What consumables should I change when buying a car?

I bought a used (used) car – what should I change first?

This question is often asked to me by new owners of used cars who have just passed their license and have no experience yet. Let's imagine a hypothetical situation - a car is conditionally 5 - 7 years old (let's say 100,000 km mileage), you checked it with a “knowledgeable person”, everything seems to be fine, it drives and does not require (it seems like no investment), but the “knowledgeable person” said - “ you will still need to look, change consumables for yourself” and disappeared! What is it for yourself? Do we really need to change anything? Let's find out...

THE CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE

• Oil, antifreeze (TOSOL), brake fluid
• Filters
• Timing belt and chain
• Battery
• Tires, camber, brakes
• Fuel filter, injectors, spark plugs
• VIDEO VERSION

Of course, situations are different - there are newer cars and they were actually looked after (served at an official dealer), all fluids were changed, full scheduled maintenance was carried out, etc. BUT there is another side, when nothing really changed, the car did not go to the dealer (even a new one, as a rule, these are our VAZs) and it was not really looked after. And during the sale, they also replaced the normal parts with worn ones (more on that below).

Therefore, in order to give yourself peace of mind and prevent complex breakdowns, it is worth replacing certain fluids and elements! WITH THE CONDITION IF YOU TAKE THE CAR FOR YOURSELF, AND NOT FOR RESALE!

Oil, antifreeze (TOSOL), brake fluid

First of all, I would change all technical fluids, this is like an axiom:

Engine oil . Often, when a person says to sell (keeps it in his mind), he no longer changes the engine oil so often. That is, it can drive 16, or even 20,000 km on it, if he assures that he changed it, but on the dipstick it is the color of soot and there is no confirmation of his words (receipts from the service station, dealer, work orders), DEFINITELY A REPLACEMENT!

Remember - old motor oil loses its properties and leads to premature wear of the connecting rod and piston group. Therefore it is better to replace.

Transmission oil . You don’t have to worry so much about the manual gearbox, transfer case, rear axles; after all, the lubricant there lasts a long time (however, it also needs to be changed ).

But automatic transmission (regular automatic transmission or CVT ) is very sensitive to oil changes! Now many dealers claim that you don’t need to change it for the entire service life (which they think is determined by 150,000 km) - BUT THIS IS SUCH A SCAM! It needs to be changed, and the more often the better - ONLY THEN the automatic transmission will work for a long time, more than 150 - 250,000 km. So if the oil hasn’t been changed for 150,000 km, I simply wouldn’t buy such a car, but if the oil change was at 60,000 km, then I would change it again to reassure myself, because automatic transmission repair is VERY EXPENSIVE!

Brake fluid . It also needs to be changed (I have an article ), it is hygroscopic, over time it accumulates water and can boil during braking, which will lead to air locks in the brake system! AND THIS IS AT LEAST DANGEROUS! Also, the moisture that is inside will begin to oxidize the piston cylinders (in the calipers) and sooner or later, they will begin to rust and tear the seals. Therefore, after purchase, it is better to check the quality of the brake fluid (special testers are now sold)

And replace it if necessary!

Antifreeze (TOSOL) . They also lose their properties over time and no longer cool the engine, sometimes they darken or turn black (this is already a bad sign), they need to be replaced! If the darkening recurs, then you need to look for the cause, perhaps oil gets into the cooling system.

Filters

I'm not talking about filters that need to be changed with oil! I'm talking about air now, for the engine and interior. They are often not changed and it’s a waste of time! It is especially important to change the engine because it sucks in air to prepare the fuel mixture, and if it does not do this effectively, there will be excessive fuel consumption and poor traction.

But the filter that comes in the cabin - YOU breathe it, and your health comes first! Why breathe dust?

Timing belt and chain

I would also pay close attention to this if the chain can now still run 150 thousand kilometers or more (turbocharged engines do not count). Then the timing belt runs 60,000 km on our VAZs (or even less if it’s not original). But foreign cars travel 100–120,000 km. MUST CHANGE!

Because if it breaks, bends the valves, can puncture the pistons and lift up the cylinder walls, in general there will be a lot of work and it will be expensive, it is better to replace it.

Battery

If a person sells a used car, as a rule, he installs a NOT VERY good battery (sometimes they exchange it with a neighbor for 500 - 1000 rubles, the neighbor’s battery is 5-7 years old, but here it can be 2-3 years)! That is, with a small capacity, it may be sulfated . In the summer it may be enough to start, but in the winter?

Therefore, if possible, check the battery with a load fork (at the time of purchase or immediately after), if it “sags”, then you need to try to restore it before frost, or, in extreme cases, replace it (otherwise you will not be able to start it in winter)

Tires, camber, brakes

Rubber . What can I say, if the mileage is high, it is better to replace it, because the tires are our safety; if they are bald, there is a chance that they will go into a skid or a ditch.

Wheel alignment . If your car pulls to the side (to the right or left), part of the tread (usually inside or outside) is also not “eaten” by the rubber. There is a high probability that the car's wheel alignment . You need to check and, if necessary, adjust (your mechanic may advise you to replace one or another component in the suspension, for example ball joints, steering ends).

Brakes . We check and inspect the pads and brake discs, if the wear is large they need to be replaced. Sometimes discs can be sharpened , but this is only if the wear is small.

Fuel filter, injectors, spark plugs

I'll probably start with candles . It’s worth unscrewing them and looking, if the central electrode is burnt out, then it’s worth changing them, because sooner or later they can ruin the ignition coil.

Make it a rule - if the spark plugs are ordinary, then replace them approximately every 50 - 60,000 km; if they are iridium or platinum, then they can be changed after 100,000 km

Fuel filter and injectors . Of course, this is a “non-burning” task; you can ride these too. But after you clean or replace the fuel filter (on injectors it is located in the tank) and clean the injectors, the engine will breathe deeply.

For those who don't like to read a lot, watch the video version

I’ll finish with this, as I think these are the main points that are worth looking at right away! I think the information was useful - sincerely yours, AUTOBLOGGER.

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What consumables need to be changed in a car?

It would be great to just buy a car, fill it with gas periodically and not have any problems. But a complex car filled with electronics has many parts and assemblies that wear out over time. How often do they lose their quality and is it possible to calculate the optimal interval for changing oil, antifreeze and pads? This is what we will look into.

Changing the engine oil

Change every 7,000 km, along with the oil filter. Check at least once every 3 to 4 weeks.

Laboratory analyzes of exhausts show that in 99% of cases the limit of any oil is 7–10 thousand km. A driver who loves his car changes the oil at least every 9 thousand km: the exact timing depends on actual operating conditions.

If one car is destined to slowly drive along the ideal roads of Norway, then another is destined to while away the hours on the Moscow Ring Road, and a third is destined to often drive along the sand. It is important to check the oil every 2 weeks, at least visually - we assume that our readers know where the oil dipstick is located.

IMPORTANT : Under difficult operating conditions of engine oil (plugs also include them!), the service life of the oil change is reduced by 1.5 - 2 times! This is how you get 7 thousand km if you divide the 15,000 km recommended by the service by 2.

It is important to check the oil every 2 weeks, at least visually

Coolant replacement

Every 160,000 km, or every 3 - 4 years. Top up if necessary.

Antifreeze is a universal soldier: it calms a raging engine in emergency situations, is responsible for cooling the engine and protecting the cooling system from corrosion.
Don't be lazy and check the expansion tank every 2 weeks, this can save you a lot of money and nerves later. The optimal level of antifreeze is between the min and max marks: the liquid should in no case be below the minimum, but it should not rise above the maximum either.

If you find antifreeze at the very bottom, add it to the required level, but after a few kilometers it becomes noticeably less, go to a service center. The issue may be a crack in the tank or a broken lid, which can be solved by simply changing the units.

It’s much worse if the damage is inside the engine. The service center becomes the only place where you can go by car. Moreover, you first need to add antifreeze, and during the trip, carefully monitor the sensors on the instrument panel.

IMPORTANT! Add coolant only after the engine has cooled down.
Otherwise, when opening the lid, you risk burning your face and hands. It is not advisable to mix antifreeze of different types and manufacturers. Well, at least it's important to stick to one color.

How often should you change brake pads?

On automatic every 25,000 km, on manual – 30,000 km

Brakes can be disc or drum, but the pads still need to be changed. Moreover, the front ones are more common than the rear ones: taking on the main load, they wear out 3 times faster, regardless of the vehicle’s drive.

The pads are always replaced in pairs - both front or both rear.

IMPORTANT! You cannot drive a car in which members of the same pair have different degrees of wear and tear.
Disc brake pads will indicate wear with a nasty whistle; the drum system is characterized by a strong squeaking noise while driving.
If the problem is not solved in time, the brake discs begin to wear out, so you will have to update these spare parts as well. Need I talk about problems with braking and sudden wear of the entire brake system? Here the risk is not at all justified.

If you neglect to replace the brake pads, you run the risk of also having to replace the brake discs.

Replacing brake fluid

Every 40,000 km or once every 2 years

It's a good idea to check your brake fluid every time you open the hood. No matter how strange it may sound, when changing the brake fluid, make sure that the right fluid enters the correct expansion tank. By mixing oils and liquids, you risk “killing” the car.

We continue to find out how often the vital components of the car need to be changed.

Replacing power steering fluid

Change if necessary, check every month.

To check the fluid level in the power steering, just look at the special window with min and max marks.
If you encounter resistance when turning the steering wheel or the level is below the minimum, simply add fluid. IMPORTANT! Be sure to make sure that you have correctly determined that this particular tank is used for power steering fluid.

Replacing the fuel filter

On a gasoline engine every 80,000 km, on a diesel engine every 20 - 30 thousand km. It is advisable to change it together with the fuel pump grid.

The fuel filter is like an eternal attendant: when it is on duty and in full combat readiness, not a single speck of dust will slip into the cylinder block, the fuel pump will operate uninterruptedly, and the injectors will receive proper protection from clogging. If you do not change the filter for a long time, the engine will begin to run unevenly and will no longer start the first time.

The car doesn't start the first time? It's probably the filter.

Replacing the air filter

On a gasoline engine every 30 - 40 thousand km, on a diesel engine - every 30 thousand km

The air filter has an even harder job than the fuel filter: there is much more dust in the air than in the already treated fuel.
A disregard for replacing the filter can result in a decrease in engine power, an increase in its “appetite” and, ultimately, engine failure. It would seem like such a banal and inexpensive detail, but it should not be underestimated.

Replacing the cabin filter

Every 3 – 6 months. At least every 20,000 km!

It is worth changing the cabin filter as often as possible, because the microclimate in the car depends on it, and, consequently, the well-being of the driver and passengers.
Don't want to develop allergies or runny nose due to dirty air in the cabin? Then don't skimp on replacing the cabin filter.

Spark plug

Every 30,000 – 50,000 km (when the engine starts to run poorly due to misfires)

If you fill in high-quality fuel and do not torture your car too much, the spark plugs will last a long time, but sooner or later you will still have to change them. What are the risks of late replacement? A noticeable deterioration in engine power and efficiency. There is no need to bring it to the point where the engine begins to malfunction or fails altogether.

Spark plugs directly affect engine performance.

Is it necessary to change the timing chain at all?

Strictly every 150,000 km (under favorable conditions)

If the timing chain fails, this is a very sad story: the engine receives serious damage, becomes deformed, and expensive repairs await.
So in this case, it is better not to delay, not to get into the system yourself, but to entrust the matter to professionals. As they wear out, the drive belts also change: if cracks are noticeable on them, it’s time to make an appointment for service.

Battery

Every 40,000 - 60,000 km or every 3 - 4 years

The performance of the battery is affected by only 2 factors - the conditions and intensity of vehicle operation.
It needs to be changed in a timely manner, at least so that at sub-zero temperatures you don’t have to guess whether it will start or not. It is better to take care of your car and prevent breakdowns, so that later it will not be excruciatingly painful to pay for expensive repairs.
Have a successful and safe journey, dear readers!

What needs to be changed in the car immediately after purchase? What consumables are best to buy right away? — Encyclopedia of Japanese cars

Immediately after purchasing a car, it is necessary to replace:

• oil everywhere (in the engine, automatic transmission, power steering, in the gearbox if the car is four-wheel drive)
• all filters (oil, fuel, air)
• timing belt
• antifreeze (for imported concentrate), brake fluid
• candles

These are the main points. Then, based on the condition of the parts, finances and the owner’s desires, you can change:

• all belts and rollers
• all rubber parts and small parts of the chassis that seem suspicious
• tires (if you want to drive, for peace of mind)
• flush the fuel system
• pump up the racks

Well, the rest of the points are not for everyone:

• change music
• install an alarm (if there was none before, for example, on a trouble-free car)
• inspect the suspension (anthers, silent blocks, etc.)
• remake TV and so on and so forth, as far as imagination and money allow.

Before winter, it is also advisable to wash the injectors (600-700 rubles), change the oil and air filter, and, of course, the tires.

It’s better, of course, to go to a well-equipped service station, where they will diagnose you and tell you right away what needs to be changed and where. If desired, they will change it immediately. Naturally, this will cost you a little more than replacing it yourself, but the quality of the work is worth it. In general, if you want to drive a car for a long time and without problems, you need to invest $300-400 in it when purchasing it (the amount is quite approximate). The exceptions are expensive cars (there are simply more of them in excellent condition) and, oddly enough, used cars (the previous owners could change all consumables) - provided that the owners operated them competently, changed consumables on time and did not set out to “kill” the car "

If you buy a car, for example, in Vladivostok, and transport it to another region, it makes sense to immediately stock up on consumables - there is more choice here, prices are lower than in the West. The minimum set is all filters, brake pads, belts, spark plugs. Then you can also buy rubber, boots, seals, caps, thermostat, fuses, light bulbs. Of course, you can’t stock up for your entire life, but for the first year or two of operation, you can.

• Reproduction is permitted only with the permission of the author and subject to a link to the source.

What to change when buying a used car?

There are two options for purchasing a used car:

1. The car is purchased at a large consignment site, which is combined with its own auto repair center and has a developed repair and diagnostic base and experienced personnel.
2. The car is bought second-hand , according to an advertisement, at a car market or a small consignment lot.

In the first case, large companies buy used cars, diagnose them and perform the entire range of work associated with maintenance, depending on the mileage, operating time and condition of the car. During maintenance, the company replaces all consumables. These works and materials are included in the price of the car. The company can provide a guarantee for a used car purchased from it.

In the second option, the choice of subsequent actions is determined by the buyer. The seller's assurances that he literally changed the engine oil yesterday, etc. should be treated with skepticism. It is advisable to take a knowledgeable and experienced car owner with you to the auction. Based on the color of the oil and its viscosity, he will be able to determine its further suitability. A specialist must assess the condition (play) of the steering system, boots, arms and ball joints of the suspension (you need to lift one wheel on a jack and move it). It is advisable to listen to the engine in different modes and look at the color of the exhaust gases.

Replacing fluids

It makes sense to replace all consumable fluids of a car after buying it secondhand from a stranger. This work can be entrusted to specialists of technical centers or done independently.

The replacement procedure is simple:

1. Engine oil is changed according to the season. Changing the engine oil may be accompanied by flushing it with special flushing oil. When changing the oil, it is necessary to replace the oil and air filters.
2. Changing the oil in the box. If the car has a manual transmission, changing the oil in it will be easy and inexpensive. For other boxes, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of dextron and perhaps partially replace it.
3. If the car is on axles, you need to check the oil level in the axles and add it if necessary.
4. It is necessary to evaluate the quality of the oil in the power steering and, if necessary, replace it.
5. We pay special attention to brake fluid. It should be clean and level.
6. When buying a car in the fall, it is better to drain the coolant and replace it with a new one that corresponds to the temperature conditions of the region.
7. Proper operation of the washer is the key to trouble-free driving. It is better to immediately check the operation of this system and fill it with a special liquid for washing auto glass.

Replacing other consumables

The main consumable for the proper operation of many modern engines is the timing belt . It is necessary to find out its mileage and assess its condition. If in doubt, it is better to replace this belt immediately. If there are fan and pump belt drives, it is also necessary to assess their condition and buy spare ones.

The condition of the brake pads and wear of the brake discs or drums directly affect driving safety. It is necessary to evaluate their performance during braking. If wear is high, the pads need to be replaced. Brake fluid leaks through the cuffs, which may lose their seal, are also assessed.

If the engine runs unstable, it is necessary to replace the spark plugs with a new set. It is advisable to change high-voltage wires, which, due to prolonged use, cause interruptions in the operation of the motor.

It is better to immediately change all the boots of the steering system and suspension.
It is necessary to evaluate the performance of the wiper blades and replace them with new ones if they have become unusable. A full check of all lamps is also carried out, with the replacement of faulty ones: external and internal lighting, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, dimensions, fog lights and reverse gear.

Is it necessary to change insurance if the car is already insured when purchasing?

Yes, you need to take out new insurance for the purchased car. If the seller agrees, you can transfer the remaining period of insurance to you; you need to be included in the insurance certificate as the owner of the car.

What needs to be changed and at what mileage (consumables checklist)

For trouble-free operation of the car, simply refueling it and changing the oil is not enough.
Regular replacement of consumables and spare parts is what saves you from ruinous repairs when it’s too late to bite your teeth. Therefore, we work proactively and take care of our four-wheeled pet correctly. What and how often to change in the car is in our checklist.

10 thousand km / every year

• engine oil + oil filter
• air filter
• cabin filter
• wiper blades

Why: high-quality and fresh oil is necessary for stable engine operation and protection of its parts from wear. Along with changing the oil, be sure to change the filter.

When the air filter is dirty, fuel consumption increases and acceleration dynamics deteriorate.

The cabin filter accumulates allergens and bacteria and, when clogged, leads to fogging of the glass.

As for windshield wiper blades, as a rule, they are maintained for no longer than a season, and then the quality of their work decreases sharply, which impairs visibility.

20 - 40 thousand km / every 2-3 years

• fuel filter
• spark plug
• brake pads (discs)
• brake fluid

Why: A fuel filter traps dust, dirt, rust and water particles without allowing them into the engine. Therefore, it must be changed regularly. Misfires on gasoline internal combustion engines will indicate the need to replace spark plugs.

For diesel engines, especially on cars 15+ years old, replacing the fuel filter before winter every year helps to start without problems in cold weather.

How often you replace brake pads depends on your driving style. A high level of wear will be indicated by a squealing noise when you press the pedal. If the pedal gives into your foot, the brake disc may be deformed or worn out - and it needs to be sharpened/changed too.

Brake fluid needs to be changed on average every 40 thousand km. It directly affects the braking distance and braking efficiency.

30 - 50 thousand km / every 2 years

• automatic transmission oil, including CVT and DSG robot

Why: “automatic” is more complex than “manual” and requires special attention. The oil in the box lubricates, protects against wear and cleans internal mechanisms, and also maintains normal hydraulic pressure, prolonging the life of the automatic transmission.

40 - 80 thousand km / every 3-5 years

• battery

Why: the reality is that modern batteries last no more than 5 years, and after that they need to be replaced. Therefore, keep this expense item in mind. To extend battery life, charge and maintain it regularly (for serviceable batteries).

50 - 75 thousand km / every 4-5 years

• oil in manual transmission, transfer case, differential
• complete replacement of antifreeze
• timing belt with rollers

Why: the gearbox, transfer case and differential work under heavy load, especially when driving on bad roads. The manufacturer's recommendations and the presence of extraneous noise in the box will tell you when to change the oil in these components.

The coolant in the radiator must be completely replaced every 70-80 thousand kilometers, because it accumulates harmful sediment over time, and this problem cannot be solved by regularly adding antifreeze. It is highly advisable to combine replacing the coolant with flushing the engine cooling system.

Typically, the timing belt runs for 50 thousand km. The manufacturer provides specific recommendations and, even if everything is visually good, it’s not worth the risk: stretching or breaking the belt can lead to engine overhaul.

100 - 150 thousand km

• power steering fluid
• valve train chain

Why: Timing fluid should be changed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, or when it darkens or burns. The hydraulic booster is sensitive to the condition of the oil, and failure to replace it on time directly affects the wear of the power steering pump and problems with the steering rack or gearbox.

The timing chain “runs,” depending on the engine model, on average 100-150 thousand km. This is a more durable mechanism than a belt, but it is also more expensive to replace. However, it’s not worth saving: a stretched chain leads to a breakdown of the engine’s CPG, and this is already a request for a major overhaul.

General recommendations

• check the level of antifreeze, brake fluid, engine oil level every 2-4 weeks, and adjust them (top up)
• Check the tire pressure every 2-3 weeks and inflate in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
• Carry out suspension diagnostics and perform wheel alignment every 20-30 thousand km.
• Don't skimp on tires. Winter tires must have a minimum of 4 mm, and they must be changed at least once every 4 years.
• When buying a used car, replace all the oils (engine, automatic transmission), filters (oil, fuel, air, cabin), fluids (good antifreeze, brake fluid), spark plugs and timing belt. Separately check and, if necessary, replace: belts and rollers, rubber and small parts of the chassis. It is advisable to flush the fuel system.

You will find high-quality spare parts for the proper operation of your car in our catalog

RetailMotors LLC UNP 191477517, registered by the Minsk City Executive Committee on March 20, 2012.
Registration number in the trade register 402310, date of registration January 11, 2018.
Legal and postal address: 220020 Minsk, st. Timiryazeva, 85a, office. 204