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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 offering you financial calculators and interactive tools as well as publishing original and impartial content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare data for free and help you make informed financial decisions. Bankrate has agreements with issuers including, but not restricted to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make money The products that appear on this website are provided by companies that compensate us. This compensation can affect the way and where products appear on this website, for example for instance, the order in which they may be listed within the categories of listing in the event that they are not permitted by law for our mortgage or home equity products, as well as other products for home loans. But this compensation does not influence the information we provide, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not contain the entire universe of businesses or financial offers that may be accessible to you.

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3 min read published 29 March 2022

Authored by Kellye Guinan. Written by Personal and Business Finance contributor

Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer with more than 5 years experience working in the field of personal finances. She’s also a full-time worker at her local library which she assists her local community to get information about financial literacy, as well as other topics.

The edit was done by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to control their finances through providing clear, well-researched facts that break down otherwise complicated topics into bite-sized pieces.

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A thorough analysis of engine oil provides insights into a range of issues. It is able to identify the contaminations that have leaked into the engine, such as antifreeze or gasoline. It can assess whether the air and oil filters are working correctly. Also, it will identify the tiny metal particles that have worn off the inside of the engine and whether the levels are below or average for the engine type and mileage. If you can spot potential expensive issues, you can stay clear of an unending pit of mechanical problems. Three reasons to conduct an oil test prior to buying an used vehicle It might not be the best advice when shopping for an used vehicle, but an oil analysis could reveal a lot. The quality of the engine can be easily checked by the analysis of oil. The decision you make to purchase a car should be based on the analysis, and oil analysis may provide valuable information about the condition that the vehicle has. 1. Find out the condition of the engine The principal reason to get an oil analysis conducted is to assess the engine’s health. An oil analysis checks for oxidation, concentration of metal particles and the quality of the lubrication, among other indicators. An owner who was previously in the vehicle should have maintained their engine and regularly had oil changes. The oil analysis — as well as the mechanic’s logs- are a good evidence that the car is well maintained. 2. Catch and prevent potential problems Prevent potential problems with used cars, particularly older models, might not have been maintained correctly from previous owners. When you confirm that the engine is in good condition, you’re ensuring you are not purchasing a vehicle that isn’t durable. Alongside confirming the health of your engine it is also possible to detect potential issues down the road. Even something as simple as knowing the frequency of future oil maintenance can be beneficial to ensure the health of your vehicle. 3. Free or inexpensive with a used car purchases dealerships might provide an oil test as part of the package — similar to getting a history report on the car. In this scenario the cost could be low or included in the administration costs. Whatever the case, you’ll be able to get the results you want without putting in any extra effort on your part. If the seller doesn’t provide the service, you can purchase an oil analysis kit on your own. It may take a little longer to see an analysis, however it’s worth it, particularly in the event that the seller does not keep track of their appointments with the mechanic. How to get an oil analysis done The oil test can be conducted by a mechanic or yourself with an at-home instrument. If you get it done by a mechanic, the biggest part is waiting for it to be done and the results. If you are doing it yourself, go over the steps on your kit and watch a few instructional videos. But here are the basic steps: Warm up the engine, and then take a sample of the oil by using the tubing provided with the kit. Send the sample to a reputable laboratory. The results will be availableapproximately two to three days -and then read the report. The report may include helpful comments, but if you aren’t certain about the results, it’s best to consult an expert mechanic for an opinion. What do you do if results aren’t stellar The choice to make the purchase is entirely up to you. Each vehicle, whether new or used, will need maintenance. The analysis of oil could identify potential issues, but if they aren’t too expensive or exceed what you’re willing to pay, it could still be worth it to buy the car , particularly in the event that it meets the other requirements. If the expense of maintaining is too high then there’s no reason that you have to proceed with the purchase. There are many ways to fix problems and you could be in a position to pay much more than what the vehicle is worth if you frequently need to take it to a mechanic. Take into consideration the expense of routine maintenance against the expense of engine problems that could or may not occur. However, if you’re financing your vehicle, you should be aware of the risk that additional repair costs could cause you to be in a position that could lead to more financial stress down the road. The next steps at all times, an oil analysis only provides some insight on the potential future for the vehicle and the condition of its engine. It’s a useful to have a diagnostic tool in the process of shopping for a used vehicle. However, it’s not the only tool. Make sure to thoroughly review all the mechanical and safety features of a car -and also the accident history — before making a decision to buy it. Related articles:

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Written by Business and personal finance Contributor

Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer with over five years ‘ experience within personal finances. She’s also a full-time worker at her local library which she assists her local community to access information about financial literacy, as well as other subjects.

The edit was done by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor

Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are dedicated to helping their readers gain the confidence to control their finances through providing precise, well-researched and researched data that breaks complex topics into manageable bites.

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