What to replace in a used car after purchase?

Buying a used car is always risky. External examination reveals only damage to the case, but it will not determine the degree of wear of the internal parts and will not show how much the fluid has worked out.

First of all, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the car at the first service. In this article, we will take a closer look at what to look for and what parts need to be replaced when buying a used car.

Visually, the car may look perfect-the paint is shiny, there are no scratches or rust, but there may be problems with the insides, because it is far from the fact that the previous owner deliberately carried out maintenance on time and regularly. And since it is problematic to check the history of maintenance, it is recommended to take a comprehensive approach to the issue of maintenance. At the first maintenance, it is recommended to carry out a number of mandatory procedures that will allow you to use the newly purchased car for a long time and reliably. Here is a list of technical components of the car that need to be diagnosed and replaced, if necessary:

• Battery and alternator (battery status and chargeability);
• Electrical equipment (door locks, power windows, wipers);
• Auto light (headlights, emergency lights, brake lights and turn signals);
• Ignition system (spark plugs, injectors, valves);
• Braking system (levers, brake fluid, brake pads and discs);
• Transmission (lubrication condition, unit integrity);
• Motor and radiator (filters, oils, antifreeze, etc.);
• Suspension and chassis (shock absorbers, wheels, tires, etc.);
• Interior and bodywork (paintwork, interior upholstery, car mats, car covers, etc.).

Let's take a closer look at all these procedures that have to be dealt with during the diagnosis and restoration of a car.

Battery replacement

Most rechargeable batteries can work normally for up to 5 years. But 5 years is more likely the maximum battery life, and not the average. Therefore, you must first check the manufacturing date of the installed battery, and if more than 3 years have passed since the date of manufacture, you should think about buying a new one. The issue of replacing the battery before winter frosts becomes especially relevant, because in the cold season, an old battery can fail at the most inopportune moment.

Selecting and replacing batteries is easy enough. The main thing to pay attention to is the capacity, starting current, dimensions and location of the positive terminal. It is desirable that these parameters for the new battery are the same as for the old one. And buy a battery at 130.com.ua.

Replacing the coolant

The engine gets very hot during operation and must not be allowed to overheat. When working out its resource, a mixture of antifreeze and water is converted into an electrolyte, which can corrode metal components. If the engine runs under a very high load and, accordingly, gets very hot, and the elements of the cooling system rust, the cylinder head gaskets may burn out, the cylindrical blocks may deform, and the oil seals will leak oil.

According to the regulations, the cooling system must be serviced every 3 years. Coolant is extremely important for the normal and long-term operation of a car engine. Before changing the coolant, flush the entire cooling system and dispose of the old fluid. This requires special equipment and it is recommended to entrust this process to experts. After cleaning the cooling system, before filling with new fluid, check all hoses and replace those that are most worn out.

Changing the brake fluid

Brake fluids are hygroscopic, that is, they can absorb moisture, but at the same time they thicken and are less resistant to heat and corrosion. It is recommended that the braking system be serviced every few years, but many sellers of used cars may not perform additional service before selling a car. It is important to replace the brake fluid with fresh one, as the old fluid may have a lower boiling point, and this in turn can lead to overheating of the calipers and an overall decrease in braking performance.

Change engine oil

Engine oil is vital to a car engine. At the first service, it is recommended to completely replace the oil filter and fill with new engine oil. A new oil filter and fresh oil can reduce fuel consumption and improve engine starting. In addition, it will be possible to keep a clean sheet of routine maintenance and adhere to the correct oil change interval in the future.

Engine oil should be selected according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. It is imperative to pay attention to the oil tolerances indicated in the documentation.

Change transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is a power converter for servicing the gearbox, clutch and drive wheels. The cleanliness of the transmission is extremely important in hydromechanical transmissions. The transmission fluid should be changed if foam forms on its surface or there is a burnt odor. This indicates overheating of the power unit.

The first fluid change should be done after 10,000 km, the next changes should be done after every 50,000 km. In manual transmissions, the first change also occurs after 10,000 km, and the subsequent ones-every 80,000 km. We recommend that you follow these tips to ensure the best possible service life for your vehicle's powertrain.

Replacing Filters

In a used car, 4 filters can be replaced-air, oil, fuel and cabin filter.

Air prevents debris and dust from entering the engine, thereby extending its life cycle. Optimum flow of clean air is very important for efficient combustion of fuel.

The new oil filter will get rid of dirt and various impurities.

The fuel filter is recommended to be cleaned regularly and replaced if necessary, as the service life of the fuel system and fuel consumption depend on it.

The cabin filter is used to clean the air that enters the passenger compartment from the outside. If the filter is dirty, exhaust fumes and polluted air can enter the passenger compartment. To protect yourself from the negative effects of contamination, it is recommended to regularly clean or replace the cabin filter.

Checking tire wear and caring for wheels

Probably everyone knows that old worn out and worn out tires must be replaced as soon as possible. Even if outwardly the tires look more or less normal, after the lapse of time, on average about 5 years, the tires may become less elastic and durable. New tires should be selected according to the season, and the tire size should be selected according to the recommendations of the automaker.

In addition, it is important to monitor the tire pressure, and the tire pressure monitoring system will help with this. And to maintain the recommended pressure, the wheels will have to be pumped up from time to time with a car compressor.

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