Servicing.....self or garage? Which are you?

[collieek]

Same for me I enjoy working on my cars and bikes trying different set ups, and improve parts. It is all part of the experience of owning something like a Lotus for me that you can still work on them yourself. 

In my view a car that has been maintained by an enthusiast would be a better buy that one just serviced by a garage. 

 

[Dave-hp]

All good points being made. Keep them coming. I think its helpful to get the full range of views out there. I completely get that not everyone is confident tackling certain mechanical jobs, therefore its understandable to get a specialist to do the work. I dont think this is a right or wrong topic. There are a lot of factors every owner will consider, so keen to get everyones perspective, as Id say all are valid. 

A Lotus is in many ways a unique vehicle, and to maintain it properly, needs to be understood. But on the other hand, they have gone back to basics with some to keep things simple, its still a vehicle with a combustion engine (From Rover and Toyota) that functions and performs like any other car. The oil, ignition, cooling, braking, etc are all consumables with recommended replacement timings. 

In a way I am more confident at replacing those elements, than perhaps the unique features that go with a particular model that perhaps a specialist would spot. i.e. areas that wear and tear and affect performance or go unnoticed. 

If I go down I the self service route, Id consider doing the consumables and completing a Service Sheet from the service manual. But consider taking it to a specialist to give it an annual mechanical inspection to fully 'check over'. Has anyone used a specialist for an inspection only? 

[Guido]

50 minutes ago, Dave-hp said:

Has anyone used a specialist for an inspection only? 

Yes.  When I took my car to PJS Sportscars to get it's Geometry setup, I asked them to give the car a good check whist it was up in the air.  I was happy to pay a little extra labour for the service.

Edited March 28 by Guido

[DeanB]

1 hour ago, Guido said:

Yes.  When I took my car to PJS Sportscars to get it's Geometry setup, I asked them to give the car a good check whist it was up in the air.  I was happy to pay a little extra labour for the service.

Seems like a very sensible idea to me

[winthattt]

One additional thought. Even though our cars are quite simple with “Metro” or “Corolla” parts and experts like Gavin can be trusted, I would not let any normal garage or tyre place touch my car.   Even lifting one up is asking for trouble if the person doing it has no idea what they are doing. 
 

Also, as many of our cars do silly low mileages, you do have to wonder what needs doing every year. 
 

 

 

 

[mattb130]

On 28/03/2024 at 10:56, Dave-hp said:

All good points being made. Keep them coming. I think its helpful to get the full range of views out there. I completely get that not everyone is confident tackling certain mechanical jobs, therefore its understandable to get a specialist to do the work. I dont think this is a right or wrong topic. There are a lot of factors every owner will consider, so keen to get everyones perspective, as Id say all are valid. 

A Lotus is in many ways a unique vehicle, and to maintain it properly, needs to be understood. But on the other hand, they have gone back to basics with some to keep things simple, its still a vehicle with a combustion engine (From Rover and Toyota) that functions and performs like any other car. The oil, ignition, cooling, braking, etc are all consumables with recommended replacement timings. 

In a way I am more confident at replacing those elements, than perhaps the unique features that go with a particular model that perhaps a specialist would spot. i.e. areas that wear and tear and affect performance or go unnoticed. 

If I go down I the self service route, Id consider doing the consumables and completing a Service Sheet from the service manual. But consider taking it to a specialist to give it an annual mechanical inspection to fully 'check over'. Has anyone used a specialist for an inspection only? 

I’ve kept a detailed document of what was done with what and when for the last 5 years along with receipts. My car had a full service history before but digging into it the car had never had spark plugs in its first 9 years of life due to mileage rather than age and coolant was overdue again based on age. The car had been either dealer serviced or specialist. Now I’d imagine there is a history somewhere of those thing being mentioned as being required by the respective parties (but not in the history of the car) so the previous owners must have declined to do them. But the car has full service history and dealer stamps. Mine is now correct and up to date based on age rather than mileage. 
 

As a side note The money I’ve saved has meant I’ve been able to make and buy kit so I can happily and confidently do my geometry from the comfort of my garage. 
 

Next step is to fudge the man maths to invest in corner weight scales.

[Daveb99]

1 hour ago, mattb130 said:

I’ve kept a detailed document of what was done with what and when for the last 5 years along with receipts. My car had a full service history before but digging into it the car had never had spark plugs in its first 9 years of life due to mileage rather than age and coolant was overdue again based on age. The car had been either dealer serviced or specialist. Now I’d imagine there is a history somewhere of those thing being mentioned as being required by the respective parties (but not in the history of the car) so the previous owners must have declined to do them. But the car has full service history and dealer stamps. Mine is now correct and up to date based on age rather than mileage. 
 

As a side note The money I’ve saved has meant I’ve been able to make and buy kit so I can happily and confidently do my geometry from the comfort of my garage. 
 

Next step is to fudge the man maths to invest in corner weight scales.

I think this sums up the whole “ooh, it has a full stamped service history” nonsense quite well.   I’ve lost count of the number of things I’ve found on numerous Elises with a full service history that have been utterly shocking.   Full stamped history but no cam belt change for 11 years, loads of other things skipped etc etc.  Several specialists, who will remain unnamed, clearly bodging things, bolts not torqued up (suspension wishbones being a good example), oil leaks despite it being serviced a couple of months before, coolant seeping from the pipes at the rear etc.   

I’ll say it again - a stamped history is absolutely no guarantee that it’s a well sorted car.   

I just don’t really trust anyone any more…..so I’ve taught myself how to do it all properly.

[Dave-hp]

On 29/03/2024 at 21:26, mattb130 said:

I’ve kept a detailed document of what was done with what and when for the last 5 years along with receipts. My car had a full service history before but digging into it the car had never had spark plugs in its first 9 years of life due to mileage rather than age and coolant was overdue again based on age. The car had been either dealer serviced or specialist. Now I’d imagine there is a history somewhere of those thing being mentioned as being required by the respective parties (but not in the history of the car) so the previous owners must have declined to do them. But the car has full service history and dealer stamps. Mine is now correct and up to date based on age rather than mileage. 
 

As a side note The money I’ve saved has meant I’ve been able to make and buy kit so I can happily and confidently do my geometry from the comfort of my garage. 
 

Next step is to fudge the man maths to invest in corner weight scales.

Thats what I have found. Mine has a FSH, but stamps dont say exactly what was changed each time. Ive a low mileage, and the oil is still golden, but how many times have things like the coolant and brake/clutch fluid been done? Im minded do follow the Lotus Service Manual, and each time capture all that is done, including receipts. 

[mattb130]

1 hour ago, Dave-hp said:

Thats what I have found. Mine has a FSH, but stamps dont say exactly what was changed each time. Ive a low mileage, and the oil is still golden, but how many times have things like the coolant and brake/clutch fluid been done? Im minded do follow the Lotus Service Manual, and each time capture all that is done, including receipts. 

Do that plus also log all the stuff that the service manual doesn’t reference and that your done as proactive / general maintenance.