Portland OnSite Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspection Service

Portland's ORIGINAL modern used car inspection company. Since 2006 proper Master ASE Certified Technicians performing real inspections. The most technologically advanced used car inspection anywhere

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Don’t forget to winterize your vehicles

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It’s in the 20’s and we’re still out performing used car inspections. One of the most common things we see when the cold weather strikes is frozen windshield washers. Many people are not aware that there is a special blend of winter grade washer fluid that is supposed to prevent your washer fluid from freezing. Most might see this as more as a nuisance, not being able to clear/clean your windshield but this often leads to very expensive repairs down the road.

Your engine coolant when factory filled has a freeze point of -35 degrees. The risk of coolant freezing in an engine can be catastrophic as it can crack the engine block when the ice expands inside.  The same applies and is very common when it comes to the washer system. There are many small expensive plastic components than very easily and commonly crack in the washer system after only 1 good freeze:

  • The washer tank
  • Washer pump(s) 2 in vehicles with rear wipers (wagons and SUV’s)
  • Low level switch assembly
  • Lines and jets.

In every inspection we not only test and report the engine coolant condition and freeze point, but we also check the integrity of the entire washer system from operation to freeze point of the fluid. 98% of the time we see freeze points of only +32 degrees. A simple fix for the winter involves running the old fluid through the system and refilling with the proper winter grade fluid found at most home improvement and auto parts stores. Most of these winter blend formulas also have the added benefit of being deicers as well!

Just another thing to think about when looking at your next vehicle or on your existing vehicles. Stay warm!

ice on wipers

Timing belts vs. Timing Chains – What you should know.

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We’ve been getting a lot of questions about this lately. Simply put timing belts require replacement at manufacture specified intervals; timing chains do not require replacement unless a problem develops. In general, vehicles equipped with timing chains require less costly and frequent maintenance unless the chain, guides or tensioner develop a problem. When this happens the engine must be disassembled and the costs can be many times more than a similar timing belt replacement, in fact many engines require removal to fix.

timing-belt-complex

During our pre-purchase inspections we always check the accessory belt(s) and do what all that we can to determine whether the timing belt was replaced. On most vehicles the timing belt is not easily accessible to inspect without disassembly.  You’re not going to find any independent shop or dealership tearing down an engine to inspect the timing belt in any used car inspection. If you do remove the timing cover to inspect, a visual inspection is usually worthless as an old belt and a new belt are typically virtually indistinguishable if not coated in oil. A 100K belt may look new when it comes to signs of wear and break a week later. If the cam/crank seals, water pump or sometimes even the valve cover are leaking it will saturate the belt in oil, this will quickly break down the belt and/or cause it to slip, stretch or break without warning. Our standard practice is to do our best to look for obvious signs of previous timing belt replacements: stickers/stamping stating replacement, service records, signs such as scratches on the timing belt cover(s) from removal, missing/stripped bolts, signs of motor mount removal, accessory belt condition (belts which sit in front of the timing belt that must be removed to get access to the timing belt and they’re usually replaced during the timing belt service).

broken timing belt

Sometimes there will be records in the history report(s)/ service records in which we typically provide when the VIN is included with your booking/payment prior to actually performing the inspection. If records of previous replacement are not available within the specified time/interval (dependent on the vehicle) we always recommend replacing the timing belt for peace of mind. This is a very crucial component, which is often overlooked. A timing belt that slips or breaks can destroy the engine if it is an interference type of engine. Remember it’s not uncommon for people to sell/trade their vehicles in when the timing intervals approach because of the higher service costs involved so be alert to the manufactures recommended interval which can be every 60,80,90,100,105,110, or 120K miles or based on time 5-7 years. Remember, all belts are made out of rubber and rubber deteriorates with time so a 10 year old Honda Civic with only 40K miles should really have the timing belt replaced even if the interval may be every 105K miles. There are some vehicles such as Kia’s, Hyundai’s, older Volkswagen’s and Audi’s that are known for timing belt issues. These cars absolutely must have the timing belt replaced as often as every 60K miles. This service can cost upwards of $800+ so plan accordingly.

Cooling system leaks, we’ll find them but would other inspections?

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As your engine warms up, the pressure in the cooling system increases. It isn’t uncommon to have a cooling system only leak when the engine is hot. We pressure test cooling systems when appropriate to verify there are no cooling system leaks cold or hot.

Here’s one that would have may been overlooked by most independent/dealer used vehicle inspections as they don’t typically pressurize the cooling systems as part of their standard inspections.

Cooling system leak on a Jeep Wrangler