Whats involved in a full service??

Soldato
Joined
2 Oct 2004
Posts
4,362
Location
N.W London
Hi there,

Need some advice....

What is involved in a full service for a Honda Civic 2004 SE?

All I know is:

Change oil
Change oil filter
Change fuel filter
Change spark plugs
Check water level
Check gear oil


What am I missing?

I only the basics of the basics of the basics so please correct me where required.

Thank you very much
 
The car is over 12-13 years old I do not have the manual.

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction preferably by providing a list

thank you
 
A full manufacturer service list will usually have a lot of checks/inspection of components for play/wear, as well as checking basics such as operation of lights and horn, and lubrication/adjustment of hinges and locks.
 
Oil, oil filter, air filter, visual checks of other levels.

Not the fuel filter unless it is a diesel, I highly doubt anyone would check the gearbox oil, and spark plugs aren't part of a 'service' generally I don't think.

E; oh are we talking manufacturer service check lists, or indie servicing?
 
Sorry I have not been clear.

I usually take my car to my local mechanic however a friend has offered to service my car for me and teach me at the same time. Seeing as I do not know what is involved in a FULL service I was hoping to get a list so that I know a) he is doing things properly b) I can double check on him as I will be with him.

Hope that makes sense
 
Sorry I have not been clear.

I usually take my car to my local mechanic however a friend has offered to service my car for me and teach me at the same time. Seeing as I do not know what is involved in a FULL service I was hoping to get a list so that I know a) he is doing things properly b) I can double check on him as I will be with him.

Hope that makes sense

Go to the above link and look at cars 3 years and older.
 
This is what my garage does for a full service.

PRE ENGINE CHECKS
1. Check vehicle history.
2. Check the cam belt replacement interval in miles or years.
3. Check for damage to bodywork, lamps and trims.
4. Fit protective covers.
5. Check condition and operation of all seat belts.
6. Check operation of interior and exterior lights.
7. Check operation of ABS and air bag warning lights.
8. Check air conditioning operation including bad odour. (If we feel that is something wrong with your A.C. we will check it for free.)
9. Check windscreen washers and wipers.
10. Check horn.
11. Check operation of suspension dampers.
12. Lubricate all door hinges, locks and bonnet catches.
13. Apply treatments to remove internal contamination.


At each service we clean your engine and fuel system internally using Forte Treatments

Advanced Formula Gas Treatment
Advanced Formula Motor Flush
Advanced Formula Fuel System Cleaner Petrol/Diesel

You will benefit from:

Easier starting
Smother running
Reduced exhaust emissions
Better fuel economy
Reduced engine wear
Lower maintenance costs

14. Check fuel cap.

UNDER THE BONNET
15. Check cooling system including fan operation.
16. Check and record Anti-Freeze protection.
17. Check and record brake fluid condition.
18. Check all auxiliary drive belts.
19. Check breather system.
20. Check vacuum pipes.
21. Check power steering operation and fluid condition.
22. Check throttle body. Clean if required.
23. Check battery level.
24. Check and top up all under bonnet fluid levels.
25. Replace air filter. *
26. Replace spark plugs. *
27. Replace fuel filter. *
28. Replace pollen filter. *

VEHICLE RAISED
29. Change oil, filter and fit new sump plug washer
30. Check fuel lines and brake pipes.
31. Check the condition and security of the exhaust.
32. Check and top up axle and transfer box oil levels.
33. Check and top up gear box oil level.
34. Check all steering and suspension joints, mountings and gaiters.
35. Carry out tyre report.
36. Check all wheel bearings for excessive play and noise. (Adjust if required.)
37. Check CV gaiters and joints for wear or splits.
38. Check clutch cable/cylinder.
39. Grease all greasing points.
40. Check operation and condition of front brakes.
41. Check operation and condition of rear brakes. (Adjust hand brake if necessary.)
42. Carry out the brake report.

VEHICLE LOWERED
43. Refill engine with specified grade oil.
44. torque wheel/studs.

TO FINISH
45. Road test vehicle and report any findings.
46. Re-check engine oil level.
47. Carry out emission report.
48. Reset service interval indicator.
49. Ensure all upholstery, gear lever, steering wheel, etc. are clean.
50. Stamp service book.
 
Corrected...:D

This is what my garage tell me they do for a full service.

PRE ENGINE CHECKS
1. Check vehicle history.
2. Check the cam belt replacement interval in miles or years.
3. Check for damage to bodywork, lamps and trims.
4. Fit protective covers.
5. Check condition and operation of all seat belts.
6. Check operation of interior and exterior lights.
7. Check operation of ABS and air bag warning lights.
8. Check air conditioning operation including bad odour. (If we feel that is something wrong with your A.C. we will check it for free.)
9. Check windscreen washers and wipers.
10. Check horn.
11. Check operation of suspension dampers.
12. Lubricate all door hinges, locks and bonnet catches.
13. Apply treatments to remove internal contamination.


At each service we clean your engine and fuel system internally using Forte Treatments

Advanced Formula Gas Treatment
Advanced Formula Motor Flush
Advanced Formula Fuel System Cleaner Petrol/Diesel

You will benefit from:

Easier starting
Smother running
Reduced exhaust emissions
Better fuel economy
Reduced engine wear
Lower maintenance costs

14. Check fuel cap.

UNDER THE BONNET
15. Check cooling system including fan operation.
16. Check and record Anti-Freeze protection.
17. Check and record brake fluid condition.
18. Check all auxiliary drive belts.
19. Check breather system.
20. Check vacuum pipes.
21. Check power steering operation and fluid condition.
22. Check throttle body. Clean if required.
23. Check battery level.
24. Check and top up all under bonnet fluid levels.
25. Replace air filter. *
26. Replace spark plugs. *
27. Replace fuel filter. *
28. Replace pollen filter. *

VEHICLE RAISED
29. Change oil, filter and fit new sump plug washer
30. Check fuel lines and brake pipes.
31. Check the condition and security of the exhaust.
32. Check and top up axle and transfer box oil levels.
33. Check and top up gear box oil level.
34. Check all steering and suspension joints, mountings and gaiters.
35. Carry out tyre report.
36. Check all wheel bearings for excessive play and noise. (Adjust if required.)
37. Check CV gaiters and joints for wear or splits.
38. Check clutch cable/cylinder.
39. Grease all greasing points.
40. Check operation and condition of front brakes.
41. Check operation and condition of rear brakes. (Adjust hand brake if necessary.)
42. Carry out the brake report.

VEHICLE LOWERED
43. Refill engine with specified grade oil.
44. torque wheel/studs.

TO FINISH
45. Road test vehicle and report any findings.
46. Re-check engine oil level.
47. Carry out emission report.
48. Reset service interval indicator.
49. Ensure all upholstery, gear lever, steering wheel, etc. are clean.
50. Stamp service book.
 
^ yeah and what they really do is change the oil and maybe the plugs. :p

36. Check all wheel bearings for excessive play and noise. (Adjust if required.) <- How exactly do you adjust a wheel bearing? :/
 
Lol. I bet most of those checks are just cursory glances.

Otherwise that would all take far too long for what services normally cost.

The engine flush is also excessive.

Think it boils down to how busy they are. The place has a good, longstanding reputation as a decent local family firm. They don't scrimp.
 
At a main dealer, I expect it's as per the handbook/manufacturer.

At an indy, i'd see a service as oil and filters and a general check over. Full service would include spark plugs etc.

I've heard of main dealers which offer "minor" and "major" services sticking to the recommended replacmenet period regardless - ie if a "major" service includes gearbox oil recommended at 40k, but you take a car in at 30k and pay for a "major" service, they won't change it as it's not yet due, but will charge the same price.

I use a local indy and normally either buy my own parts and just pay labour or specify exactly what I want changing.
 
^ yeah and what they really do is change the oil and maybe the plugs. :p

36. Check all wheel bearings for excessive play and noise. (Adjust if required.) <- How exactly do you adjust a wheel bearing? :/

Torque up the hub nut to the point there is no play. Most do not allow adjustment nowadays like they used to.
 
Torque up the hub nut to the point there is no play. Most do not allow adjustment nowadays like they used to.

Most (All) modern cars have wheel bearings that are just done up rather tight (200+FtLbs)

However, "Classics" often had taper roller bearings. These DO need to have a bit of play 1/16" or so at the edge of the wheel (Which actually feels quite significant but is actually, not only fine, it is necessary!)

"Young" MOT testers have been known to adjust taper bearings on older cars until there is no free play. Unfortunately this can result, quite literally, in the wheels falling off!
 
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