Buying a used car doesn’t have to mean you’re always at the mechanic, or that the car won’t last long on the road. In fact, it's often considered to be one of the biggest purchases you can make. Therefore, it’s only crucial that you know how to care for and maintain your second-hand car. German Precision has compiled some maintenance tips for your used car in this article.
We have been in the automotive industry since 1984, ranging from apprentice to master technician, workshop foreman, controller, service advisor and service manager, in numerous premium vehicle businesses. We have built a level of loyalty that in the 21st Century is vital. After all, customer service and care is a point of difference.
We hope we are able to help you out with your needs. Our business is also known as Prepurchase Check.
Invest a little extra care and time to look after your used car. Then you can spend less time at the mechanic or searching for another vehicle to trade up. You can also try some tips to
maintain the resale value of your used car.
1. Check the Manufacturer's Maintenance Schedule
The first step to maintain your newly-bought used vehicle is to consult the owner's manual. One of the main reasons why second-hand vehicle owners encounter a lot of problems is they take the maintenance schedules for granted. Here, you'll find a helpful maintenance schedule that'll tell you exactly when to bring it to a professional for work. However, the most important thing to remember is that your used car has already been around the block a few times, i.e. it probably has a few years and a few thousand kilometres under its belt.
Don't forget this! It's key to count years and mileage from when the automobile first hit the road, not from when you started to drive it.
2. Keep the Oil Fresh and Clean
Keeping your car’s oil fresh and clean will be one of the best things you can do to lengthen its life. Your engine’s moving parts are constantly under strain due to friction and heat, and the oil plays a significant role in making sure that these parts remain in their tip-top shape. Make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s schedule for oil changes to keep your engine healthy.
3. Make Sure The Seat Belts Are Working Properly
Over time, all seat belts get a bit slower at retracting. This is a vital function for your seat belt, as this retraction is what holds you in place if you have a car accident. If you’re in an accident with a seat belt that is faulty, it won’t hold you in place. Instead, it can do more harm. If the seat belt isn’t in the right place across your body, it can be dangerous. Get your seat belts looked at by a professional, immediately. It is a legal requirement for your seatbelts to be in working order.
4. Regularly Change Fluids
The health of your engine also relies on the condition of the fluids. Similar to the engine oil, the other fluids in your vehicle also have to be regularly replaced as they lose their lubricating qualities over time. Check the fluid levels and fluid colour using a dipstick before you refill. If you see black-coloured fluids, it is time for a replacement.
5. Replace The Engine And Cabin Air Filters
Your owner's manual ought to tell you how often to do this. It's especially pressing for used cars since the previous owner might not have taken care of this step. The same goes for your cabin air filter. Replace this at the appropriate time will directly impact your driving experience, making for a cleaner and more comfortable ride every time.
6. Remember To Maintain The Exterior Of Your Used-Vehicle
Regular washing of your used car will help prolong the life of the paintwork, as paintwork left dirty with contaminates over time will cause paint deterioration. If your car isn’t cleaned regularly, dirt and grime can also build up in your window and door seals. This can lead to the accelerated deterioration of the seals, which can leave the interior of your vehicle open to the elements. The debris and dirt will also collect over time and will result in minor scratches.
7. Asses Your Tyre Pressure Regularly
Checking your tyre pressure on a monthly basis will help reduce wear. It will maintain your used vehicle’s overall performance and can reduce your fuel consumption. All service stations have pumps that you can use for free. Check your tyre pressure and inflate or deflate your tyres regularly, depending on your driving use. Remember that the recommended pressure for your tyres will depend on the distance, driving surface and also the temperature. Check your tyre manufacturers guidelines when checking your tyres. Know when you should
replace your tyres with the new ones.
Hire A Professional Car Technician In Melbourne
We have engaged with many clients for independent,
personal car purchase advice. Whilst we are not a CAR BROKER, we have assisted clients with discussions on MAKE/MODEL/YEAR/VERSION of vehicle best suited to their needs, and with low ‘grief’ factors. In some cases, clients, especially repeat clients (and we have many), have asked us to either source a car for them, or assist in the negotiations. As much as some of us think we’re backyard mechanics, you can’t go past actually getting a used car checked out by a professional to determine whether it is
mechanically sound. There’s nothing worse than driving away with your new purchase, only to find that it has an issue that is going to cost you dearly. And if you want to buy a secondhand car, have a professional inspector like German Precision to do a thorough pre-purchase car inspection in Melbourne to ensure that your dream car is operating properly and
not a scam.
If you are looking for the best pre-purchase car inspector in Melbourne, do not hesitate to contact German Precision or Prepurchase Check today!
