Hi guys,

I have decided to start servicing my own car but have no experience of this before. I am keen to learn and willing to invest in the tools needed. Can anyone point me in the direction of a comprehensive guide to doing your own service? I suppose its filters, sparks every 20k, oil change, fluids check etc? As I currently have no tools, would anyone have the patience to tell me what tools I need to buy and where the best place is to get them?

Thanks in advance!

Hello chap.

Any indication on the model of Skoda you want to service would be helpful

As for Tools, the Halfords Pro range is surprisingly good quality. On my list would be....

socket set - 10mm > 19mm including plug spanner

Combi spanners 10mm > 19mm

Rachet Spanners 10mm 12mm 14mm (once you have them you would never be without)

Torx Screw driver set

Torque Wrench

Oil Drain can

Funnel

Quality 2T trolley jack and axel stands (Machine Mart do a pack for this)

Surgical gloves (I use Mechanix Pro gloves from the US cuz I'm a tart)

Philips Screwdrivers

Impact ScrewDriver

Hand Cleaner

Magnetic nut / bolt fetcher backer after you dropped it

The list could go on

Hi Fluffmeister,

Thanks for the info. Its a mk1 octy 1.8 normally aspirated. So should I go to somewhere like GSF for the parts?

For guidance as to what needs to be done and when, you can use the "maintenance schedule" in the Haynes manual.

Skoda's are easy cars to work on and provided you do everything listed in the maintenance schedule when due, using good quality parts and lubricants you wont go far wrong.

...

Magnetic nut / bolt fetcher backer after you dropped it

...

Wish I had one of those; it might save taking off the under-tray every 5 minutes.