3 Fluid checks are essential during a vehicle inspection: – Engine Oil: Ensure it ranges from clear to black on the dipstick. If it resembles chocolate milkshake, there’s a severe issue—best to avoid such a vehicle. A gasoline odor indicates potential fuel injection problems or bad piston rings, both significant concerns.
Oil Level: An excessively high oil level, an inch above the full mark, suggests either contamination or poor oil change practices—both worrisome scenarios. Always check oil with the engine off and on level ground. Note: Some newer European cars lack dipsticks, complicating this check.
Coolant: Verify it’s green, pink, red, yellow, orange, blue, or purple, depending on the manufacturer. Rusty coolant is a clear warning sign—walk away. Inspect the radiator cap and interior for rust or gritty brown residue. Water in the coolant is another red flag, though Ford’s yellow coolant can appear clear.
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Generally red, occasionally amber or green, but black indicates neglect. Burnt odor or a strawberry milkshake appearance signals serious transmission issues. Remember to check levels with the engine running in Park and the transmission warm, except for most Hondas. Some new cars lack transmission dipsticks. By conducting these checks diligently, you can uncover potential problems early and make informed decisions about the vehicle’s condition. Always research specific procedures for the car model you’re inspecting to ensure thoroughness.
4 When starting the engine, it’s imperative to listen attentively for any unusual noises. Ideally, the engine should be cold during this test. If the engine is already at operating temperature, it’s possible the seller warmed it up to conceal potential cold-start engine issues—this should raise a red flag. Any abnormal noises detected during startup should be a cause for concern, prompting you to walk away from the purchase. By conducting this test diligently, you can uncover potential engine problems and avoid purchasing a vehicle with hidden issues.
