Problems with brakes, suspension, or other systems are detected even when the car seems to be driving perfectly, according to more than 1000 used cars inspected by specialists at the “Longo LT” preparation center.
Read more Minister: urgent action sought from the EC regarding storm damage to agriculture
The inspection results show that only a small portion of cars arrive completely without remarks. On average, each has about four recorded defects or signs of wear. Most are found in the brake system, says Ugnė Debeikienė, head of the used car sales company “Longo LT” preparation center.
“About 6 out of 10 cars have various remarks regarding the brake system, and almost every second one has issues with the suspension and steering mechanism. We also often encounter tire wear, engine oil leaks and gasket problems, as well as defects in the turbo, intake, and exhaust systems. Most often, we find what naturally wears out in a car and what the previous owner often postpones replacing,” says U. Debeikienė.
Natural wear or serious malfunction?
More than half of the defects recorded during inspections were natural wear that did not require repair at that time. However, the expert emphasizes the importance of distinguishing such remarks from problems that could affect safety.
“Brake discs may be worn but still meet requirements, tires may be approaching the replacement limit, and there may be slight oil condensation visible on the engine. Quite different are play in the steering mechanism, damaged brake pipes, or a cracked spring. Such defects cannot be left for later,” explains U. Debeikienė.
Turbo, timing chain or belt, injectors, clutch, and flywheel malfunctions may not pose immediate danger but can lead to significant expenses.
Not all defects can be felt on the road
Some car problems are hard to notice because they develop gradually. The driver may get used to deteriorating suspension, shock absorbers, or brake condition, fail to notice unevenly worn tires or minor oil leaks. Even less can be said about the car’s condition from a short test drive.
“The turbo may start making noises or leaking oil, although the car still drives normally. Control unit memories may contain errors, even though no warning lights are on the dashboard. Therefore, a car that leaves a good impression during a short test drive can tell a completely different story when lifted on a hoist and connected to diagnostic equipment,” says the expert.
Inspection starts even before arriving in Lithuania
According to U. Debeikienė, before a car arrives in Lithuania, its history, mileage, origin, service records, previous owners, legal and financial status are checked. Cars with questionable history or serious previous damages do not pass the selection.
Read more Today is the day of the angel number: 5 Zodiac signs are waiting for a special gift
Technical inspection is performed at the preparation center: the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, tires, electronics, exhaust system, body, safety, and comfort systems are evaluated. The car is also checked with diagnostic equipment, inspected on a hoist, and tested on the road.
“It is important not only whether the car drives today. We assess its real condition and what expenses it may require in the near future. Cars are often sold when several major maintenance tasks are approaching, so these may not be noticeable at the time of purchase,” says U. Debeikienė.
Age and mileage do not tell the whole story
The technical condition of a car also depends on how it was used and maintained. According to the expert, a car that has driven 200,000 kilometers mostly on highways and has been regularly serviced may be in better condition than a car with 90,000 kilometers driven short distances in the city. On the other hand, gaskets and rubber parts age over time, and corrosion may appear.
“Diesel cars require more attention to DPF, EGR, ‘AdBlue’ systems, injectors, or flywheel. Turbocharged gasoline engines may have oil consumption, timing chain, or deposit problems. Hybrids have less brake wear but require evaluation of the high-voltage battery. There is no single best engine – each has its areas worth checking before purchase,” notes U. Debeikienė.
When is a car no longer prepared for sale?
Attention is also paid to the quality of previous repairs during inspection. Possible problems may be indicated by uneven paint thickness or body gaps, non-original fastenings, improperly used sealing materials, poorly connected wires, or unresolved electronic errors.
When defects are found, a decision is made whether it is reasonable to repair and prepare the car for sale. Defects affecting safety are fixed, but in some cases, the car is rejected.
“If an engine or gearbox malfunction is detected, and its repair becomes disproportionate to the car’s value, there is no point in preparing such a car for sale. The principle is simple: if we cannot guarantee its condition enough to provide a warranty, we do not prepare such a car for sale,” emphasizes U. Debeikienė.
Read more When the wind shut down Lithuania: what the storm revealed about the fragility of our lives?
