How to check the engine when buying a used car?

When buying a used car, not only its appearance is important, but also its condition. To find out the technical condition, take a test drive and look for unusual noises - and do not let the seller turn on the radio to show you "how well it plays." Check the car for signs of rust, which is very important, especially for older cars.

Why is it important to check the motor?

While replacing consumables is relatively inexpensive, repairing an engine or gearbox can make a purchase several times more expensive. For this reason, a special engine test is recommended. Of course, you can perform diagnostics in the service department, but you can do it yourself.

The engine and gearbox should serve the car throughout its entire service life. With a new car, you can extend the life of the engine through proper operation. However, when buying a used car you do not know if the previous owner was neat.

The engine and gearbox have a complex device and, accordingly, these are the most expensive units in the car. If the seller does not give you the opportunity to check the engine before buying, you better refuse. A serious seller should not refuse you a detailed diagnosis.

Check the engine

To test the engine, you cannot ignore the test drive. Insist on doing it yourself.

Find the nearest gas station and check the oil level. Also see if the engine is dry (if it has fresh oil). The oil should not drip at the joints of the housing parts. An oil level measurement should give results within the normal range. At the end of the trip, you can measure the oil again to make sure there are no losses. Of course, when driving, the emergency lights on the dashboard should not be lit.

Test Drive

Choose a quiet street or indoor area. Slow down and open the door slightly. Listen for atypical noises. If you hear something, it is important to conduct a more thorough inspection or cancel the purchase of this car.

A trip around the city, preferably on a site with traffic lights. Check the engine during acceleration and its behavior at rest. Note whether the revs are floating or stable at idle.

If possible, take a short trip on the highway and accelerate to 100 km / h. In this test, it is also important not to experience atypical noises and vibrations. Pay attention to the engine speed and the dynamics of the car.

The engine cannot be removed from the car, and you cannot look into it. If you want to be completely sure, arrange a vehicle inspection in a specialized workshop where a full engine test is carried out.

Questions and answers:

How to check the condition of the engine when buying a car? the motor does not have to be perfectly clean. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the owner has hidden traces of oil leakage. This is a key factor that needs to be found out if there are any leaks of oil and other technical fluids.

How to check a gasoline engine before buying? The motor starts. The smoke from the exhaust pipe should not be thick (the more transparent the better). By the color of the smoke, you can visually assess the condition of the engine.

How to understand that the machine is eating oil? An engine that devours oil will definitely have blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. There will also be oil drips on the body of such an internal combustion engine (fresh stains under the car).