Suggest first upgrade/ Maintenance?

[jonsi7777]

Hello mini people, I currently have some time on my hands and would love to improve the life of my little 1275 mini and my skills as a beginner in car mechanics. 

It runs well, although struggles to start on these cold winter days (which I assume is normal ==> I am very new to this mechanic lifestyle). So I was asking for some guidance from you mini-experts on what would be a good thing to invest some time into, be it some routine maintenance or a suggestion to what systems or components need specific love/ upgrading. I have noticed that the wiring in the car seems a bit messy and the hoses old, I would love to replace them but It feels quite hard to do anything without removing the engine, which do you think is a manageable task for a beginner, or is it not worth doing if the car is currently running? I am a 3rd-year electrical engineering student, so I do have a basic understanding of electronics and mechanics. I do have a Haynes manual, so instructions seem very clear.

Thanks so much, can't wait to learn more! Just replaced the headlights and 4th spark plug (which appeared oily -> maybe some work to be done there?)

[minitim]

Welcome to the forum!
Think your first port of call needs to be your safety critical components from a maintenance perspective.
E.g. Tyres, brakes and hoses, fuel hoses, Steering, ball joints, seat belts etc...
Then look at reliability items, E.G. Electrics, fan belt, coolant hoses etc ...

Pretty sure there are many many more to check, but this will be a good start

[Vinay-RS]

Welcome I was exactly where you were a few years back. A basic service is good place to start. New oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs and fuel filter.

Tim is correct, jack up the car (use a trolley jack if you've got one) and put it on axle stands. Then check for play in the front components. Worn ball joints, wheel bearings and track rod ends are common sources of dodgy steering feel when driving.

Pick up a haynes manual if you can (preferably an older copy (70s edition) as it has a bit more detail for the older cars) as they're super useful. Also ask lots of questions to people who've done this stuff before, they're usually super welcoming and have knowledge of what works and what doesn't.

[jimmyjamjar]

Welcome to the forum. We are all constantly learning from one another so don't be shy to ask. What can one say about the 'A' series engine - a marvelous piece of metal bits first introduced way back in 1951 in the Austin A30 so over 60 year old technology and still going strong. The Mini does have it's quirks and it does need a hand on approach to keep it running smoothly. Parts are generally not too difficult to find and if the worst comes to the worst you can always sell a kidney and import stuff from one of the Mini spares dealers in the UK who have everything from a split pin to a complete engine. The Haynes manual referred to as the Haynes book of lies is IMHO that not everything they say works out in practice especially reassembly instructions. For me the beauty of this era of car is that you can work on them without having to use a diagnostic computer operated by a specialist technician. AS others have said brakes need regular attention as well as steering geometry ; so if you can point it safely in the right direction and stop it in time the rest can be fixed as you have time and funds.

Do check for rust regularly especially in the sills and the 'A' post ( the bit that the doors are hinged on), make sure that the gap where the door straps are fitted are sealed with a foam rubber pad to stop water going down inside the 'A' post and into the sill. Screen rubbers are another place that rust gets in espacially one trhe rubber is old and hard.

[abri]

Like Vinay said, start with a service, especially if you don't know when last the car had one. In a service I normally include removing all the wheels and checking, cleaning and adjusting all the brakes and handbrake as well a greasing all the grease points. That will give you a good introduction to your car.