6 Things To Check Under The Hood Before Purchasing A Used Vehicle

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, you will want to pop open the hood and take a look at what is happening with the mechanical side of things. You don't have to be a mechanic yourself to look inside a used car to get an idea of its condition. Here are some areas you should look at in particular.

1. Check the Oil

First, you are going to want to check the oil. You should have a tissue or napkin for this. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean so there is nothing on it. Then, take the dipstick and push it back inside and pull it out.

Examine the level of the oil on the stick. It should not be low; it should be near the full line. Then, look at the color of the oil. If the oil has a muddy texture to it or looks particularly dark, that generally means the car has been sitting for a while. The oil should be light brown and smooth if the oil isn't old.

2. Check the Transmission Fluid

Second, check the transmission fluid. Look at the container, and make sure the transmission fluid is near the full or high line. Low transmission fluid can put stress on the engine. Then, smell the transmission fluid quickly. The transmission should not smell burnt; if it does, that means the engine has been overheating, and the vehicle probably has transmission issues. Look at the fluid color; traditionally, transmission fluid is a reddish-pink color and translucent. If it is dark or thick, the fluid is more than likely contaminated, which is not a good sign.

3. Check the Brake Fluid

Third, you are going to want to check the brake fluid. Look at the reservoir, and make sure that the fluid levels are not low. Low brake fluid can make it dangerous to drive the vehicle and probably means the brakes have not been serviced in a while.

4. Look at the Belts

Fourth, you are going to want to look at the belts. If any of the belts look thin or frayed, that means they are at the end of their life. If the belts are worn-out, you could try to get a discount on the price or see if a service center can replace the belts before you buy the vehicle.

5. Check the Battery

Fifth, look at the battery. Most batteries have the date of the battery on the side or top of the battery so that you can see the month and year the battery was installed. Car batteries generally last three to five years; if the car battery is older than five years, you may want to ask for a new battery or a discount on the vehicle's price.

6. Signs of Rust

Finally, check under the hood for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you see a lot of either, the vehicle may be near the end of its life. If the vehicle is free of rust and corrosion, it may have many years left.

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, you should always do a quick under-the-hood inspection to evaluate the car's overall condition. You can use this information to influence the price negotiations. If you don't feel comfortable looking under the hood, you can always have a mechanic inspect the car before buying it, which is something many used car dealerships happily provide to ensure you know what you are buying. For more information about used cars, such as used Chevrolet cars for sale, contact a dealer.

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