I just bort a fabia elegance 2001 1.4 16v, as a lot of you may already know. I have a NVQ lvl1 in mechanics and i was thinking about giving it a service myuself when i get it. that way i can improve performance and i know evrything has been done! However i was wondering how easy it is...it does have a full service history and last service was at vw about 5000 miles ago so all it realy needs is a good check and an oil change! (parts are not that much and working at halfords part time gives me discount.) I know german manafacturers put alot of things in there cars to stop out of dealership servicing so i am quite wary. Is it worth it or should i just get it done profesionly?

I am looking to:

1. give it an oil change (geusing its a 5w30 fully syn oil)

2 Replace plugs with iridium 1ns and change leads to silicone 8mm ones

3 put in a K&N or simerler panel filter to stop me paying for paper ones all the time and increase air flow.

4 check the car over (anything i need to look for mechanicaly) also there was some ice on the inside of the windscreen (i know fabias often have this problem because the seals are either very good or leak howevr i could not spot any leaks from seals or leaks from the A piller on inspection so how do i get rid of this? (moisture crystals?)

5 anything else to do or change (i am also upgrading the headlights to brighter bulbs but would a HID kit be any better in the long term?)

Thanks look foreward to sugestions!

Edited 25 December, 200916 yr by lex2311

1-3 are easy, hardest bit will be getting access to the oil filter, other than that should be plain sailing.

4 - depends on the car and you I guess. However, check the front suspension bushes as they are prone to failing. And my 2001 Fabia has recently have the front spring snap and the bump stop covers have fallen down, so might be worth checking those.

5 - Don't get HiDs, just uprate the bulbs. HiDs are illegal, and a pain for all other drivers you come across.

Joe.

Looks like some orsam nitebreakers or philips X-Tream then

Ill have to get a hyanes manual 4 it! so i can locate oil filter easily. is there anything i missed out?

Not that I can think of. If it's a 16v engine, the oil filter is best accessed from underneath, and it's easier if you remove the front undertray. Big black thing on the front of the engine.

Also, if it is a 16v, watch for high oil useage and piston ring wear.

Thank you very much i knew buying a skoda would at least mean there are alot of helpful people on the forums unlike ford where i dont get any replies for about a month and when i do it take it to a garage lmao!

Just a tip RE your windscreen , keep it clean with a good quality glass polish (autoglym ect) it really does help with the build up of moisture on the inside. Also you may like to check the plenum chamber (the bit under where the wipers are , take the plastic trim off to gain access.The drain holes into the engine bay get blocked up with leaves ect . This happened to me and water leaked , via the pollen filter , into the passenger side footwell. Since I had that sorted and changed the pollen filter (it was soaked through) I've had no problems with exessive condensation. Also at this time of year your floormats are always soaking wet and that doesnt help.

Edited 25 December, 200916 yr by Dmac1969