What Maintenance and Replacements Are Needed After Buying a Used Car?
2 Answers
After purchasing a used car, the following maintenance and replacements are necessary: 1. Replace the engine oil and three filters: The engine oil and three filters are the most basic maintenance items for a vehicle. This is indeed a good practice as it provides fresh "blood" for the engine. While replacing the oil and filters, it’s also advisable to check other fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, and decide whether to top them up or replace them based on their condition. 2. Check the tires: If the tires have reached their service life or show severe wear and aging, they must be replaced immediately. If the car is several years old, check the production date and wear level of the tires. Some tires may look new with deep treads, but the rubber may have hardened and lost grip. Therefore, tires older than 5 years are not recommended for continued use. 3. Inspect all belts: If you’ve bought a car that’s over 5 years old with more than 70,000 kilometers on it, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect all the belts in the vehicle. For cars with timing belts, it’s best to replace the timing belt to ensure safety. 4. Check the braking system: After taking possession of the car, the owner should check the thickness of the brake pads and whether the brake discs have noticeable chamfers or cracks. If severe wear is detected, immediate replacement is required.
After buying a used car, the first thing I do is replace all the fluids. Engine oil is fundamental—fresh oil helps clean out engine impurities. The air filter needs changing too, as older cars may have sucked in a lot of dust, affecting combustion efficiency. Don’t overlook the cabin air filter—it’s key to keeping the air inside fresh. Tires should be thoroughly checked for pressure and wear; if they’re unbalanced, a wheel alignment is a must for safe highway driving. If the battery’s lifespan is uncertain, it’s best to replace it to avoid sudden breakdowns. Transmission fluid should also be assessed, especially for automatic transmissions. Clean the interior and condition leather seats to prevent drying and cracking. Don’t skimp on these costs with a used car—regular check-ups every few months improve its condition and peace of mind, or else minor issues could snowball into major problems.
