Your First Visit to a Garage

Section First service after buying a car, article 3 of 19175 words, 1 minute

In this section: 19 articles
  1. What you need to change no matter what
  2. Diagnosing a car's electronics
  3. Your First Visit to a Garage
  4. Getting rid of misconceptions
  5. Servicing a used car
  6. Buying a used car: preview
  7. Servicing a second-hand car
  8. Getting a second-hand car
  9. First Service on a Used Car
  10. First Service on a Second-Hand Car
  11. What to change on a used car?
  12. What to replace in a used car?
  13. First Service on a Used Car
  14. Servicing a used car
  15. What to change on a used car?
  16. So you've decided to buy a used car...
  17. In brief: right after you buy the car
  18. Change all the fluids!
  19. Servicing a used car

If you didn't do this before buying a used car, the first thing to do is check the suspension, and do it thoroughly at a good (reputable) garage. Ask them to check everything, including the shock absorbers, steering rack, wheel alignment, every bushing, ball joints, and the exhaust system, and basically everything that can be checked. As a result, you'll probably end up with a list of parts recommended for replacement either now or soon.

Also, make sure to ask the mechanic to inspect the engine and gearbox for “sweating” or leaks (removing the engine undertray if there is one). Faulty oil, or improper use, often causes the seals and gaskets on these units to fail.

A general inspection of the underbody and body will show you what to expect over the next year or two of driving.

On top of that, be sure to swing by a good tyre shop — have the technician carefully examine the tyres, check the wheels for trueness and balance — all of which is only possible with the wheels removed.