Is it possible to check the health of the motor without starting the car

Some car owners who change their "beushki", like Casanova once their women, argue that in order to check the condition of the engine - the most important unit in a car - it is not at all necessary to start it. How true this bold statement is, the AvtoVzglyad portal found out.

As you know, the purchase of a used car should be approached with extreme caution, since it is quite difficult to find a “live” car on the secondary market that will serve faithfully to its new owner for more than one year. Every detail is important, but special attention when examining a potential purchase should be given to its heart - that is, the motor. And we believe that almost all car owners are aware of this too.

The regulars of thematic forums, who proclaimed themselves highly qualified specialists in the field of selecting used cars, are sure that you can accurately assess the condition of the used car engine in just five minutes - and start the engine, according to them, is completely useless. It is impossible to fully agree with this statement, since even many hours of riding in a variety of road conditions do not always shed light on the truth. Nevertheless, in part, these "experts" are still right.

Trick me

It is impossible to make sure that the engine is working without starting it. But in a malfunction - it’s quite real. And the first to inform you about the existing problems with the power unit will be the seller of the vehicle. It is most likely that he himself - in order not to scare off a potential buyer - will not tell anything. But words are not needed here - strange behavior will give him away.

If the current owner of the “swallow” that you like is reluctant to answer questions, trying to translate the topic either to fashionable chrome wheels or to fresh upholstery, think about it. And if he is also careful with the inspection of the engine compartment - he forbids looking somewhere, refuses to show something - say goodbye and leave. Surely, in addition to difficulties with the engine, you are expected to have a bunch of other problems.

Cleanliness and tidiness

The seller does not try to speak your teeth and confuse you? Then inspect the engine compartment for oil traces, which, in theory, should not be. If smudges are found, then it is obvious that the oil seal or gasket has become unusable - prepare extra money, try to bring down the price of the car or look for another car. By the way, the sparkling clean engine compartment is also a sign of malfunctions. Why polish a compartment to a shine when there is nothing to hide?

Has the oil been changed recently?

Next, you can move on to checking the oil level and the condition of the lubricant itself - a procedure that many buyers of used cars for some reason neglect. Unscrew the neck cap and take a closer look at it: it should be clean, as well as the viewed part of the body. Plaque and dirt - bad. It does not bode well and black or, even worse, foamy oil. Thank the seller for taking the time to help you and keep looking.

Candles are crying

If the engine lubrication is in perfect order, then with the permission of the current owner, check the spark plugs: they can also tell something interesting about the state of the engine. Again, there should be no traces of oil on the device for igniting the air-fuel mixture. There is? This means that piston rings will be replaced very soon - a very expensive "pleasure". For this work on the Ford Focus 2011-2015, for example, in car services they ask about 40 - 000 rubles.

... And that's all - no more manipulations to identify the "sores" of the motor without starting it, alas, no. But even though it is impossible to fully check the condition of an engine at rest, these three or four simple procedures, which are a kind of express test, filter, will help you save a lot of time. And time, as you know, is more valuable than any money.