Engine Checks

Engine Checks

Under the bonnet

How to check car engine health

 

CarVeto history checks cannot assure the health of a vehicle engine. Therefore, this section provides a vital step to avoiding an unreliable vehicle and expensive repair bills.

Engine checks only take a few minutes to run.

Begin by checking that the engine is cold or slightly warm, to avoid the risk of injury. If the engine is already hot it is worth asking the owner why.

Ideally, the engine will be stone cold to run the most effective engine checks.

 

Oil filler cap and dip stick

Open the oil filler cap and notice any creamy or mayonnaise substances on the inside of the cap.

Pull out the oil dip stick, clean with a piece of cloth, dip back into place and pull out once more. Look for the oil level, oil colour or any unusual creamy substances.

 

  • Expect dark oil on a diesel engine
  • Expect a transparent oil with petrol engine vehicles
    If oil is darkened a little on a petrol vehicle a service may be due – check when the vehicle was last serviced, via the service book.
  • Mayonnaise-type substances in the oil indicate terminal problems

 

If the oil level is below minimum levels via the dip stick it means the working parts of the engine are not properly lubricated and may lead to significant mechanical issues.

If the oil level is above the maximum levels via the dip stick it may indicate the engine is burning oil and the seller is regularly topping up.

 

Checking the expansion bottle

Once more, ensure the engine is cool or cold before opening the expansion bottle. Expect a transparent liquid with yellow, pink or blue colouration, that signals antifreeze.

  • Look for white, creamy substances again, similarly to when dipping the oil stick
  • Creamy substances within the expansion bottle or its cap lead to terminal mechanical issues

 

how to identify if a car engine is reliable

 

Additional engine checks

Examine the engine block checking for any oil or water leaks. Bend down under the front bumper and look under the engine for evidence of oil or water leaks. Look at the ground under the engine for any dried oil stains that could indicate an oil leak.

 

Battery check

View the battery to see if it looks recently replaced.

Most batteries last about 5 years. You may also see a battery looking glass that should signal a green colour. A green display indicates the battery is in good condition. A black display indicates the battery is near its end of life.

 

Final engine checks

Start the engine from cold listening for any churning, chiming, knocking or grinding noises. Anything that sounds out of the ordinary. Problematic engines may make unusual noises from cold.

Whilst the engine is running turn the steering wheel to full lock. Ensure there are no squeaking or whining noises whilst turning the steering wheel. Such noises can indicate a leaky or broken steering rack.

Read our last post about car dashboard warning checks

The team, CarVeto

Want a free car history check?

 

Enter your car reg in the correct format

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Car Buying Guide Part V.

Car Buying Guide Part V.

How to check car electrics before you buy.

Dashboard warning lights and their meanings.

 

In just a few minutes you can check every electrical item on the vehicle is working correctly.

This is an important series of checks as dealers are less likely to agree to electrical repairs compared to mechanic ones.

The adage goes, ‘sorry, that is not covered by our basic warranty’.

Below is a full list of electrical components. Certain items will not be fitted to all makes and models:

Begin by starting the vehicle to ensure all the dashboard lights illuminate and switch off in around 5 seconds of a running engine.

Pay attention to:

Engine management light | ABS Lights | Airbag Lights

warning lights including ABS, engine management and glow plug

 

These are the more common warning lights for faults and costly mechanical repair. Should any of these lights remain illuminated after a few seconds of starting the vehicle, there is likely to be a significant mechanical issue.

After an ignition test switches the engine off but leaves the ignition on. This allows you to test electric items while ensuring the vehicle battery is reasonable. If the battery is poor and about to fail it’s likely to do so after these tests are carried out.

 

Ensure each of the following is working correctly:

  • Electric windows front and rear – also check windows on their independent switches
  • Electric sunroof
  • Electric mirrors
  • Electric seats
  • Heated seats
  • Central locking and remote central locking
  • HornSide lights and headlights and main beam
  • Wipers front
  • Wiper rear
  • Hazards
  • Any additional features the vehicle may have

 

Restart the engine and test all features listed below:

  • Power steering is light
  • Air conditioning runs very cold (wait up to a minute for ice cold air) If the air-con is not working a re-gas may be required. If not, the condenser may be faulty which can be costly to repair.
  • Electric handbrake
  • Fog lamps front and rear
  • Stereo system / Bluetooth etc
  • Sat nav
  • Cruise control illumination (depends on make and model of vehicle as some may need to be at speed for a warning light to activate)
  • Cigarette lighter for the USB port
  • Fuel gauge
  • Rev counter
  • Dashboard background illumination lights

 

In last weeks article, we demonstrated how to perform a mileage check via a visual inspection (this is secondary to our online mileage check)

The team, CarVeto

Run a free online car check

 

Enter your car reg in the correct format

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