Buying a used car is a cost-effective decision, but it often comes with a little uncertainty. Even if the vehicle seems to be in great shape during a test drive, you don’t always know how well the previous owner maintained it. That’s why it’s essential to schedule key maintenance services after your purchase to make sure everything is in proper working order.
Whether you’ve bought from a dealership or a private seller, having a baseline of trusted service gives you peace of mind and helps prevent surprise repairs down the line.
Start with a Full Vehicle Inspection
The first thing you should do is schedule a comprehensive inspection with a trusted repair shop. A trained technician will check the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, suspension, and more. Even if the car passes a basic pre-sale check, a deeper inspection can uncover worn components, fluid leaks, or overlooked maintenance.
This inspection helps establish the vehicle’s true condition and prioritizes what needs attention right away and what can wait.
Change the Fluids and Filters
You never really know when the fluids were last changed in a used car. Old or contaminated fluids can reduce performance and cause long-term damage if left unchecked. It's a good idea to replace:
- Engine oil and oil filter
- Transmission fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
- Brake fluid
- Cabin and engine air filters
Doing this ensures your car starts fresh and gives your new-to-you vehicle the best chance of long-term reliability.
Check the Brakes and Tires
Your safety depends heavily on the condition of your tires and brakes. Uneven tire wear, low tread depth, or cracked sidewalls are all signs that the tires may need to be replaced. Brake pads should also be measured to make sure they’re within safe limits, and the brake system should be checked for wear or fluid leaks.
If your used car has been sitting for a while, the tires may be out of balance or even flat-spotted, and brake components could have developed rust that affects stopping power.
Replace the Battery If Necessary
Used cars often come with older batteries. If your battery is more than three years old or shows signs of weakness, it may be worth replacing. Modern batteries can fail without much warning, and a preemptive replacement avoids the inconvenience of a no-start situation.
If the car starts slowly, the headlights dim when idling, or the battery warning light flickers, it’s time to have it tested.
Review the Maintenance Schedule
Every vehicle has a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule based on mileage. Even if your car runs fine now, it may be overdue for a 30,000, 60,000, or 90,000-mile service. These major intervals include important checks and replacements, like timing belts, spark plugs, or suspension components.
Following this schedule helps protect your investment and avoid surprise repairs that could have been predicted and prevented.
Inspect the Belts, Hoses, and Suspension
Rubber components like belts and hoses can deteriorate over time. Cracks, bulges, or soft spots in coolant hoses or serpentine belts can lead to breakdowns. Likewise, suspension parts like shocks and struts should be checked for leaks or play that can affect ride quality and safety.
Catching these issues early helps you plan for maintenance instead of reacting to a failure.
Schedule Post-Purchase Maintenance at Monkey Wrenches in Brentwood, CA
A used car is only as good as the care it receives. At our shop, we’ll walk you through a complete post-purchase inspection and help you build a personalized maintenance plan. Whether it’s fluid changes, brake service, or a full diagnostic, we’re here to keep your vehicle reliable and safe.
Call Monkey Wrenches in Brentwood, CA, to schedule your post-purchase inspection and start your used car ownership with confidence.