Sealey oil extractor to get 4,5 litres out of sump via access tube (there isn't a dipstick on this #car but there is a hole for one with a removable plastic bung).

Used oil from #diesel engine is not pleasant stuff, (I need to redo the GHS labels on the repurposed pop bottles as some oil spilled down the side and obliterated them) it is also hard to see the level in the extractor due to the sunlight

4,5 litres new 5W30 went back in + new oil filter (in awkward place to get to even though its up top) (you have to check on the display for the oil level on this #Audi !) and service indicator reset..

#Cars #CarMaintenance

Crossgolf got a service too, a big one.

Found a minor oil leak that I still have to trace down and a loose cable dangling around that got fixed immediately.

Also proof our pine marten was in this engine bay too - but here it only left a poop on the gearbox instead of a whole duck 😆

Changed the DSG transmission oil and hydraulic fluid. For that, the battery tray and air filter housing had to get out of the way and filling the oil through the tiny breather hole was as slow and tedious as everyone promised.

The hydraulic fluid did not look too bad, the transmission oil was pretty dark.

#Car #Automotive #CarMaintenance #VAG #Volkswagen #Golf #CrossGolf

Crossgolf got a service too, a big one.

Found a minor oil leak that I still have to trace down and a loose cable dangling around that got fixed immediately.

Also proof our pine marten was in this engine bay too - but here it only left a poop on the gearbox instead of a whole duck 😆

Changed the DSG transmission oil and hydraulic fluid. For that, the battery tray and air filter housing had to get out of the way and filling the oil through the tiny breather hole was as slow and tedious as everyone promised.

The hydraulic fluid did not look too bad, the transmission oil was pretty dark.

#Car #Automotive #CarMaintenance #VAG #Volkswagen #Golf #CrossGolf

Both #Volkswagen and #Opel / #Vauxhall use convention of #brown wire for an earth/ground (and in the case of this Corsa a black wire for L+), but in modern #ElectricalEngineering a brown wire is treated as live (could be either AC or DC) and black is often L- on older systems (nowadays blue or grey is preferred depending on whether the DC is negative or positive earthed).

I assume these conventions for #cars started long before the standardised European colours for electrical wiring in buildings and other equipment

Which you have to beware of if you often switch between #CarMaintenance and general electric work!

Both #Volkswagen and #Opel / #Vauxhall use convention of #brown wire for an earth/ground (and in the case of this Corsa a black wire for L+), but in modern #ElectricalEngineering a brown wire is treated as live (could be either AC or DC) and black is often L- on older systems (nowadays blue or grey is preferred depending on whether the DC is negative or positive earthed).

I assume these conventions for #cars started long before the standardised European colours for electrical wiring in buildings and other equipment

Which you have to beware of if you often switch between #CarMaintenance and general electric work!

From the AOF Studio So You Don't Understand How Your Car Actually Works? https://www.artoffaceless.com/so-you-dont-understand-how-your-car-actually-works/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #CarMaintenance #UnderstandingCars #TechElite #FinancialLiteracy #CompetenceGap

Our 2010 Camry just hit 100,000 miles

#CarMaintenance #Cars

Our 2010 Camry just hit 100,000 miles

#CarMaintenance #Cars

Cowboy patch on the cracked hose until a replacement arrives (generic 15mm elbow from China - Stellantis wants way too much money for the same thing).

Fuel filter looked pretty bad. No wonder the fuel pump was playing its change filter song (it sucks air, which it self-bleeds with an ascending tone - very strange!).

#Car #Automotive #Opel #Astra #AstraJ #A17DTJ #DIY #CarMaintenance

Cowboy patch on the cracked hose until a replacement arrives (generic 15mm elbow from China - Stellantis wants way too much money for the same thing).

Fuel filter looked pretty bad. No wonder the fuel pump was playing its change filter song (it sucks air, which it self-bleeds with an ascending tone - very strange!).

#Car #Automotive #Opel #Astra #AstraJ #A17DTJ #DIY #CarMaintenance

Astra service time. Found a cracked PCV hose so far. Need to browse the diagrams for a part number.

MAP sensor needed its annual clean, a regular service item you won't find on the official service instructions but it makes a big difference in engine performance and economy. That little sensor delivers the most important data for the ECU to get optimum fuel/air ratios. When its crudded up, the data is wrong, the mix off, the engine uses more fuel while delivering worse performance.

#Car #Automotive #Opel #Astra #AstraJ #A17DTJ #DIY #CarMaintenance

Astra service time. Found a cracked PCV hose so far. Need to browse the diagrams for a part number.

MAP sensor needed its annual clean, a regular service item you won't find on the official service instructions but it makes a big difference in engine performance and economy. That little sensor delivers the most important data for the ECU to get optimum fuel/air ratios. When its crudded up, the data is wrong, the mix off, the engine uses more fuel while delivering worse performance.

#Car #Automotive #Opel #Astra #AstraJ #A17DTJ #DIY #CarMaintenance

Today new #sparkplugs, #coolant refresh and #oil change - had to jack up car and put ramps underneath other way round rather than drive on to them - bumper slightly fouls ramp ( #bladibarsket ).

Also chocked rear wheels for #safety

Sparkplugs are #Bosch 0 242 230 806 FQR8LEU2

( #AltText contains useful info on tools, methods etc if you have a #Vauxhall / #Opel / #CorsaC #HoldenBarina with #Z12XEP #engine, I try to put this info in the text on any of my #toots about #CarMaintenance )

[ as there's spare space in this toot I added #Holden #Barina as hashtags for anyone here who is in #Australia or #NewZealand #Aotearoa ]

Today new #sparkplugs, #coolant refresh and #oil change - had to jack up car and put ramps underneath other way round rather than drive on to them - bumper slightly fouls ramp ( #bladibarsket ).

Also chocked rear wheels for #safety

Sparkplugs are #Bosch 0 242 230 806 FQR8LEU2

( #AltText contains useful info on tools, methods etc if you have a #Vauxhall / #Opel / #CorsaC #HoldenBarina with #Z12XEP #engine, I try to put this info in the text on any of my #toots about #CarMaintenance )

[ as there's spare space in this toot I added #Holden #Barina as hashtags for anyone here who is in #Australia or #NewZealand #Aotearoa ]

Also needs cabin filter replaced (alas, the one that arrived today doesn't look like right size, it will have to go back along with whichever oil filter turns out to be wrong size (there are *two* listed for this car, according to engine number but the engine number is not anywhere easy to see, and this engine Z12XEP stayed in production with Opel for the Corsa D and at some point oil filter dimensions changed..

I'm already knackered after todays work (I was at the office unusually early today for another reason), so will be getting an earlier night tonight than normal

Those other bits can wait until the weekend or early next week (as the Finance Manager has to deal with insurance anyway)

#Vauxhall
#OpelCorsaC #CarMaintenance

https://www.engine-specs.net/opel/z12xep.html

Also needs cabin filter replaced (alas, the one that arrived today doesn't look like right size, it will have to go back along with whichever oil filter turns out to be wrong size (there are *two* listed for this car, according to engine number but the engine number is not anywhere easy to see, and this engine Z12XEP stayed in production with Opel for the Corsa D and at some point oil filter dimensions changed..

I'm already knackered after todays work (I was at the office unusually early today for another reason), so will be getting an earlier night tonight than normal

Those other bits can wait until the weekend or early next week (as the Finance Manager has to deal with insurance anyway)

#Vauxhall
#OpelCorsaC #CarMaintenance

https://www.engine-specs.net/opel/z12xep.html

More #maintenance of #Vauxhall / #Opel #CorsaC

Replaced rear fog light bulb (bumper part dismantled, water tipped out, lampholder cleaned up then reassembled), fitted new horn.

New fuel filter, first time I've done this myself (not fun, had to crawl underneath in awkward position and avoid petrol being spilled out from old filter, self tapping holding screw goosed (fully rounded off), replaced with new one with bolt head

Fitted air filter, intake hoses have to be removed ( #bladibarsket ) so also cleaned up #throttlebody.

Went to ASDA (in my GTI, Corsa still doesn't have tax or insurance), filled up 5 litre #petrol can, topped up tank with new fuel

Still got coolant, sparkplugs and oil to change, but #car now running a lot better (no more rough idle)

#CarMaintenance

More #maintenance of #Vauxhall / #Opel #CorsaC

Replaced rear fog light bulb (bumper part dismantled, water tipped out, lampholder cleaned up then reassembled), fitted new horn.

New fuel filter, first time I've done this myself (not fun, had to crawl underneath in awkward position and avoid petrol being spilled out from old filter, self tapping holding screw goosed (fully rounded off), replaced with new one with bolt head

Fitted air filter, intake hoses have to be removed ( #bladibarsket ) so also cleaned up #throttlebody.

Went to ASDA (in my GTI, Corsa still doesn't have tax or insurance), filled up 5 litre #petrol can, topped up tank with new fuel

Still got coolant, sparkplugs and oil to change, but #car now running a lot better (no more rough idle)

#CarMaintenance

Car Tip of the Day! 🚗 Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips. Proper inflation improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and enhances safety! When was the last time you checked your tires? #CarMaintenance #TireCare #FuelEfficiency

Преодолел лень-забывчивость и заехал в автомагазин купить свечной ключик. Дома есть, но короткий. Итак, вашему вниманию старые свечи! (Не романтика, не тот вариант 🙂)
* 95 бензин и практически всегда одна заправка
* накатано 58000 (много, знаю, как обычно лень было за ключиком заехать)

Ваше мнение, автомеханики? То, что электроды уже сильно покушало, вижу. Что ещё подскажите?

#CarMaintenance #SparkPlugs #AutoRepair #EngineHealth #CarTech #GarageLife

Преодолел лень-забывчивость и заехал в автомагазин купить свечной ключик. Дома есть, но короткий. Итак, вашему вниманию старые свечи! (Не романтика, не тот вариант 🙂)
* 95 бензин и практически всегда одна заправка
* накатано 58000 (много, знаю, как обычно лень было за ключиком заехать)

Ваше мнение, автомеханики? То, что электроды уже сильно покушало, вижу. Что ещё подскажите?

#CarMaintenance #SparkPlugs #AutoRepair #EngineHealth #CarTech #GarageLife

RPM Warranty slashes prices on vehicle protection plans this holiday season. Lowest rates of the year available now - protect your car and save big! #VehicleWarranty #CarMaintenance

Extracted 5,5 to 5,7 litres of #oil - filled with ca. 5,7 litres (matches up with all online discussion of this process).

I'd saved #Crossland filter (that previous dealer service workshop used in 2024/05) from last November (and some oil), to compare with #Mann filter - hard to see in these photos but 6 month oil change shows far less contamination (Mann filter is also made of better material)

A "sniff test" (not very scientific, but sending oil to be tested costs more than the oil!) shows less #petrol in oil compared to when #car had 12 month oil changes with previous owners

#Tomcat from a few streets away also came to inspect #vehicle, then decatted himself at speed as soon as I moved closer to the door (he always does that)

#CarMaintenance #AutoDIY #GolfGTI

Extracted 5,5 to 5,7 litres of #oil - filled with ca. 5,7 litres (matches up with all online discussion of this process).

I'd saved #Crossland filter (that previous dealer service workshop used in 2024/05) from last November (and some oil), to compare with #Mann filter - hard to see in these photos but 6 month oil change shows far less contamination (Mann filter is also made of better material)

A "sniff test" (not very scientific, but sending oil to be tested costs more than the oil!) shows less #petrol in oil compared to when #car had 12 month oil changes with previous owners

#Tomcat from a few streets away also came to inspect #vehicle, then decatted himself at speed as soon as I moved closer to the door (he always does that)

#CarMaintenance #AutoDIY #GolfGTI

6 months goes quickly - time for #Oil #service on #VW #GolfGTI with #EA888 engine

Completed with 0 major hassles - didn't spill any major amount of used oil in yard this time round, and #BGS funnel attachment (72214) is a gamechanger, fits directly in place of oil filler cap rather than having to hold funnel with thin end over opening in one hand and oil container in the other.

Was even able to pour oil in near perfect stream without splashing like my dad used to in 1970s/80s - to be fair he did have a bit more practice, not only did cars need 3 month oil changes back then, he also worked for #Castrol in research labs testing #rheology so was dealing with the stuff every day 😁

Bonus #photobomb for #Caturday from yard #cat in first photo..

#CarMaintenance #DIYauto

6 months goes quickly - time for #Oil #service on #VW #GolfGTI with #EA888 engine

Completed with 0 major hassles - didn't spill any major amount of used oil in yard this time round, and #BGS funnel attachment (72214) is a gamechanger, fits directly in place of oil filler cap rather than having to hold funnel with thin end over opening in one hand and oil container in the other.

Was even able to pour oil in near perfect stream without splashing like my dad used to in 1970s/80s - to be fair he did have a bit more practice, not only did cars need 3 month oil changes back then, he also worked for #Castrol in research labs testing #rheology so was dealing with the stuff every day 😁

Bonus #photobomb for #Caturday from yard #cat in first photo..

#CarMaintenance #DIYauto

The Astra engine has been making a dragging sound, which stopped when switching off the aircon.

Took the electromagnetic clutch plate off the aircon compressor and had a look in there. All looked ok, except it seems we didn't use it enough and it rusted 😆

Gave it a cleanup, some rust converter on the cosmetic outside and sanded off the rust inside, then blew out any dirt and degreased the clutch plates.

Can't hear the noise anymore! 👍

#DIY #Repair #CarMaintenance #Opel #Astra #AstraJ

The Astra engine has been making a dragging sound, which stopped when switching off the aircon.

Took the electromagnetic clutch plate off the aircon compressor and had a look in there. All looked ok, except it seems we didn't use it enough and it rusted 😆

Gave it a cleanup, some rust converter on the cosmetic outside and sanded off the rust inside, then blew out any dirt and degreased the clutch plates.

Can't hear the noise anymore! 👍

#DIY #Repair #CarMaintenance #Opel #Astra #AstraJ

Master Your Car's AC: Easy R134A Refrigerant Recharge Kit Guide

Stay cool on the road with this essential R134A Refrigerant Recharge Kit! Perfect for both vehicle and home air conditioning systems, this kit makes it simple to restore peak cooling performance without a trip to the mechanic. See how easy it is to keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fElYvNDJ3xI

Amazon Product: https://amzn.to/3B4E3Oa

#ACRecharge #CarMaintenance #DIYAuto #R134A #HomeImprovement

Snagged complete set of of Marshall Cavendish #CarMaintenance and #Motoring partwork "On The Road" from 1978-1981 (in 10 binders)

If you are #GenX you may remember your dad buying at least some of these if he was into #cars (although to get the entire partwork would have cost about £300 (2026 money) in total, so relatively few people actually got whole set of 140)

These were sold not only in #UK but across #Commonwealth countries where folk drive on the left, one cool thing is all units are #metric first (with Imperial equivalents added afterwards)

Fair play to the previous owner, it looks like they did definitely make use of the section on changing #HeadGasket in #BritishLeyland engine 😁

#OldTimer #1970s #1980s #WeirdCarMastodon

Snagged complete set of of Marshall Cavendish #CarMaintenance and #Motoring partwork "On The Road" from 1978-1981 (in 10 binders)

If you are #GenX you may remember your dad buying at least some of these if he was into #cars (although to get the entire partwork would have cost about £300 (2026 money) in total, so relatively few people actually got whole set of 140)

These were sold not only in #UK but across #Commonwealth countries where folk drive on the left, one cool thing is all units are #metric first (with Imperial equivalents added afterwards)

Fair play to the previous owner, it looks like they did definitely make use of the section on changing #HeadGasket in #BritishLeyland engine 😁

#OldTimer #1970s #1980s #WeirdCarMastodon

DIY Car Door Lock Actuator Repair: Save Money with This Simple Fix!

Stop replacing expensive parts! In this video, I'll show you how to cheaply repair your car door lock actuator by simply cleaning the internal switch. This easy DIY hack can save you hundreds in repair costs and get your door locks working perfectly again in no time. Perfect for car owners looking for a quick and effective maintenance tip!

#CarRepair #DIYAuto #DoorLockFix #CarMaintenance #AutoRepair #SaveMoney #MechanicTips

Quick car tip! 🚗 Regularly check your tire pressure. Proper inflation improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and enhances driving safety. You'll find the recommended PSI on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb or owner's manual. #CarMaintenance #SafetyFirst

Don't overlook your tires! Checking your tire pressure monthly ensures optimal fuel efficiency, extends tire life, and significantly improves your car's handling and safety. Underinflated tires wear out faster and can be dangerous. Grab a gauge and give them a quick check! It takes minutes and makes a big difference. 🚗 PSI 📈 #CarMaintenance #TireSafety

⚡️Car Tip of the Day!⚡️
Regularly check your tire pressure, especially before long trips. Proper inflation improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and enhances safety. Look for PSI info on your door jamb sticker! #Cartips #CarMaintenance #Safety

🚗 Tip of the day! ✅ Check your tire pressure regularly. Proper inflation improves fuel economy, extends tire life, and is crucial for safety. Don't forget the spare! #CarMaintenance #SafetyFirst #FuelEfficiency

Car Tip! 💡 Check your tire pressure monthly! Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy ⛽️, extend tire life, & boost safety on the road. It's a quick, easy win for your wallet & safety! 🚗 #CarMaintenance #SafetyFirst #FuelEconomy

Your #DailyCarTip: Check your tire pressure monthly, including the spare! Proper inflation boosts fuel economy, safety, and tire lifespan. It's a quick, easy check! ✅ #CarMaintenance #TireSafety #FuelEconomy

Boost your car's safety & fuel efficiency! 🚗💨 Check your tire pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Find your car's recommended PSI on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. It's a quick, easy check! #CarTips #TirePressure #FuelEfficiency #CarMaintenance

Helped a work colleague get home this evening - she got flat #tyre just as she was leaving the office but managed to pull into side road in the village.

Had to do this at kerb with sketchy Ford toolkit jack (not even a full scissor jack but just a pivoted thing), good thing I keep my bright LED light, kneeling mat and extendable wheelbrace bar and cordless inflator in my own car at all times (as even the spare only had 0,80 bar in it!)

Ironically she often carries a small trolley jack in the car but this was the one day it *wasn't* in there.

At least it was opposite village shop, which I had wanted to visit anyway to get some food and fizzy pop (all the other shops are hassle to get to at the moment due to roadworks)

#CarMaintenance

On the right side things also mostly seem OK aside from this play in the wheel hub... feels likely to be the CV joint I think?

#CarMaintenance #Mechanic #DIY

Our landlord isn't all bad, I asked if I could use the disused garage for some car maintenance and he initially refused... then a week later the maintenance lady dropped by and gave me a key to it.

This is so much better than car work on wet gravel outside.

Anyway, Fox MOT due in a month and time to work out what work it needs doing and do a full service. First problem: the clunky noise from the left side... um... yeah, might have worked that out.

Not sure if this is a replacement or a repair job. Feels likely to be replacement.

On the plus side everything else on the front mech seems OK this side. All nice and stuff, no play. Plenty of pad left on the brakes.

#CarMaintenance #Mechanic #DIY

Today's adventure...

Rear brake pad replacement on a Renault Megane 3. This is a fairly straightforward DIY.

#diy #carmaintenance #renault #megane #brakes #carmechanic

Battery hold downs: should they look like that?

Jan 11: power steering flush.
Jan 20: gas stop, hood pop, quick scan.

My battery was tipped off its tray and leaning into the radiator. No warning lights. No drama. Just a snapped ground wire and a lesson delivered in public, under fluorescent lights.

New habit: the battery wiggle check. Two seconds while the pump runs. If it moves, the hold-downs are not doing their job.

Field Note: https://adventureadjacent.com/2026/02/06/battery-hold-downs-should-they-look-like-that/

#CarMaintenance #DIYAuto #ToyotaFJCruiser #4x4 #Overlanding #LessonsLearned #PreventiveMaintenance

I knocked out a power steering fluid flush on the FJ and it was almost peaceful, right up until I realized I had nothing to cap the return port. Improvised. Spilled some. Learned a lot.

Two quarts later, the pump is quiet and the old fluid is out. Full how-to here: https://adventureadjacent.com/2026/01/30/toyota-fj-cruiser-power-steering-fluid-flush-how-to/

#FJCruiser #DIYAuto #CarMaintenance #Overlanding #OffRoad #AdventureAdjacent

Stresses I did not want to deal with today. The tire I had repaired the rim bent again. Now I need to look at getting a new rim and new tires. That’s going to be an expensive time.
#CarRepair #CarMaintenance

Luckily I had spare centre caps which originally had misaligned fox head logos (they are supposed to point towards hole for the bolt and tyre valve), #alloy wheel suppliers sent me replacements.

I planned to put VW centre caps on them but removing original logo with isopropyl alcohol to soften adhesive made ABS plastic patchy and the pick I used gnarled it up slightly.

Sanded them down, set up a mini spray booth in a corner of the office using a cardboard box from a monitor to prevent overspray gave 2 coats of Simoniz plastic primer, 3 coats of Hycote Satin Black and a bit of sanding (to remove dust specks) and cleaning with neat isopropyl (to dull the gloss slightly) and left them to cure for a day - fitted them to #wheels this evening #GolfGTI #CarMaintenance #cars #maker #repair

This is what the #LED flashers look like when in operation (they are surprisingly bright).

This #trolley will be very useful for use with the #smartcharger, #battery tester and the #VCDS #laptop as I can bring those straight out to whatever car I am working on on one go rather than having to fetch these things one at a time, I might fit a 4 way trailing socket to the bottom for things that need power.. #DIY #maintenance #CarMaintenance #repair

Stick on magnet for the "SEND IT" patch fitted perfectly, and offcut was exactly the right size for the LED controller remote..

Got some other magnetic labels on order for tomorrow, will use them as reminders for vehicle data (tyre pressures, oil grades etc) or what to load on the trays..

#maintenance #DIY #CarMaintenance #repair

Did a further scan with #VCDS to double check all the #OBD2 #ECU #coding had taken correctly and do some real-time data monitoring, VCDS is way better for this - current draw when the ignition is turned on is as much as 14A !

New #battery holding voltage at around 12,4V with engine off, way better than old one which, barely 12V and sometimes less

Starting engine shows charge current from #alternator as much as 60A, going down to about 10A when idling (which means in future I shouldn't have to worry about #smartcharger overcharging the battery, I may even be able to monitor it this way).

Hopefully this battery lasts another 4+ years as doing all this extra coding is quite a mission compared to older cars!

#CarMaintenance #VW #GolfGTI #GolfMk7 #cars

Got into drivers seat and turned on ignition - dashboard now lit up like Christmas tree as battery change causes all manner of confusion to ECU, it now has to be coded (used #OBDEleven for this stage as its easier to get to the battery settings than #VCDS).

Coding is in 19 Gateway, Adaptation, Battery Adaptation. New Ah value entered, type changed to "Fleece" for AGM (Blei-Vliesbatterie), serial number made up from date of fitting, manufacturer "TU3" for #Exide (as its an aftermarket battery without BEM code, any 10 digit number will do)

Steering recalibrated by turning wheel to full left lock then full right lock, many other temporary fault codes had to be cleared off (all normal after battery replacement)

#CarMaintenance #VW #GolfGTI #GolfMk7 #cars