The First Things To Upgrade On Your Teenagers New Used Car
If you are teenager has just gotten their first car, and you've decided to buy a used vehicle, then you are going to want to get a few upgrades and replacements. Many people end up buying a used car as their first vehicle because it's affordable, practical, and it makes sense to learn on car that you're not super worried about denting. A brand new, showroom quality luxury car isn't the ideal first car for anyone. But a nice, durable, and reliable used car is perfect. However, there are a few things you need to change out once you bring it home. Here's the important stuff do get done.
Change Out All The Filters
A new car will have fresh, factory installed filters. But your used car has filters that have been doing work. This means they are dirty. The air filter, oil filer, and even the fuel filter are probably in need of a changing (unless the owner supplies you with receipts showing a recent servicing). The oil filter and air filter are relatively easy changes, provided you are handy with cars, and have the correct socket set. A fuel filter is a bit more tricky to do, so it might be best to bring your car in to a shop and get them to change all the filters.
While they are at it, they should also change the oil. There is no point swapping out the oil filter, and putting a new one one and leaving in the old oil. While they are under the car the mechanics might as well drain and replace the oil. You never know how long that oil has been running in the engine (again, unless you have maintenance receipts) and you don't want filthy oil in your car, breaking down and allowing for friction.
New Brake Pads
This one is a big issue with used cars. You might have done a test drive and not noticed anything wrong with the brakes, but that doesn't mean that the pads are in great shape. The prior owner might have had a heavy foot and been really rough on the brakes (speeding and braking, instead of driving at a normal pace). So, you should have the brakes inspected. You don't want to let it get to the point where the pads have rubbed away and the discs are wearing down. That will warp the metal and end up with you having to have them replaced or reground, which is quite expensive.
New Tires
Finally, always get a new set of tires when you get a used car. Used cars are fine, but used tires are not. You should take your car to a good tire shop and have the sales person come out and look at your car and then show you the different options you have as to what tires you can get. It might be the case that the prior owner used tires that were either too big, or too small, which could throw off the balance of the car. So, it's not just an issue of checking for balding tires, you need to be aware of unbalancing problems.