My car was in for a service yesterday, and needed a new radiator, which was fitted at the garage. However, I couldn't afford to have done all the things that need doing.

The car also needs front discs and pads, new spark plugs, the rocker valve switch (whatever that is) is leaking a little bit, and the throttle body has "slight build-up".

Would I, as a novice, be able to tackle any of these jobs myself? If so, could anyone give me any guidance as to how I might do it? The car is a 2004 Fabia 1.4 16v.

If you are reasonable with spanners, then yes, you could DIY

If you are reasonable with spanners, then yes, you could DIY

What would I be able to do myself? All of it? Any guidance?

Buy a haynes manuel and a socket set

Buy a haynes manuel and a socket set

Are Haynes manuals easy to follow?

Spark plugs = easy peasy

Discs and pads = easy peasy

My car was in for a service yesterday, and needed a new radiator, which was fitted at the garage. However, I couldn't afford to have done all the things that need doing.

The car also needs front discs and pads, new spark plugs, the rocker valve switch (whatever that is) is leaking a little bit, and the throttle body has "slight build-up".

Would I, as a novice, be able to tackle any of these jobs myself? If so, could anyone give me any guidance as to how I might do it? The car is a 2004 Fabia 1.4 16v.

I would suggest that you also buy a haynes manuel.

I was 18 when I had my vRS and managed to do the discs and pads myself with no issues. The spark plugs are also easy to change so you shouldn't have any issues.

I would do these little bits first - Please do make a post or give me a PM if you have any trouble. I'm sure other forum members will be willing to give you a hand depending on your location!

Hope this helps,

Rob

I would suggest that you also buy a haynes manuel.

I was 18 when I had my vRS and managed to do the discs and pads myself with no issues. The spark plugs are also easy to change so you shouldn't have any issues.

I would do these little bits first - Please do make a post or give me a PM if you have any trouble. I'm sure other forum members will be willing to give you a hand depending on your location!

Hope this helps,

Rob

Many thanks. That gives me a bit of confidence.

I was 18 when I had my vRS and managed to do the discs and pads myself with no issues. The spark plugs are also easy to change so you shouldn't have any issues.

Know what you mean but made me laugh

Know what you mean but made me laugh

Wot, the Fabia vRS spark plugs........

Have just bought a Haynes manual on eBay for £15. Hopefully it will prove to be a good investment if it saves me some money in the long run. I'd be delighted if I could do the brakes myself, as I've been quoted the best part of £200 to do them, so if I could do it for the cost of the parts, that'd be a huge saving.

Have just bought a Haynes manual on eBay for £15. Hopefully it will prove to be a good investment if it saves me some money in the long run. I'd be delighted if I could do the brakes myself, as I've been quoted the best part of £200 to do them, so if I could do it for the cost of the parts, that'd be a huge saving.

Theres a good guide in the technical guides section on doing the brakes

Once you have done your disc and pads....you will not believe why some garages charge a shocking amount to do them.

were about in merseyside you from just done some work on my fabia

still got tools and haynes if interested

email me and sort summit out if you want m8

[email protected]

were about in merseyside you from just done some work on my fabia

still got tools and haynes if interested

email me and sort summit out if you want m8

[email protected]

I'm in Birkenhead, mate. A few tips and a bit of guidance would be great. I'll be in touch.

Update - replaced my spark plugs today. Should have been an easy job really, but the handle broke off my piece-of-sh!t Halfords spark-plug wrench halfway through the process. Had a mare, trying to get the plugs out using what remained of my wrench in combination with a pair of pliers! Anyway, job done - I have used Bosch Super 4 plugs, and have given her a test drive. Seems to be running smoothly.