Post-purchase precaution for used car buyers

Engine coolant and oils

If you are unsure when the used car you are buying was last serviced, it might be wise to change the engine coolant and oils. The fluids may not have been changed for some time and problems could arise if the situation is not rectified.

Timing belt

You should check to see if the car has a timing belt. If it has, find out when it was last replaced as it has a limited service life and must be changed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's schedule.

Preventative maintenance

Once you have bought a car, it becomes your responsibility to keep it in good condition. A simple maintenance routine will go a long way towards extending the life of your car.

It will also help you obtain a good price for the vehicle when you sell it.

Daily checks

Tyres
Walk around your car and check that the tyres have even pressure. Incorrect tyre pressure reduces tyre life and affects fuel consumption.

It is best to check the pressure of tyres when they are cool. You will usually find the recommended tyre pressure for normal driving stamped inside the driver's doorframe or in the owner's handbook.

 
Don't forget to keep the spare tyre inflated as well, and that temporary use spare tyres typically require significantly more air pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tyre from time to time as well. It should be given higher pressure than those on the road to compensate for pressure loss over time.

Engine
Check that all the gauges and warning lights are working when you start the engine. Note any symptoms such as sluggish or difficult start-up operation, or any abnormal noises. If unsure of what is causing them, have them checked.
Checks to do each week or before a long trip.

Check oil, engine coolant and battery fluid levels. Learn how to look for deterioration under the bonnet. Your owner's handbook will help, or ask your repairer to show you what components need checking regularly.

Lights

Check that head, parking, indicator, brake and reversing lights are working.

Other maintenance tips

Cleaning and polishing the car will enhance its appearance and preserve its value. Regular cleaning and polishing will prevent rust and minimizes paintwork deterioration.

Why does your car need a service?

Your car is a complex machine that needs regular adjustment, lubrication and replacement of worn parts to ensure it runs smoothly and safely.

The engineers who designed and built your car determine how often it should be serviced, this is, the minimum requirement to keep it ticking over reliably. Service intervals are normally measured in kilometers or time, whichever comes first.

Cars that are exposed to extreme conditions – which includes regular short city drives – should have more regular services. “If you own a car less than five years old, it is recommended that you follow the service schedule outlined in your owners’ manual. For older cars, you need to have at least an oil and filter change every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

When you are trying to sell your car a good service history will go in your favour when it comes to getting the price you want. Plus, some manufacturers will not honour the warranty on the vehicle if you have not had it serviced according to their recommended intervals and specifications.

What happens at a car service?

At a basic car service your mechanic should do an oil and filter change, inspect the general condition of the engine, and check your wheels and tyres including the alignment and balance to make sure you get the best wear and tear from them.

Ensuring your car is safe is our priority, therefore it is also recommended that your mechanic put the car on a hoist, take off the wheels and check the brakes. Some mechanics don’t do this so you should check that yours does.

Your mechanic should also check the condition of, and top up or replace – if necessary – all fluids such as brake, radiator and transmission, as these can thicken or breakdown in quality as a result of age, heat and contaminants.

Battery failure is one of the most common causes of breakdown, so it is also recommended that they do a battery condition check at servicing.  Of course, if you’ve reported any other problems that you’ve noticed, your mechanic should also check those too and report back to you on what needs to be done and how much it will cost.

The Benefits of a Regular Service

•           Helps prolong the life of your engine.

•           Helps maintain roadworthiness, essential for registering your car each year after it is four years old.

•           Lessens the chance of inconvenient breakdowns.

•           Minimizes fuel consumption, saving you money on fuel.

•           Helps to maintain the resale value of your car. A car with a documented service history is worth more than one with no evidence of maintenance. This applies whether you’re selling privately or as a trade in.

•           Avoid expensive repairs. If you let a problem get worse, you could face a large bill as failure of one part can have a flow on effect and cause damage to other parts of your engine or other systems.