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2torial #0523:
Learn2 Check Out a Used Car
(Continued)
 Check the oil and brake fluid
Some people consider gasoline to be the
lifeblood of a car, but really it's the oil that
keeps everything running smoothly. Car owners who
neglect the oil levels in their car are taking
years of its life--the engine runs very hot and it
puts stress on many other parts as well. If you've
ever been two quarts' short of blood, you can
appreciate what it does to a car. So if you're
looking at car that shows signs of oil neglect,
know that the engine has taken a lot of wear and
tear.
- Once the engine is warm (has been running
a few minutes), turn off the ignition and
carefully locate the engine's dipstick. Pull it
out and wipe it clean with the rag. Insert the
dipstick, pull it out again and check the oil
mark left on the dipstick by the oil.
- There's usually a three-tiered
measurement on the dipstick: low, safe, and
full. Dark oil is OK, considering fresh oil
soils quickly; but it should be somewhat thin,
not thick and globby. Since oil is the easiest
maintenance to attend too, a seller's neglect in
this manner should be duly noted--they may have
neglected other important maintenance or
repairs. If the oil is still clear and the
seller claims not to have changed it in over a
month, you have a sign of recently added oil.
This may mean they've driven the car with low
oil. As noted above, this is very bad for the
engine.
- Check the brake fluid. It should be
located under the hood in the back right-hand
area. Removing the rubber cap will reveal the
fluid level. Without brake fluid, the brakes
can't stop the car.
- With automatic transmissions, check the
transmission fluid. With the engine idling,
pull out the dipstick (under the hood nearest
the firewall) and check the level and make sure
the fluid is reddish in color. As with oil, low
levels (possibly a leak) or a thick, greasy
substance (indicates grinding) mean problems.
 Step
6
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