Rising interest rates on financed cars have led many people to consider second-hand cars. However, buying from a private dealership or used car dealership can be risky. An undisclosed accident or defect can turn a bargain into a costly repair bill.
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But before you buy a used car, an auto expert has shared a handy tool you can use to check the condition of your used car without having to take it in for inspection.
With over 124,000 views on TikTok, Loyalty Auto Service (@royaltyautoservice) Your mechanic will show you how to use the diagnostic tools that connect to your dashboard. Once connected, information about your car’s status will be displayed on your phone.
The mechanic explained that used car dealers frequently “clear codes” by resetting monitors that check things like the engine, airbags, seatbelts, air conditioning, and catalyst health. If you reset the code, you could unknowingly drive a car with a serious problem off your lot and have a warning light come on a few miles down the road.
However, erasing the code does not completely hide defects.
The diagnostic tool will indicate if the code has been cleared and will display “Incomplete.”
What monitors should I check when buying a used car?
While you should check all the monitors listed in the diagnostic tool, TikTokers say there are some that are most important to check.
“The big thing you’re looking for is this catalyst monitor,” the mechanic says. This monitor tracks the condition of the catalytic converter, a component near the engine that controls fuel efficiency and emissions.
“this [monitor] It takes a few weeks to run,” he says. Therefore, if you purchase a used car that has had the code cleared, you may notice the problem long after you purchase the vehicle.
Replacing a catalytic converter can cost more than $2,000, according to AutoZone.
Mechanics tell you to watch out for words like “pending,” “history,” or “incomplete.” It’s also a red flag if the diagnostic tool clears all vehicle codes and displays “Code Not Found.”
“If one of these codes is incomplete, you know it’s cleared and the car hasn’t been driven enough to run all the monitors,” he says. “Please do not purchase until all monitors are finished.”
Buyer responds
In the comments, prospective used car buyers are reacting to the mechanic’s advice.
“Been diagnosing cars and people for over 10 years…this is great advice. Dad’s the best, guys,” says a viewer.
“This is such a good video…I’m a car guy and this is so true,” wrote another.
“I love how transparent you all are,” a third added.
Some people have tried using diagnostic tools when buying a car, with varying degrees of success.
“The dealer told me they couldn’t install a scan tool on the car I was interested in, so I walked away,” one person wrote.
“I always carry a scan tool with me when I’m considering a car I want to buy. I’ve seen some with missing bulbs, dead lights, and a list of codes,” said another. Masu.
@royaltyautoservice Please protect yourself!! #hint #car #viral #kartoku #buy a car #dealer #fyp #for you #Mechanic life #Mechanic #duet #stitch @gearwrenchtools ♬ Pop beat BGM / Long version (1283324) – nightbird_bgm
The Daily Dot reached out to Royalty Auto Service through a contact form and TikTok direct message.
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