I'm a DIYer. Sometimes despite myself. Anyway, naturally since I'm not a farmer, I'm out of place in Switzerland (in so many ways). While I appreciate the whole comraderie of paying others to do the job right, provide work and stimulate the economy, make sure the job is done right for the common good and safety, etc- I really really enjoy doing stuff for myself. Needless to say, this has been met with much resistance in the time I've lived here. Hornbach is about it for me. Good enough for stuff around the house.
When it comes to auto mechanickery, it's a problem. When I tell people I like to work on my own car, they stare, display shock and say, "but you're not a mechanizer." Finding parts is possible in junk yards or online, but obtaining the right tools a bit more difficult. ok, so I won't be rebuilding my own transmission like I did in the US, fine. But the real problem is things like belts, hoses, oil filters, etc. I don't see the problem with changing my own oil. I can get the oil. But where can I get a filter?
The old oil can be recycled at the Ökihof in Luzern. No problem. I've done some searching and found a couple places that sell to professionals in Zurich. I've asked a couple garages and they say they'll sell me some parts like light bulbs and wiper blades, but they balk at losing business by selling anything that is considered part of a maintenance schedule.
Try buying small, lightweight bits on line from the UK or US. Even after postage and Swiss taxes/duties/postal charges/other assorted extortions, you may find it worthwhile.
I know type anything into ebay and the part is 9/10 times in Germany.
remember there was a topic a while back that you are apparently not allowed to work on your own car here unless you have a house with private parking....Cant do it on the street, parking etc.....
I know. I actually had the same trouble living in Chicago. I rented a garage space for woodworking and car repair.
Here, my inlaws have a garden with a nice little spot of asphalt for me. I've been tearing apart something on my Volvo every weekend since I bought it. I actually rebuilt the tailgate lock actuator because I couldn't find the part. That involved tiny drill bits and much creative thinking.
There is a shop in Geneva called Hostettler, I believe they are every where in Switzerland, I always buy my parts from there no problem.
Get yourself an oil container (can't remember the technical term) for catching automobile oil, should be able to get it from any DIY store such as Jumbo Brico or MBrico.
Make sure you get a new washer for your sump plug, and normally each district has a recycling area, quite a few have containers to dump your oil in.
If they won't sell it to you, I could possibly get the part and send it to you.
I'm just waiting for someone to come along and say "Well, if you change your oil (or other repair) and do it incorrectly, and your engine seizes on the road, and you cause an accident... you won't be insured".
I stopped doing car repairs when I got a decent salary... but I do remember rebuilding the cooling system of my first car, which was really old and getting parts was difficult. Wonderful sense of achievement when the car was back on the road.
I wish you luck. (and can you have a look at my car, it's making this funny noise... )
Also give ebay a try, bought lots of bits and pieces for our cars on there, you can get whole service kits for just about any car there. will also be a hell of a lot cheaper then buying here!!
Most oil filters can last two or three oil changes (if done on time/ mileage)
In the states oil filters are so cheap that its common practice to replace them every change even though they are still good. So if you can't find a filter go ahead and change the oil, drain the filter then re-use it. Now you have another 3,000 miles to look for an oil filter.