Buyer Tips: 5 Most Important Parts to Replace After Buying Used Vehicle

Just purchased a used car or about to?

The excitement of finally getting the car of your dreams cannot be replaced. 

However, you need to manage your excitement by retraining yourself from jumping behind the wheels and zooming off. You don’t want your vehicle to cost you more in repairs because you missed a couple of steps. 

Before closing the deal on your vehicle, you need to know the maintenance history of the vehicle. A simple VIN check or requesting a vehicle history report could do the trick. Or better still request a physical inspection which allows you to know the current condition of the vehicle. A physical inspection will also help you plan and budget for repairs and fixes. 

So why is it important to purchase a vehicle history report or have a paid inspection done?

As much as you trust the seller to have a good maintenance schedule you can not be too sure.  A vehicle history report or inspection allows you to know what you’re getting into. 

After purchase, there are important parts that need to be replaced before jumping behind the wheels of your used car. To avoid greater damage to your vehicle and pocket, here are 5 must-replace parts in your used car. 

Must-Replace Parts After Buying Used Vehicle

1. Brake Pad

Brake pads are really important for any driver. To avoid crashing the bakes are engaged regularly causing the brake pads to wear off. Especially if you drive in an urban or city area regularly. Driving with worn brake pads means your car has lost its ability to slow down or stop. This is dangerous for you and other road users. Also driving with worn-out brake pads causes a lot more damage to your braking system.

 It is recommended to change brake pads every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Replacing your brake pads should be a priority when you purchase a used car – it is detrimental to your and others’ road safety.

2. Timing belt

The timing belt controls the camshaft of your engine. It opens and closes the valves at the right time for smooth operation. If the timing belt fails it causes the vehicle to misfire and causes other problems with the engine. If it fails you will hear a ticking noise from the engine, an oil leak, or the engine won’t turn over.  

Over time the timing belt is subject to stain as it keeps things moving. Even though it keeps working, it will wear out naturally and needs to be replaced.  When you purchase a used car, have the timing belt replaced to avoid damage to the vehicle. The recommended replacement interval is 60,000- 100,000 miles. Refer to your manufacturer’s manual.

3. Spark plugs

The spark plugs of a vehicle generate electricity that sparks the fuel that starts the engine. It is important to clean your spark plugs because dirty spark plugs affect gas mileage. It also causes slow acceleration and difficulty starting your engine. Over time spark plugs succumb to depreciation which causes engine issues if not replaced. 

It is important to replace spark plugs once you’ve purchased a used car. You should have them changed regularly throughout the lifetime of the vehicle to avoid engine start problems.  They should be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles and checked every 10,000 km. Refer to your manufacturer’s manual for replacement intervals for your vehicle.

4. Filters

Filters are used to trap and prevent dirt from entering various parts of the vehicle, like the engine. 

The air filter stops debris from getting into the vehicle’s engine allowing for better gas mileage and reduced emissions. Also, a functioning air filter increases engine life, acceleration, and drivability. Air filters should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to avoid debris getting to the engine and causing damage. 

The oil filter prevents dirt from getting into the oil that goes to the vehicle’s engine and keeps it clean. Replace oil filters every time you have an oil change to avoid them being clogged. This should be within 3000-6000 miles. Clogged oil filters cause poor performance in the vehicle. It can also cause black or dirty smoke from the exhaust and other issues to the engine.

The fuel filter is in the fuel line and traps debris and dirt from getting into the fuel. Depending on the age of the vehicle a fuel filter should be changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles to avoid it being clogged. A clogged fuel filter causes low fuel pressure, poor gas mileage, rough idling, and engine misfire. This can cause damage to the engine in the long run.  

Replace these filters once you have purchased your used car to avoid damage to the engine that will cost you more to repair. 

5. Fluids

Fluids lubricate the different components of your vehicle (transmission, engine, brakes, etc), and reduce the risk of overheating Vehicle fluids should be replaced regularly. Different manufacturers have different replacement schedules, check your manufacturer’s manual for your vehicle schedule. 

It is important to replace fluids especially if you just brought a used vehicle to protect your engine from wear. Also, to prevent friction and heat which will lead to degrading over time.

 

Further Reading

1. 5 Sites you Need to Check Before Buying a Used Car 
2. What Should I Check For When Buying a Car
3. How to buy your next used truck from dealer’s auction
4. How to Get the Best Vehicle History Report on Auction Cars for Sale 

 

Final Notes

When replacing these parts, be wary of substandard parts. Have your mechanic recommend parts for you or do research on the best parts for your vehicle. You can also buy salvage cars for parts – if you have the money for it. 

Replacing parts is one thing after your purchase. Servicing, maintenance, and the necessary fixes before jumping behind the wheels of your new vehicle are essential. Have a maintenance schedule for regular servicing of the car. Check your manufacturer’s manual for scheduled maintenance times for your car. 

Now you know what to do once you get a used vehicle – let us help you get started on your purchase. 

Auto Auction Mall has an inventory of over 200k used vehicles to choose from. You can start by signing up for free on our website and begin your bidding.

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