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Get an oil analysis before buying a used car Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators as well as publishing original and impartial content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free to help you make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has agreements with issuers such as, but not restricted to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money The deals that are displayed on this website are provided by companies that pay us. This compensation may impact how and when products are featured on this site, including, for example, the sequence in which they appear in the listing categories and other categories, unless prohibited by law. Our mortgage or home equity products, as well as other products for home loans. However, this compensation will have no impact on the information we publish, or the reviews you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.



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3 minutes read. Published March 29, 2022
Authored by Kellye Guinan. Written by Personal and Business Finance contributor

Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer who has more than 5 years experience working in the field of personal finance. She is also a full-time employee at the library in her town which she assists her local community to access information about financial literacy, among other topics.







Editor: Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances with concise, well-studied information that breaks down otherwise complicated subjects into digestible pieces.









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A thorough analysis of engine oil provides an insight into various issues. It can identify contaminants that are leaked into the engine, for instance antifreeze or gasoline. It will determine if the air and oil filters are functioning properly. Also, it will determine what small metal particles have been removed from the interior of the engine, and if the levels are below or in the middle for the engine type and mileage. If you can identify potential costly problems, you can avoid that may become an unending pit of mechanical problems. Three reasons to conduct an oil test prior to buying a used car It may not be the most common advice when shopping for an old car but an oil test could be informative. The quality of the engine is easily assessed with the analysis of oil. Your choice to buy an automobile must be based on , and oil analysis may provide valuable information about the performance of your engine. 1. Find out the condition of the engine The primary reason to have an oil analysis conducted is to assess the condition of the engine. The oil analysis tests for oxidation, the concentration of metal particles and the quality of the lubrication system, as well as other indicators. A previous owner should have maintained their engine and regularly gotten oil adjustments. The oil analysis -- as well as the mechanic's logscan be a reliable indicator that the vehicle has been well cared for. 2. Catch and prevent potential problems Used cars, especially older models, may not have been maintained correctly by previous owners. If you can confirm a health engine is a sure sign that you're not purchasing a vehicle which may not last. And in addition to confirming the engine's current health and condition, you could be able to detect potential issues in the future. As simple as being aware of the frequency of future oil changes can help you to ensure the health of your vehicle. 3. Free or inexpensive with a used car purchase Used car dealerships may offer an oil analysis in the package similar to getting a history report on the car. In this case, it may be free or be included in the administration costs. Either way, you will be able to get the results you want without putting in any extra effort on your own. If you're , or the seller doesn't provide it, you can buy an oil analysis kit for yourself. It could take longer to see an analysis, however it's worth it, especially if the seller doesn't have records of visits to the mechanic. How to obtain an oil analysis The oil test can be conducted by a mechanic, or with an at-home instrument. If it is done by an expert mechanic, the most difficult part is waiting for the analysis to be completed and the results. If you decide to do it yourself, you should review the instructions in your kit as well as watch a few instructional videos. Here are the most basic steps for warming up the engine and take a sample of the oil by using the tubing provided with the kit. Send the sample to a laboratory that is accredited. See if the results are satisfactoryabout two or three daysand then read the report. The report might contain useful comments, but if you aren't sure about the results you should consult a mechanic for a professional opinion. What should you do if results aren't as good? The decision to make the purchase is up to you. Every vehicle, new or used, requires maintenance. The oil analysis may uncover potential issues but if they're not expensive or cost more than what you're expecting to spend the cost could be worth the investment to purchase the vehicle, especially when it is in line with your other needs. If the expense of maintaining could be excessive and you don't have a reason to, not to proceed with the purchase. Problems can snowball, and you may be in a position to pay much more than what the vehicle is worth if you frequently have to take it to the mechanic. Take into consideration the expense of routine maintenance against the expense of engine problems that could occur. But if you're financing the vehicle, be aware that the extra money spent on repairs could put you -- leading to financial strain later on. Next steps At all times, an analysis of the oil can only give a little insight about the long-term future your vehicle and the condition of its engine. It's a helpful to have a diagnostic tool in the process of shopping for a used car. However, it's not the sole tool to use, so make sure you've reviewed all the mechanical and safety characteristics of the car- as well as accidents' history prior to making a decision to buy it. Related articles:



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Written by Personal and business finance Contributor

Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer who has more than five years of experience in personal finance. She's also a full-time employee at the library in her town where she helps her community get information about financial literacy, in addition to other topics.



Edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are committed to helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances with clear, well-researched facts that break down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites.






Auto loans editor




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