Annual Servicing – A comprehensive Video of what should be covered during a service

IF YOU OWN A NISSAN FIGARO YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO AND WE CAN GUARANTEE YOU WILL LEARN SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR CAR!

We took the club car ‘Belle’ to Oxford-based The Figaro Shop for an annual service and decided to make a video of what areas are covered during the process. General Manager Christian Brookes was on hand to take Kevin (the club founder) around the club car whilst it was jacked up. The level of detail he goes into is comprehensive.

AN EXAMPLE OF THE CHECKLIST USED DURING THE SERVICE

Christian explained that using the company ‘Check List’ the technician would start by removing the wheels and inspect the braking system by removing the rear drums for inspection. They look at how the rear shoes have been fitted as according to the Christian they can be fitted incorrectly. Next is the inspection of the rear wheel cylinders to look for leaks as these can perish causing loss of brake fluid and spongy braking. Next is an inspection of the exhaust system and making sure the important three rear brake clips are in place. These can perish and break off, leaving the pipe hanging and rubbing on the fuel tank which is an MOT failure. Next are the shock absorbers and springs where they look for misting, leaks and general corrosion.

Moving onto the sills directly under the doors. You can see from the video just how small the slots are to allow water to drain from the two drain holes situated in the front corners of the roof gutter. They run the length of the door and measure around 2mm wide. This is such a poor design as all it needs is these slots to get filled with road muck and the water has nowhere to go, ending up sitting in the sill and rotting!

Next are the handbrake cables to make sure they are not seized. Then, they move on to inspect the gear-link and inhibitor bush which is located below the handbrake and onto the front lower arm bushings for perishing which can create ‘loose’ steering and onto the track rod ends. and steering gators which can be another MOT failure. He then moves onto the steering rack, again looking for leaks and explains that this can occur from two areas. Then inspect the braking master servo and cylinder (this was leaking so replaced on Belle). Next the auxiliary belt for signs of perishing.

As you can see in the video, we had a small leak from Belle’s engine area which was coming from the sump gasket. There are two half-moon seals located on the edges and these have become very hard and not soft meaning the oil would leak. This is an example of replacement due to age and not use. Christian goes on to say that they change the fuel filter rubber hose as it can perish and split. The air filter is removed and inspected.

The spark plugs are changed and the timing is checked (15 degrees advanced is required apparently). What they do see is that garages may have applied 10 degrees as no information is available online for a Figaro but it is for a Micra and this is what is sometimes used which is incorrect and will affect the car’s performance.

On ‘Belle’ we also had the alternator changed following some of our members having issues with their cars. Christian explains in detail how a failing alternator can be catastrophic, especially if you are on a motorway.

We would like to express our thanks to Christian Brooks at The Figaro Shop.

WATCH VIDEO