Keeping your car running sweet..

  1. Established Member Joined: Jul 2007 Hampshire Posts: 1603
    #1
    I know thats what services are for but is there any other advice and tips from mechanics/experienced people to help keep your motor running sweet in the high mileage.

    My VTR is currently on 115K and I change oil every 5K with new oil filter, and as i cant afford service this time im going to do oil, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs myself and just get a garage to do my cambelt and generally look around the car to make sure everythings all up to standards.
    My car rarely gets taken above 3500 revs and its not thrashed about and ive never had issues with her (touch wood).
  2. L-plater Joined: Mar 2009 Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 62 Black 53 Plate VTR
    #2
    i use oil and petrol additives every month or so just for that bit extra mate but ur doin everythin right
  3. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: May 2008 Huntingdon Posts: 3037 JC
    #3
    tbh sounds like your the everything right not thrashing here taking it easy and servicing it reguarly good show . Maybe look at flushing the radiator/coolant and refill with new nice stuff
  4. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #4
    The usual servicing, engine flush every few thousand miles, check the plugs once a month, and oil every few days etc let it warm up before driving it etc etc
  5. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #5
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SaXo_vtr123 View Post
    The usuall servicing, engine flush every few thousand miles, check the plugs once a month, and oil every few days etc let it warm up before driving it etc etc
    No no no!! warm it up by driving it, letting it sit to warm up is pointless and can cause damage over time, cant remember why but its wrong!
  6. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VTEC-Saxo View Post
    No no no!! warm it up by driving it, letting it sit to warm up is pointless and can cause damage over time, cant remember why but its wrong!
    My dad was taught to let it warm up standing still when he did the IFAM test?
  7. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #7
    hmmm...
  8. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #8
    seems right in theory,

    Like when you do a warm up for sports, its things like stretches, jogging on the spot, star jumps etc then you will actually play.

    Strange example like but yano. Google it ftw
  9. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 6640 Integra DC5R & VTS
    #9
    No need to let it warm up standing still... waste of petrol. Just drive it from cold and gradually increase the amount of throttle pressure.
  10. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by LeeumH View Post
    No need to let it warm up standing still... waste of petrol. Just drive it from cold and gradually increase the amount of throttle pressure.
    We all have our little rituals etc just the way i do it.
  11. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2006 Swansea Posts: 4946 Bianca White Peugeot 106 S2 Rallye, Saxo VTS
    #11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SaXo_vtr123 View Post
    My dad was taught to let it warm up standing still when he did the IFAM test?
    Some will agree, some won't. By driving the car instead of waiting for it, you are allowing the oil to be better circulated around the cylinders meaning better lubrication.

    Leaving it idle from cold also means that the oil takes considerably longer to warm up than a short drive would, causing damage to be caused for a longer period of time.

    I know nothing of the subject to be honest. Just two benefits I could think off. lolz.
  12. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #12
    Quote:
    •Idling can damage your engine since it is not operating at its peak temperature where fuel is completely burned. Fuel residue from incomplete burning can damage engine parts.
    Quote:
    In almost all circumstances you should NOT warm up your car before driving. This is the most destructive time for the engine and its related parts The quicker it warms up the better. Your car will warm up much faster driving than just sitting there idling and you will save fuel
    Quote:
    Unless it's below freezing, cars don't need to be warmed up at all. Driving them gently is the best warm up there is. If it's 25 degrees out, you might want to let it warm up for 30 seconds. If it's 10 degrees out, warm it up for a minute.
    http://www.motherearthnews.com/Ask-O...e-Warm-Up.aspx
  13. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #13
    Never seemed to effect my cars, so i will just be stubborn and keep doing it

    Also i tend to do it more often when its winter/cold. Not so mcuh in the summer.
  14. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #14
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by SaXo_vtr123 View Post
    Never seemed to effect my cars, so i will just be stubborn and keep doing it

    Also i tend to do it more often when its winter/cold. Not so mcuh in the summer.
    your 16...
  15. Forum Section Moderator Joined: Aug 2008 Liverpool Posts: 15517 Saxo VTR
    #15
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by VTEC-Saxo View Post
    your 16...
    Private land ftw
  16. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #16
    oh right lol
  17. L-plater Joined: Oct 2007 Northampton Posts: 36 1.1 saxo
    #17
    my knowledge is to let her warm up becouse that will thin the oil lubracating the engine for instance if you were to start it and thrash the bolloks of it the oil will not of warmed up enough to full lubricate the engine and you will start to find little metal filings in the oil hope this helps.
  18. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jan 2008 Down't road from Sheffield Posts: 4641 Was:16v 106 XS ..... Now: Import 1.8 MX5
    #18
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by pawnflake View Post
    my knowledge is to let her warm up becouse that will thin the oil lubracating the engine for instance if you were to start it and thrash the bolloks of it the oil will not of warmed up enough to full lubricate the engine and you will start to find little metal filings in the oil hope this helps.
    There's a difference between driving it and 'thrashing the bolloks' off it.

    As said, when the engine's under load it warms up quicker, I find in mine, whether I sit with it idling for 2/3 min, or whether I set off straight away, it gets warm at about the same place. Just keep the rev's nice and low (I keep mine below 3k) until its warm.



    And it's also sometimes not recommended to use engine flush on higher mileage engines cause it can disloge bits of crap that have built up in places that can then go and get lodged in a more vital area.
  19. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Milk 'n' Beans (Milton Keynes, MK2) Posts: 3243 MK1 Trackin S engined R, 112.5 ATW, approx 135 ATF
    #19
    See i've always seen my mates go for the "let it sit and warm up" way but i've always gone for the drive it straight away and keep the revs low etc way. getting a new toad alarm on sat and was going to get a remote starter but think i might leave it off till winter and then use it for the winter morning with the ice on the car.
  20. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jun 2008 Notts Posts: 6227 White pug 106 1.6
    #20
    let it warm up by driving lol
  21. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 The wrong carpark Posts: 5152 Xantia 1.9TD
    #21
    the only time i let it warm up is if its actually iced over and the windows frosted up!