What manipulations need to be done with a used car after it has been brought from the market
Content
A used car had one or more owners who could not always take care of it carefully, visit service stations in a timely manner, or replace worn-out components and mechanisms. It is important for the new owner to ensure that the car is safe and comfortable to drive. A few manipulations will help with this.
Oil change
Changing engine oil reduces wear on engine components, as many parts rely on friction to reduce oil. It acts as a coolant for rubbing parts. With an increase in mileage, the oil oxidizes, additives burn out and pollution accumulates. It is better to set the oil change interval by engine hours, and not by mileage. Buying a car on the market implies its mandatory replacement, since it is completely unknown when exactly the procedure was carried out for the last time.
Changing the oil in the gearbox. Gear oil degrades rapidly in year-round operation. Its replacement depends on the type of gearbox, brand of car. The quality and quantity of lubricant affects the life of the gearbox. As in the previous case, the exact timing of the previous replacement is unknown - it's better to just change it right away, for a quality product.
If the vehicle is equipped with hydraulic power steering, check the hydraulic oil level and the degree of contamination. If necessary, replace the fluid with a quality one.
Timing Belt Replacement
The timing belt is visually inspected for wear after removing the protective cover.
Signs of wear - cracks, frayed teeth, loosening, loose fit. Tension rollers are checked together. Here you need to inspect the sealing glands for oil leakage.
Timing belt wear is affected by various factors: the intensity of the engine, the quality of parts, mileage. If it is impossible to clarify the replacement time with the previous owner, then it is important to perform this procedure yourself in order to avoid a break.
Replacing all filters
Filters serve to clean the systems in which they are installed.
- The oil filter must be changed together with the engine oil. An old filter clogged with dirt affects the oil pressure and does not sufficiently lubricate all mechanisms.
- The air filter cleans the air for the fuel system. Oxygen is needed to burn fuel in the cylinders. With a dirty filter, starvation of the fuel mixture occurs, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption. Changes every 20 km or earlier.
- The fuel filter is used to clean the fuel. His condition is unpredictable, at any time he can affect the driving performance of the car. The fuel filter must be replaced.
- The cabin filter purifies the air entering the cabin from the street. It is unlikely to be replaced by the former owner before selling the car.
Fluid change
The coolant is inside the radiator and the engine. Over time, it loses its operational properties and affects the operation of the cooling system. Old antifreeze must be changed to a new one, first of all before the winter period. In hot climates, replacing the antifreeze will help keep the engine from boiling over. When replacing the coolant, it is advisable to change the pipes of the cooling system.
Brake fluid is changed every 2-3 years. If you do not know what was previously filled in, it is better to replace the entire brake fluid, it is strictly forbidden to mix fluids of different classes. Such a mixture can destroy rubber seals. After replacing the brake fluid, you need to remove air from the brake system, pump them.
Check for windshield washer fluid. In winter, anti-freeze liquid is poured.
As practice shows, it is impossible to determine how often and what fluids the former owner of the car used. Therefore, all relying are subject to replacement.
Charge and check the date of manufacture of the battery
The battery starts the engine. When it is discharged, the car will not start.
The battery voltage is measured with a voltmeter and should be at least 12,6 volts. If the voltage is less than 12 volts, the battery must be charged urgently.
With a built-in indicator, the current state of the battery can be seen in a small window - a hydrometer. Green indicates full charge.
The battery life is 3-4 years. This figure may decrease depending on regular and proper care. Therefore, if after buying a car it is not possible to make a full diagnosis, the battery must be replaced with a new one. This is important to do with the onset of the winter period.
Check the suspension (and replace if necessary)
When buying a used car, regardless of mileage and year of manufacture, it is necessary to carry out suspension diagnostics in order to check the car's handling.
Rubber bushings, silent blocks, anthers, ball bearings for wear, ruptures, cracks are subject to inspection. Springs, bearings and shock absorber struts are also checked.
If defects and malfunctions are found, all suspension parts should be replaced immediately. Suspension diagnostics is carried out once every six months, and is the prevention of its failure.
Check the brake kit and also replace if necessary.
It is important to remember that the operation of vehicles with a faulty brake system is prohibited, as this is directly related to road safety. And the motorist himself probably understands that the brakes must be in perfect working order.
Periodic full inspection of the brake system is carried out 2 times a year. Immediately after buying a used car, diagnostics will also not be superfluous.
Buying a car in the secondary market involves a whole range of preventive actions. Most jobs do not require skill or technical background. The care of the new owner about his car will ensure its uninterrupted and reliable service.
