I looked through the annual service schedule in Haynes and was wondering how many of those inspections are covered in the MOT and which I would have to sort out myself, or if there are any additional checks you guys advise? I'm not very experienced, so wouldn't confidently know what to look out for in the undercarriage inspection...unless it was blindingly obvious.

 

I'm trying to keep costs low and avoid booking the Fabia in for an annual service, if possible. I do the oil, filter (oil, air, fuel) changes myself and renewed the coolant when I changed the sensor. I held off renewing the brake fluid myself as I'm planning on the 312mm upgrade in a few months (looking for the hubs).

 

It's been to the garage for the VR6/G60 clutch+flywheel after a breakdown, the cambelt+pump done last year and new brake pads+discs (all round) went in at 81k two years ago. It's clocked 105k now.

 

 

Thanks in advance!

Id check discs and pads, check handbrake moves freely and it operates calipers correctly (you will need a friend for that bit). Also check round calipers for any signs of leaking.

You can have a quick look at your bump stops on suspension and do the rock test. (From side rock car back and forth then stop. And car should stop rocking within 5 or 10 seconds i think.)

Check bulbs and headlight alignment.

And on inside no warning lights allowed and check seatbelts work correctly. (Quick tug should check this.)

Thats about everything i can think of

Everything above and more is on an mot if that's what you mean.

Apart from the 'rock test' I scan read it incorrectly.

some things to do yourself      check gearbox oil---change pollen filter---gas pressure (air  con  man)   clean out dirt behind front wheel liners (before winter/wet weather)  clean out /disable EGR valve   take a look at alternator belt   recommended approx. 4 years but mine's done 10, and getting tired, but only 60k miles   take off undertray and take a look drippy turbo hose  intercooler    replace or coppaslip screws  new one on e-bay cheapest     power windows ? spray runners with silicone -- reduces strain on cables etc  well it's a start  cheers

Lol rock test not on mot no just a quick easy way to test suspension, i remember it from an old haynes manual.

Thanks very much, everyone. Sorry if my initial post wasn't clear...what I was trying to get at was what things are not covered in the MOT that are in the annual service and I could do myself. Also if there's anything in the annual service I should get a professional to sort out.

 

I'm trying to avoid booking in for the annual services if the MOT will check for those things anyway.

 

So the things cheshire cat advised I'd do myself. The stuff Richard-vrs said....aren't they on the MOT?

Off the top of my head they will check...

Horn

Wipers

Lights

Hazard button and indicator stalk

Seat belts

Lights on dash

Springs

Play in wheel

Oil leaks

Play/holes in exhaust

Drop links

Brake pipes

Visual inspection of brakes all round

Bodywork for holes / corrosion

Wheels damaged badly

Tyres for wear and damage

Performance of brakes on rollers

Probly a few other things as well

Stuff i said is all on mot yes, sorry i miss read your question but that is stuff I do every year anyway.

I would probably say chesire cat got most things on there, but if you can get under car I always have a look for signs of rust on floor pan and anywhere else underneath and clean it up before putting on a bit of hamerite on (other brands maybe used).

Filters,levels and lubrication of hinges,locks etc, plus anything you see that needs replacing is about all you can do.

The MOT tester will deal with steering,suspension, brakes etc, etc, and ensure your car is road-worthy.

So between yourself and the MOT tester the most important things are done. 

Long term servicing will include belts, water-pump, anti-freeze density, tyres and such.

2012 CAR SERVICE.rtf

Thanks so very much, hutchysrs50, giandougl and Richard-vrs....you guys have been a big help!

Any specific way of checking the alternator belt apart from looking for cracks, frays or chunks missing? Is it safe to pull on it to make it run through the pulleys so I can see all of it?

Any specific way of checking the alternator belt apart from looking for cracks, frays or chunks missing? Is it safe to pull on it to make it run through the pulleys so I can see all of it?

Visual check, or simply replace, a DIY job a bit fiddly.... 

Doubt if you can move it around easily?