Where possible (and beneficial) one should always try an follow traditional old school practices to get the best service possible.
Modern garage servicing is very much a "quick inspection", bare essentials process. In the "old" days far much more detailed inspection/checking/setting/etc" used to be done. This old regime has been slimmed down over the years due to two major factors:
1) Improved component design/reliability/quality
2) Increased hourly costs and end customer large bills which then put them off going back to a main dealer or even not having their vehicle regularly serviced.
I said above "where possible" and by this I mean that some items/processes where simple, non involved and did not disturb other non related items. More recently many things have become interrelated and "non disturbance till absolutely necessary" would be the better/safer option all assuming it was not a current manufacturers required item.
Just for fun/reference here is *my* service sheet/schedule for our Barchetta:
FIAT SCHEDULED SERVICE ITEMS (tick = required/done)
(x = not done)
(- = not applicable)
Car: Fiat Barchetta Mileage: Date:
[ ] 12 : 12/24/36/48/60/72/84/96/108/120/132/144/156/168/180/192/204/216
[ ] 24 : 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
[ ] 36 : 36 36 36 36 36 36
[ ] 48 : 48 48 48 48
12K
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( ) Check operation of seat belts, inspect visible mountings
( ) Check all int./ext. lighting, indicators, windscreen washer, wiper, horn
( ) Check/Lubricate door locks, hinges, bonnet/boot release, straps
( ) Check clutch & brake pedal free travel and tolerances
( ) Check headlamp alignment and reset as necessary
( ) Check for leaks in fuel lines and coolant hoses
( ) Check for leaks - engine, transmission, steering oil, brake fluid
( ) Check fit/condition-exhaust
( ) Check front wheel toe-in
( ) Check tyres for mix, condition, pressure, tread depth(mm) - Torque 86Nm
( ) Check front steering/ball joints & rack gaiters
( ) Check front drive shaft rubber boots
( ) Check front wheel bearings for play and noise
( ) Check front brake pads for wear (1.5mm)
( ) Check front calipers and hoses for condition and leakage
( ) Check front discs for condition and minimum thickness (18.2mm)
( ) Check front shocks for leaks
( ) Check front strut to hubs assembly bolts for tightness
( ) Check rear wheel bearings for play and noise
( ) Check rear brake pads for wear (1.5mm)
( ) Check rear brake cylinders and hoses for condition and leakage
( ) Check rear discs for condition and minimum thickness (9.2mm)
( ) Check rear shocks for leaks
( ) Check/Adjust handbrake
( ) Check/Top up level - brake fluid, battery electrolyte, washer fluid
( ) Check/Top up coolant level, test Paraflu
( ) Check condition & adjust as reqd. engine ancillary drive belts
( ) Check cylinder compressions - if suspected
( ) Change Oil Filter + sealing copper washer
( ) Change Engine Oil
( ) Check engine oil level
( ) Clean engine compartment (only if really necessary)
( ) Road test, check operation-engine,clutch,transmission,brakes,instruments
( ) Check oil filter for leaks
( ) Check engine idling
( ) Fill in Car Service Record Book
24/48/72/96/120/144/168/192/216K (or every 2 years)
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( ) Clean flame trap / crank case breather
( ) Check/Top up transmission oil level
( ) Change Spark Plugs
( ) Change Brake Fluid - DOT4/5
36K (or every 3 Years)
---
( ) Replace auxilary drive belt
( ) Check condition/wear/slack of timing belt, renew if necessary
48K
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( ) Check fuel vapour recovery system
60K (over every 5 years)
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( ) Change Antifreeze - long life - 5 years
72/144/216K (over every 5 years)
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( ) Change Timing Belt
PARTS:
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[ ] 12K ( )Engine Oil 5L
( )Oil Filter - 46808391 or 60612882 or 46808398
( )Sump Plug Copper Seal - 555196309 or 10261660
[ ] 24K ( )Air Filter - 60603982
( )Spark Plugs - RC8BYC (4 off)
( )Brake Fluid Dot 4/5, 1L min
[ ] 60K ( ) Antifreeze - long life - 5 years
[ ] 72K ( )Timing Belt
SERVICE NOTES
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circa 1999
