Buying a used car? How to avoid pitfalls with used cars

Buying a used car can often be quite an adventure. You want a reliable car, but you also want a fair price. One golden rule is that if a used car deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. The reasons will not always be easy to see. But what should you pay attention to when inspecting a car? This crash course will help.

What should be checked in a used car before buying?

Of course, you should pay attention to the condition of the tires, windshield wipers, body and windows (check for cracks!), but first of all, look under the hood. You don't have to be an auto mechanic to check if everything is in order.

• Coolant. Check that the tank is correctly filled to the marking line. Too little fluid may indicate a leak (check the hoses in this case, but only when the engine is cold). Coolant helps remove heat from the engine and plays an extremely important role. Unfortunately, this element of the car often does not receive proper maintenance.

• Engine oil level. Too little oil can indicate that the car has not been properly serviced. Ask the owner to show you the oil level. The vehicle must be stationary and the engine must be switched off for at least 10 minutes. The oil should be between the two marks on the dipstick. It's also always helpful to be able to check the service book or see if the oil has been changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

• Engine. Running the engine "cold" is a great basic check without equipment. If you hear strange noises, twitching, or hesitation, this may indicate a problem. If you see blue or black smoke after starting, then something is definitely wrong. This means that the fuel is not burning properly or that the engine oil is burning. It can also indicate problems with the injection system. This needs to be addressed as it can damage the engine quite quickly.

• Fuel filter. This component is important because the filter protects the fuel system from harmful dirt. The filter prevents dirt from getting into the fuel and causing damage to the car. Timely replacement of the fuel filter is necessary to protect the injectors. Therefore, be sure to ask when the filter was last changed.

• Oil leakage. An oil stain under the car is never a good sign. But you can also check for leaks under the hood. Oil loss leads to insufficient lubrication and prevents the engine from dissipating heat. Sometimes a leak occurs due to a worn gasket or seal. You can check this by looking at the valve cover. Do you see grease spots around the cylinder head joint? If the seal or gasket is porous, then they need to be replaced.

Valve cover

If you buy a well-maintained car, you will enjoy it longer. If you want to professionally service your car yourself, check here which products are right for you.