What to replace after buying a used car?

What to replace after buying a used car?
What to replace after buying a used car?

The new owner of a used car should be prepared for various service costs.

For a used car, bills for reliable and comprehensive service are known to be disproportionately high in relation to the value of the vehicle. Tire replacement, trap geometry control, a set of new belts, filters and working fluids or air conditioning services, but the size of the vehicle is not crucial here.

In practice, many manufacturers' recommendations are often underestimated according to the principle that it is better not to touch something that works. The main example is the fluid in the power steering system - many car manufacturers recommend replacing it every few years or 100.000. km.

When buying a used car - especially considering several years of operation - it is worth preparing a service budget. Some activities need to be carried out and others are worth doing. There are also those that can be made immediately after purchase to enjoy using the car.

Oil and oil filter

motor oil

Whoever makes the decision to sell a car about ten years old, the owner usually minimizes all the costs of maintaining it. Unfortunately, this can also be applied to motor oil - the deadline for its replacement is extended or the cheapest lubricants are filled, and filters are used in the form of the cheapest replacements. The investment is small and can protect the engine from serious damage.

Timing Belt

What to replace after buying a used car?

If used oil cannot instantly damage the engine, but significantly shortens its service life, cracking the drive belt from age or mileage can cause serious engine damage - so severe that it may need to be replaced. It's time to replace the set - tensioners, rollers, water pump, and even motor seals. Replacing a timing belt after buying a car can only be canceled if the seller can document this fact with invoices or relevant databases that have relevant information, and less than 5-7 years have passed since the last belt replacement. This is the upper age limit at which manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt to reduce the risk of cracking with age.

Oil for 4 × 4 drive / Transmission

Some manufacturers do not anticipate gearbox or differential oil changes. However, the experience of a mechanic shows that in cars where the drive oils are changed every 60-80 thousand km, the drive does not cause serious problems for a long time. It is worth remembering that metal scrapes and impurities are removed along with old oil, and when you pour new oil you get the recommended oil level in the transmission. In old cars, the transmission oil level is often too low due to leaks.

Filter set

What to replace after buying a used car?

Replacing the filters is so easy that they will be done by themselves within an hour. Replacing the air filter is an investment for an additional 20-50 thousand. km of quiet vehicle operation, and this is at least a year of driving without resorting to tools, searching for parts, ordering or arranging with a mechanic. The new filters will have a positive effect on the condition of the car, reducing wear and tear and providing clean cabin air.

Brake Fluid

Many drivers only remember the brake fluid when it is leaking. Problems can occur in the mountains or during emergency braking on the highway. Fluid with excessive water content can leak, and the resulting vapor causes the braking force to disappear temporarily. Along with fluid replacement, the system removes impurities that are deposited in the system. The fluid should be changed every 5 years.

V-belt

The V-belt is responsible for driving the engine equipment - alternator, power steering pump or air conditioning compressor. Its firing does not damage the electrical unit, but it can have serious consequences. When charging the battery stops, the power supply is enough to cover a maximum of 50-100 km. However, sometimes much worse scenarios are possible - e.g. in the case of a 5-cylinder diesel ox, a part of the cracked V-belt can break under the timing belt and cause it to crack or skip.

Cooling liquid

Just as with the brake fluid, the coolant must be handled with care, because even after it exceeds the recommended replacement time considerably, it fulfills its essential function. However, not everyone remembers that coolant is not only responsible for receiving heat from the engine or turbocharger. It also contains numerous anti-corrosion and scale additives. Manufacturers of some liquids have a life expectancy of 100.000 km and 3 years. After this time, the risk of blocking the water channels by separating and causing corrosion increases.

WHAT CAN BE REPLACED AFTER PURCHASING A CAR

Bulbs

Headlight Bulb. Their preventative replacement can be combined with a car inspection after purchase. This is especially recommended for models with difficult access to the rear of the headlamps (eg Megane II) or known for the tendency to frequently overheat bulbs (many Japanese cars). To delay their next replacement, you can choose endurance bulbs, which are offered as long-life bulbs or high durability.

Geometry and tires

On many used cars, the tires can be replaced due to wear, age or quality - it happens that when looking for savings, someone puts the cheapest tires or used tires. When you plan to use the vehicles you buy for a few years, you should consider replacing the tires, which will be an investment in safety. Before installing a new set, you should check the geometry of the suspension, which will guarantee that the tires will not wear out quickly.

Wipers

Smudging water on the windshield, leaving streaks, jumping or squeaking the wipers can take away the pleasure of driving even a high-end car. With older wipers, only rubber blades can be easily replaced.

Cables and spark plugs

An efficient ignition system ensures full engine power, an optimal combustion process and a high working culture. It is an investment that will provide several years of quiet operation and service of the ignition coils. Candle replacement after purchase is necessary in most cars with LPG installed.


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