How much do you expect to pay for a ‘small’ service on your car? You know, the one in between the big main service.
Secondly, I can check my tyre pressures and blow the tyres up, check the oil, and top up my window squirters, but that’s about it.
Years ago we had to top up the radiators as well. They were right in the front when you lifted the bonnet up.
What happened to radiators?
Radiators are still there at the front (behind the A/C cooler) but they have a reservoir so don’t need topping up like they used to, before, when the water expanded it was lost now it is collected and reused. It still needs checking but it is more like checking your brake fluid ie making sure the water level is between two marks.
Bruce, it used to be a big thing right in the front when you opened the bonnet didn’t it, and it had a fan in front of it.
If you say it is still there - where’s it gone? It’s not where it used to be.
And another question please:
When I’ve had the air con on, sometimes when I park and walk away, some water trickles out from under the car -
Is this supposed to happen?
Where is it coming from?
Do I need to replace it?
Mups, the water in the radiator expands when hot, and like Bruce says it used to be lost but now goes into an expansion chamber which is visible under the bonnet and probably looks like a small tupperware casserole with a filler cap on top. There should be a mark on the side which tells you the maximum and minimum levels and as long as the water level is somewhere between the two then you are OK. Point to note though check when the engine is cold and never take the cap off when the engine is hot!
As for the aircon, the dribble of water is what the system has removed from the air in your car and it dumps it out underneath, so it is no problem and just goes to show the aircon is working properly.
If the cars still in warranty make sure genuine manufacturer parts are used, if not then shop around for a few quotes, don’t discount the main dealer they may often price match,
Service costs depend on the make and model of car and also which part of the country you are in and any parts needing replacing. Also it depends if it is a main dealer service or a “local” garage doing it. They can even charge differ prices depending on the overheads.
main dealers usually have specially trained mechanics who know the brand whereas local garages take pot luck on whatever car they are asked to service.
Come getting rid of a car one that has a full and complete service history book is going to fetch a bit more than a service by Joe blogs down the road, and a main dealer service log book a few quid more as it is easier to sell on.