It's a fact of life that every one of us who owns and drives a motor vehicle will sooner or later have to face car trouble.

Even new motor cars are prone to give problems, but the older a car becomes the more fragile it gets. Almost all new cars come with a service or maintenance plan whereby the car is taken in to the dealership after a certain amount of kilometres and it goes in for a general service.

This article takes a look at problems associated with older cars and a very basic service. If you have an older car it should be routinely maintained to keep it trouble free.

Basic service

Oil: Motor car oil is a lubricating substance that keeps the inner parts of the motor or engine running smoothly and reduces friction and metal wear. Because the oil heats up to extremely high temperatures and cools down when the engine is turned off, it will eventually become old and inefficient.

The oil should be replaced every 7000 - 15 000 kilometres. There is much debate as to how often the oil should be replaced, but with older engines rather do it more frequently. There is a nut at the bottom of the oil sump that can be removed in order to drain the oil. Once the oil is drained, the oil filter can be removed and replaced with a new one. The oil filter may be very tight, but it can be removed with a specially designed strap.

A thin film of new oil should be placed over the oil seal. This will help to seal the filter. The new oil can be added. Fill slowly at intervals and keep checking the level on the dip stick until the correct level has been achieved. Air filter: The air filter is also an important component in the workings of the car. This is often very easy to replace and the old one can simply be clicked out of its housing and the new one inserted.

Petrol filter: The petrol filter is situated along the petrol inlet pipe that leads to the carburettor. The function of the petrol filter is to filter out any foreign bodies that might be found in the petrol. The petrol filter in most cars can be easily changed by simply unscrewing the a-ring clamps and removing the old filter and replacing it with the new one.

Spark plugs: The spark plugs are an essential part of the vehicle and their function is to ignite the petrol/air mixture and fire the cylinders. This firing takes place in a sequential order and this is what turns the engine. If one of the spark plugs does not fire you will have drastically reduced power to the vehicle and the engine will run with a rough sound.

The spark plugs should also be replaced during each service. These can be removed by first removing the bougie or HT cord, but remember which point/lead went to which spark plug. The plugs can be removed by using either a spark-plug spanner or a socket-set that has a spark plug socket. They are removed with an anti-clockwise movement. The new spark plugs can then be installed. They should be firmly inserted but avoid over-tightening or else you could damage the thread. The gap on most spark plugs are preset but others may need to be adjusted using a depth gauge indicator according to the car manufacturer's specifications. You could also use a spark plug gap setting tool to adjust the gap and a set of feeler gauges to check that you have got it right. Others might use a small screwdriver or needle nosed pliers to do the adjustment.

Keep a log book

It is a good idea to keep a log book where you can record the car's service history and what was done to the vehicle. You can also record the make and model of the car which will assist when you are purchasing spare parts. Record the spares that you have purchased and their part numbers. When you service your car again you will know what to buy.

Advanced servicing

The above is deemed fit as a very basic car service and can be done at home without resorting to specialised tools or equipment. More advanced servicing is possible but may require more engine know-how and specialised equipment such as a timing light.

Correct timing ensures that the engine is running at its optimum setting in order to deliver maximum performance. If the timing is out it will affect the running of the engine and the car will not perform as it should. A strobe light or timing light is usually required in order to set the timing correctly.

The timing belt is also an essential component of the engine and it should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear and tear and periodically replaced. The function of the timing belt is to ensure that the camshaft and other parts are running synchronously and to ensure sparking takes place at the correct moment. The fan belt should also be examined readily and replaced should it start showing signs of damage. A broken fan belt will stop the operation of the water pump and alternator.

The gap between the points inside the distributor cap should also be examined. A feeler gauge will be required and if necessary the points will need to be set to the gap specified in the manufacturer's manual.

Detecting oil leaks

Oil leaks are a common problem associated with older engines and they may be near impossible to stop completely, but they can be controlled. Old oil and grease will need to be washed off the engine block by using a degreasing agent. A high pressure cleaner used together with a degreasing agent also works well, but be very careful not to damage the car parts or get water into the carburettor and electrical parts such as the points and distributor cap. The engine can then be run and you can visually inspect the engine block focusing on the seals and joints. The top part of the engine is where most leaking occurs and is often the result of a worn or damaged cylinder head gasket. This can easily be replaced with a new gasket.

Checking your vehicle before a long journey

Before leaving on a long journey or going away on holiday, check the following items on the car and ensure that everything is in good working order:

Visually inspect the tires, ensuring that the tyre tread and depth is adequate and that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Make sure the spare wheel is pumped and ready for action.
  • Ensure that the brake pads and discs are not worn or damaged.
  • Have the shock-absorbers checked.
  • See that all the lights and indicators are operating.
  • Check that the battery fluid and water coolant levels are correct.
  • Make sure the oil level is still alright.
  • It is also a good idea to give the car a general service before going on an extended journey.
  • Check the level of petrol. As silly as this may sound, the tank may be empty.
  • Check the starter motor. If it turns the engine, the fault will probably lie with the petrol or ignition system. If the engine turns over slowly the battery might be flat and if the starter makes a 'whirring' noise it could be that the starter motor and engine are not engaging. A single 'clunk' sound could indicate that the starter is jammed. It can sometimes be rectified by engaging in first gear, releasing the handbrake and then rocking the car gently up and down.
There are many other reasons why the engine will not start, but very often it is the result of something simple such as flooding the engine with petrol or a flat battery.

Other points for a routine inspection

Checking the battery: The average lifespan of a car battery is about three years, some batteries last much longer. Regularly check that the battery fluid or electrolyte is at the correct level. It should never be allowed to run dry or too low and should always cover the inside cells. Also ensure that the terminals are connected tightly and that any residue around the terminals is cleaned away.

Checking the radiator water level: Always ensure that the level of water is correct. The water should always be mixed with the correct ratio of coolant or anti-freeze. This will inhibit rust build-up and will also assist the engine in remaining at the required temperature.