Buying a used vehicle comes with many advantages but there are certain things you need to do after buying a used car. If you had taken a mechanic to inspect it with you before the purchase, that’s fine! However, now that the keys to the car have been handed to you, you need to carry out a thorough check-up of the car. In addition to that, here are other things you should do after buying that foreign used or Nigerian used car.
1. Identify and Fix Minor Issues
You should spot the minor issues and fix them instantly. Take care of the lights, replace the spark plugs, and polish the trim pieces as well as any other quick fixes you think needs attention.
If you don’t attend to these smaller issues now, you may never get another opportunity to do so until the bigger ones rear their ugly heads. By that time, it’s usually too late because such issues would no longer be considered minor issues.
2. Get a Trusted Mechanic
Buying a used car is an opportunity to visit your trusted mechanic. Though it is better to take him for the pre-purchase inspection as well, now is the time he gets to do a post-purchase thorough check-up on your car. A skilful mechanic knows where to check – brakes, fluids, tyres and the filters. He will detect if there are any major problems and how much it will cost to fix them.
3. Work on the Fluids
The fluids in the system will need to be taken care of, especially the brake fluid and coolant. Any trouble with the coolant or the brake fluid may lead to grave issues such as brake failure.
Other fluids in the system will either need some degree of flushing, bleeding or topping off.
4. Change the Filters
The filters don’t need to look old and worn out before you decide to change them. Replace the air, fluid, transmission, oil, and the water purifier filters.
5. Inspect the Brakes
If you have inspected everything without the brakes, then you have just started with your inspection. The brakes are very important for your safety and must be in great condition at all times.
6. Check the Health of the Tyres
The tyres, just like the brakes, have to be double-checked. If possible, replace all the tyres when not sure of their safety. Check for overinflated and underinflated tyres and also check the tread depth if you want to retain the tyres.
7. Read the Owner’s Manual
Though this is usually ignored by most people, it pays to read the owner’s manual. How will you know about the car’s ideal tire pressure, fuel capacity, and the functions of the various parts without the manual? Right now, you need to read it. The owner’s manual contains the process for an oil change and basic maintenance schedules.
Final Thoughts on Things You Should Do After Buying a Used Car
It’s okay to be excited about the used car you just acquired but you need to be proactive with your thoughts and planning. To truly optimise the benefits that come with owning a car of your own, you need to ensure that the car stays in prime condition and one of the surest ways to achieve that is to take the necessary steps after you buy your used car.
Is there any vital thing you think we left out of our list of things you need to do after buying a used car? If there is, do let us know in the comment section.