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Author Topic: Servicing: twelve months or nine thousand miles?  (Read 1795 times)

Offline ArdsAbarthist

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    • Ards Peninsula, Co. Down
Servicing: twelve months or nine thousand miles?
« on: April 25, 2020, 03:09:57 pm »
Just my luck that my Spider’s 1st service has been cancelled due to the lockdown! Not that I’m planning any road trips but it would be nice to use the 124 when,of absolute necessity, I must go out, especially in this great weather.
The car has done less than 3500 miles since new. Should I use it lightly (and of course only legitimately) until I can get it serviced, or should I eschew the pleasures of my Spider until after it’s been to the dealer?
A look under the bonnet and around the vehicle reveals nothing to suggest that it isn’t roadworthy, but it is thirteen months since it had fresh oil. I don’t have access to a pit or a ramp (or even supplies of new oil and a filter) to allow me an attempt at DIY.
Your thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

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    Offline Borderline

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      • Scottish Borders
    Re: Servicing: twelve months or nine thousand miles?
    « Reply #1 on: April 25, 2020, 04:11:17 pm »
    It's a widespread dilemma in current circs (and I hope you and your loved ones are all keeping safe and well).

    My personal view, based on 30+ years of conversations with independent Alfa Romeo and Mercedes garages, is that, so long as the vital fluids are at the levels they should be, especially engine oil, a little light use is far better than standing idle. It keeps the metal bits lubricated, grinds corrosion off the brake discs and might, if your essential journeys are long enough, keep the battery well charged. Experience of cars left standing unused for weeks at a time has not been happy, resulting in various seized parts and often a new battery  :thumbd:

    I managed to buy oil via eBay two weeks ago and get it delivered in three days, so I'm checking and topping up as required, while waiting to see if my local independent garage survives and reopens after lockdown. I feel a strong sense of duty towards small businesses both now and after the apocalypse and I hope we can all, finances permitting, support the "little guys" who do such a big job for us, especially duffers like me who can't wield a spanner without breaking something vital!  :wave:

    Long may the sun shine on your Spider ;)

    Offline ArdsAbarthist

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    • Posts: 16
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      • Ards Peninsula, Co. Down
    Re: Servicing: twelve months or nine thousand miles?
    « Reply #2 on: April 25, 2020, 08:27:43 pm »
    Thanks for your prompt and cogent response.
    Mercifully my family and I are well, as I trust are yours. I fervently hope the sun will continue to shine on my Spider, but knowing Ulster’s weather, I won’t bet on it!