Do Dealerships Change Oil On Used Cars

Later purchasing a used car, information technology's common to be concerned well-nigh both its by and its future. Fifty-fifty if it came with a warranty, or if you had the time to practice a full inspection, there can still be some uncertainty nearly the maintenance that was performed on the vehicle in the past, how it was treated or driven, and what impact those things might have on your buying of the vehicle over the years.

Check out these four tips that tin help y'all become the virtually out of your pre-owned vehicle and reduce any mail-purchase anxiety.

i. Change Those Fluids

One of the beginning things yous should do later purchasing a used car is change equally many of its serviceable fluids as your budget will let. If you accept total service records for the vehicle going back to the day it was purchased, and so perhaps you can skip this step, just that'southward uncommon in the world of secondhand automobiles.

Start with the standard fluid swaps — new engine oil, new brake fluid — and expand that to include a radiator coolant flush, likewise as a check and possible replacement of the automatic transmission fluid (if required) or manual transmission oil. Depending on how you lot programme to use your vehicle, yous may also want to alter the differential gear oil, especially if y'all plan to tow or haul heavy loads.

ii. Don't Forget the Filters

You probably know to change the oil filter when yous accept the oil changed, only after purchasing a used car information technology'south also a good idea to replace the engine's air filter, which is easy enough to practice in your own driveway. In that location'south ane more filter, however, that oftentimes gets overlooked, and that tin take a substantial touch on on your enjoyment of your vehicle: the cabin air filter.

This component is normally underneath the dashboard, and it serves to filter out pollen, dead leaves and grit so that it doesn't build up inside your vehicle'south motel heating and cooling system. Supercede it to enjoy cleaner air and better performance from your vents twelvemonth-round.

3. Bank check Out the Tires

Y'all negotiated a good bargain based on mileage, age and features, but did you think to inquire how old the tires on the machine were — or how many miles they might accept? Shined-up condom can hide any number of defects that will only become apparent on closer inspection, so check the tread for clothing, check the sidewalls for cracks and verify the date each tire was manufactured to brand sure they're all safe to drive on.

iv. Visit a Mechanic You Trust

This concluding stride later purchasing a used car assumes you weren't able to obtain an independent inspection earlier yous bought your vehicle. In a perfect world your mechanic would accept the final say on anything you bought, merely in reality, budget and time constraints might make that impossible. Once the keys are in your hands, nevertheless, information technology'south fourth dimension to head to your local NAPA AutoCare location and accept a thorough inspection washed to make sure you didn't miss any small, merely potentially of import maintenance issues that need to be dealt with.

Buying a used car doesn't take to be anxiety inducing. Arm yourself with noesis going into the deal, ask a lot of questions and complete this checklist after taking your new (to y'all) ride dwelling.

Bank check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on what to do after purchasing a machine, chat with a knowledgeable proficient at your local NAPA Automobile PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Benjamin Hunting View All

Having been bitten by the car problems at a immature age, I spent my formative years surrounded by Studebakers at motorcar shows beyond Quebec and the northeastern Usa. Over 10 years of racing, restoring, and obsessing over automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full fourth dimension. I currently contribute every bit an editor to several online and impress automotive publications, and I likewise write and consult for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.