#Old car maintenance checklist how to

Low-profile 18' and larger tires are more expensive. Look at the wear indicator bar.Ī set of tires, depending on the size and brand costs from $400 to $1400 to replace. The tire in the lower photo might still pass the safety inspection, but is worn out to about 4/32', which means this car will need new tires soon. The new tires have a tread depth from 10/32' to 11/32' and can last for up to 40,000 miles.

Watch out for uneven wear it might be a sign of problems with the suspension or wheel alignment. It's a good idea to enlist a friend who can help you inspect the car, and consider pros and cons.ĭo tires look worn out? Do they have cracks, cuts, bubbles or other damage in the sidewall? Tires with sidewall damage must be replaced. What you may need when checking a used car We have seen many used cars with 'clean' history reports that in reality undergone some body repairs or had major mechanical problems. Not all accidents are reported and the history report will not show you the current mechanical condition of the vehicle. If the history report is 'clean', it's a good start, but take it with a grain of salt. The history report may show previous reported accident claims or other issues. There are several companies offering paid VIN history reports, Carfax is probably the most popular. We wrote this guide to help you recognize signs of potential problems, make a more informed decision and avoid cars with major problems.įirst, it's a good idea to check the reported history of the vehicle using the VIN number. Major problems include excessive rust damage, frame damage, engine or transmission problems, smoke from the exhaust, airbag and electrical problems, previous serious accidents, flood damage, a lack of maintenance or anything that makes the vehicle unsafe or might require expensive repairs in the future. You can request the dealer to repair all issues that you found or to lower the price accordingly. Marking all minor flaws can help you in the negotiation process. Minor flaws are the ones that don't affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle or the ones that can be repaired for a reasonable amount of money.Įxamples of minor problems include worn tires, suspension and brakes problems, noisy wheel bearings, old battery, scratches, dents, upholstery damage, etc. The oil condition on the dipstick can tell a lot.

Signs of automatic transmission problems.

#Old car maintenance checklist how to

How to check the engine when buying a used car.How to get the best deal on a used car?.Buying a Used Car: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid.You can buy kits to help you do it yourself (pro tip: do that!), or you can enlist a helper to simply press on the pedal as you cycle the fluid through. But flushing your brake fluid is one of the easiest things you can do. Many people are afraid to touch anything on their brakes, out of fear of, you know, not being able to stop. You can get away with every other year for this one, but if you want to do it every year, that's even better. The older your brake fluid is, the worse it gets. That's a problem because water boils at a much lower temperature than brake fluid - which leads to air in your brake lines, which means when you step on the pedal, you're literally pressing on air. A quick primer on why: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which is the scientific way of saying it absorbs water from the atmosphere. If your brake pedal has gotten squishy over time, there's a good chance you need to flush out - not top off - your brake fluid. Changing your brake fluid is very important.