For the amateur mechanic, first of all, an appropriate workplace is required so that he can finally fully concentrate on his work. It would be best if it was a sufficiently spacious and well-lit garage with its own network connection. Of course, in good weather, work is more enjoyable outdoors. But always give importance to a flat and paved surface - in any work, act in accordance with the motto: safety first.
Work under supervision - this is possible in rented workshops
As a rule, rented workshops are good advice for amateurs. There, along with a platform car lift and a wide range of tools, competent assistance with well-founded practical advice is often offered; in addition, problems with the car and equipment are solved more easily with professional guidance. Most rental workshops offer multiple jobs. Free places in a rented workshop are more likely to be expected in the middle of the week than at the end, when all motorists take up their tools. You can find workshop addresses for rent in the yellow pages of your telephone directory, in the classifieds section of your daily newspaper, or in advertising publications. Often an employee at the nearest gas station can give you advice.
Well prepared workshop visit
Independent work in a rented workshop pays off only if the repair is done quickly. If you are doing extensive repairs yourself for the first time, the accumulated cost of training time can easily exceed the cost of working in a professional or contract workshop. Most often, the time pressure of other amateur mechanics waiting in line is added: if you start work in a rented workshop, you should in most cases see it through. Practice literally forces meticulous planning: you don’t want to park your car on an expensive lift, acquiring missing parts or accessories.
This is how you work effectively
To resist the temptation to install the wrong parts in your Focus, first clean your work area of any previous dismantling work.
Dismantled parts are always placed in the dismantling order. This greatly facilitates subsequent assembly.
Small parts are best placed in separate boxes or other containers. After dismantling, screw the screws/bolts directly into the corresponding threads. Then you will probably not confuse them anymore, since each screw will sit in its place.
If there is a drain or oil separator nearby, then during operation you should cover it - the gratings have a magical attraction for small parts.
Before starting work, read the accompanying documentation for repair or installation. Keep these documents close to where you work.
With a large amount of work, sketch out the individual stages of work. This will reduce the time of subsequent installation and facilitate the search for a defect.
When working on wheel arches, on bumpers or under a car, do not lie down on bare ground: an old blanket will protect you from the cold of the ground. And to prevent oil and dampness from getting to you, put an additional plastic sheet as insulation.
If traces of oil remain on the ground after work, a strong household cleaner or dishwashing detergent may help. Better special means for removing oil stains - from the store related products.
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