Vehicle shopping isn’t always easy. Even experienced automotive-enthusiasts still struggle to identify if your car is a good deal for the quality. Obviously, everyone wants a high-quality car that’s built to last, but how do you know for sure there’s what you’re getting?You don’t need to be a skilled mechanic to check out the car yourself. As long as you know what to look for, you can get an understanding of the quality of the car you’re considering before you make a purchase. If you’ve already purchased a car, checking these things will help you make sure your car is in good condition. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the car engine in particular. This is clearly one of the most important parts of the car, and it’ll be the first way to see the condition of your vehicle.
1. Check for Service Records
Your first step should be to ensure the car is well maintained. While sometimes the previous owner might not have records if they did the maintenance themselves, it’s still worth asking. Service records show you any changes to the oil system, mileage records, or any problems that might have happened throughout the cars history.
While this isn’t necessary for a new car you should assume is in good condition, it’s essential to check for service records. While checking, make sure you review any other maintenance or car accidents in the car’s past. From there, move onto the next steps to see if you notice any other signs of problems.
2. Look for Burnt Oil
Now, it’s time to look under the hood of the car to see the engine. When looking under the hood, always make sure the engine is off and that the transmission is in park. First, look for any signs of burnt oil which is a sign of an oil leak.
After test driving the car, you’ll be able to smell the burnt oil if there is a leakage issue. This might be an easy fix, but it could also be more expensive if the car is higher in mileage. Higher mileage cars push more oil through seals and gaskets as well as the PCV system, so it’s more likely to experience a leak. If the car is in good condition, you won’t smell or notice any burnt oil.
3. Check the Timing Belt
Finally, it’s a good idea to check the timing belt. Notice that not all cars will even have a timing belt. It might just be a timing chain. Either way, you need to know. Timing belts have to be replaced at least every 105,000 miles, and these are pricey to replace. You’ll need to know if there’s a timing belt, and if so, when it’s last been changed.
The timing belt isn’t always visible under the hood because it’s under covers. Your mechanic can remove the covers for you, but you might also see information about the timing belt in your service records. You want to know what type of maintenance you’ll need moving forward and whether the timing belt is in good condition.
Automotive Prototyping
If you do notice any issues with the engine, don’t fret. It doesn’t mean this isn’t the right car for you. Sometimes you might still choose to purchase the car even if it’s not in 100% perfect condition. If the car is well maintained but in need of a few parts, for example, you might choose to install a custom part via automotive prototyping.
Automotive prototyping is a way to affordable make custom car parts. This is necessary if a specific part is no matter made or if you need customizations. A service like 3ERP can get the job done quickly and effectively so your car is running perfectly in no time.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to take to the streets with your new car? Before you hit the road, make sure you take a look under the hood. Repairs can be costly, especially if the car is behind on its maintenance
It’s up to you to do some research and digging before making a purchase. Even on your own car you’ve had for a while, you should still take time to diagnose the engine status. A well-maintained car lasts longer and gets you farther.
