Budget Brakes Used Car Tips: Check the Engine

Budget Brakes encourages its customers to do a full examination of a used car before purchase, including checking the engine for frequent problems on high-mileage cars.

First, Budget Brakes reminds customers to check the oil before starting a test drive. Oil should be tan or brown, but not black. Additionally, check the date of the oil change on the inside window of the car. If the oil was changed recently, be sure to check the oil again after a test drive as well, as there could be serious engine problems that are being covered up by the owner.

During your test drive, listen for knocking or ticking sounds. Additionally, after the test drive is over and the car is parked, race the engine a couple of times and listen again. Knocking and ticking sounds inside the engine mean costly repairs.

Budget Brakes' technicians are savvy mechanics, and they hope these tips will help used car buyers avoid finding themselves stuck with a lemon.