The old method of kicking the tires and checking for any scratches or dents isn’t the best way to buy a used car these days. After all, used cars can be expensive, and the last thing you want is to pay for a lemon!

Continue reading to learn all the tests you need for a used car that we perform at Fine Line Imports:

• Leakdown and compression tests: These tests are crucial in ensuring the engine can properly compress the air and fuel inside the cylinders. Although computers inside the engine tell us when cylinders are misfiring, leakdown and compression tests are the best way to tell how much pressure the engine makes and to measure its ability to hold pressure. You can rent devices to test leaks and compression, but your mechanic will already have these tools on hand.
• Boost pressure test: As its name suggests, a boost leak tester device spots leaks in the turbo system. The tester is used by removing the turbo inlet and placing the boost leak tester in. Then we’ll attach an air compressor to the system and wait for the pressure to build. With all of that pressure, all we’ll need to do is listen for a leak in the system.
• Coolant system test: Performing a pressure test of the coolant system is vital in ensuring there are no leaks in the cooling system and that the radiator cap is up to snuff. In this test, we’ll simply attach a pressure tester to the adapter and slowly apply pressure to the system. It should hold pressure for at least two minutes; if not, there’s a leak somewhere along the way.
• Oil sample test: When we’re asked what to test when buying a used car, we often tell customers to get an oil analysis. These analyses tell us if there are any unseen wear and tear inside the engine that’ll prematurely contaminate the motor oil. Unfortunately, this is one of the least common tests performed when buying a used car.

Why are these tests so important?

Knowing what to test when buying a used car is just as important as knowing why they need to be performed. By conducting these tests prior to making a purchase, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. If the vehicle doesn’t pass these tests, you can pass on the purchase or offer a lower amount than the seller requested. Should you choose to buy the car, the tests will also indicate that you need to make repairs sooner rather than later to avoid a breakdown.

Couldn’t I perform these tests myself?

It’s true that a car buyer could perform some of these tests themselves, but your best bet is to hire a professional to do them for you. When you let our professionals at Fine Line Imports perform all the tests you need for a used car, you can rest easy knowing the results will be accurate.

Bring any car into our professionals today to get it inspected, and always choose us when you need to schedule vehicle maintenance.