Author : Jerry Rowan
The major key to making the engine last a long time is simple and cheap. Change the oil regularly. Change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. If you think this is too often consider the extra $60 a year as an investment that will pay off handsomely when you sell the car.When doing a used car inspection, be sure to verify that the oil changes were done on schedule. The engine can be ruined in 3 months if mistreated. A damaged engine is a very costly repair. Even a very reliable engine won't last long without oil.In a cold climate the first sign of damage is usually is difficult starting in cold weather. The damaged engine cannot generate the compression required to do a cold weather start.What are some of the indicators of poor maintenance to look for? An excessively dirty engine, burnt oil smell in the engine compartment, and oil leaks. All are indicators of poor maintenance. Dealers almost always power wash the engine before anyone can see it. So the opposite does not necessarily mean it was well maintained.With the engine off, look at the internal side of the oil filler cap and the inside of the engine. The inside of the oil cap and the internal engine parts visible through the oil filler opening should be clean. If they are covered with thick black deposits, it is an indication that the engine oil was not changed regularly.To check the oil level, make sure the car is on a level surface. The engine should be off. Use the engine oil dipstick (it has a bright color handle saying oil). Unless the oil was changed recently, the oil condition is the same condition as the engine.Remove the dipstick, wipe it off and reinsert it back in the tube. Remove it again and look on the end of the stick. The dipstick has two marks on it or simply crossed area (about 1 inch long). The upper mark indicates FULL, the lower mark indicates LOW. When the level is good the oil level will be above the LOW mark and below the FULL mark on the dipstick.An indicator of a potential problem is when the oil level is lower than the LOW mark or the oil appears very dirty (gritty between your fingers and very dark); the car may use too much oil or the oil has been poorly maintained.Look up on the shaft of the dipstick itself. If the shaft of the dipstick is not clean and has black deposits, this also indicates that the engine was maintained poorly.Look at the tailpipe while the engine is running. If smoke is present the color tells the story. Blue smoke indicates that the engine is worn and burns oil. Black smoke indicates excessive fuel consumption. A good engine will show no color in summer and light white (water vapor) in winter.A large cloud of white smoke from the tail pipe is antifreeze burning. The white clouds will linger. It shows a damaged head gasket in the engine. Antifreeze will never get into the cylinder of a good engine.This article is by Jerry Rowan. Jerry provides information about car buying, selling. About to buy a new or used car? About to sell a used car? You will find information on how to make the transaction as painless as possible Click Here.
Keyword : used car inspection, engine
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