As summer winds down, teens get ready to go back to school and take the roads. Do your research if your child is looking to purchase their first used car. Firestone Complete Auto Care has some tips to help you not only buy a quality used vehicle but also keep it running longer.
If you are looking for a used car, here are some things to consider:
* Make the investment. Vehicle problems can be difficult to spot. Take your teen to an experienced automotive technician for a detailed inspection. If you don’t want to buy a vehicle with serious mechanical issues, a small upfront investment could save you a lot of money down the line.
* Check the Internet. To search online for the vehicle’s history, your teen can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It is a great way for teens to check for fraud or to determine if the car was ever damaged in an accident.
* Trust your senses. You should look for signs of flood damage such as a musty odor, water stains, dry mud or mold. You should check for stains under the dashboard. This could indicate a heater core leakage or air conditioner leakage.
After buying your used car:
* Change the engine oil. It is important that your teen learns to change his/her oil regularly. Extended driving without changing the oil can cause engine damage that can be costly.
* Maintain your tires. Your teen should be able to check the tire pressure once a month. You should balance your tires and rotate them according to the maintenance schedule. An alignment check should be done at least once a calendar year. Properly maintained tires can improve gas mileage by up 3 percent.
* Check the vehicle’s fluid levels. Your automotive technician will show you and your teen how they check the transmission, power steering and windshield washer for leaks. Your automotive technician should also check the condition and level of your brake fluid.
