INTRODUCTION
Considering the economic situation globally, individuals and corporations, have opted for used cars(what Nigerians, call "Tokunbo", as a substitute for new ones. Though new cars, would afford you tremendous maintenance cost savings, and even ratchet up your status in the society, these benefits usually accrue to the owner, in the first 2-4years. After that, the car(s), becomes a frequent visitor to the workshop(its depreciation rate increases, the first day the car left the car lot). Because of the attendant costs of maintenance, and the embarrassment such cars would cause when they breakdown, individuals, and corporations dispose of these vehicles, before they gulp a " hole" in their financial savings.

In a bid to cash in to salvaging these kinds of vehicles, it would behoove you to note that some of these used cars, cone with almost the benefits attached to the new ones.
So, getting a used car, shouldn't be demeaning, if proper maintenance schedules are followed.

SOME BASIC CHECKS TO PERFORM ON A USED CAR
Despite the myth people have about imported used cars being perfectly in good condition, it should bore in mind that such cars have being used, and would require basic maintenance checks as follows:

1. FLUIDS REPLACEMENT

¶¶¶ Radiator/Inverter Converter System Coolants.
Depending on the mileage of vehicles, imported into the country, coolants in a car's cooling system, degrade with age, and mileage.
Coolants normally are always due for replacement, every two to three years. If they aren't replaced, the additives in them, tend to form sludge responsible for corrosions in radiators, and overheating.

¶¶¶ Transmission system
Transmission fluids in automatic and CVT (continuous variable transmission), helps such transmissions reduce frictional motions, and acts as coolants, in transferring heat from the internal components of the transmission. They reduce or prevent wear and tear, and also enhance fuel efficiency.
A dead, or poor quality transmission fluid in such system, would damage the system, if adequate checks are not carried out. Replacing such fluids saves you the cost of transmission failures and replacement in future.

¶¶¶ Brake system. Your car's brake systems consists of the salvo mechanism/master, pads, discs/drums/brake shoes(linings). Any of these components can be faulty, or might have failed, without the owner of the car realizing. Failure in any of these, could cause fatal accidents.
Ensure such components are checked before driving the car to your destination.

Brake fluids, like any other fluids, degrades also with usage.
Brake fluids not replaced as at when due, would wear out the rubber seals in the brake master, and salvo mechanism.

Perform a brake system flush. This service, flushes out all the old dark coloured brake fluids in the system, and replaces it with a fresh brake fluid. This way, brake application problems are avoided.
Remember, what causes your brake pedal to go straight down during application, are worn out brake master cylinder seals, and or seals in the calipers, or leaks.

2. BELTS REPLACEMENT

¶¶¶ Timing and drive belts. Belts are made from rubber materials, that degrade, with time as a result of usage, or expiry of the nylon materials used.
High mileage cars requires belt replacements. For instance, a worn, or brittle timing belt, as seen in some old modern vehicles, can cause engine damage(bent valves, and lose of power on motion, which could be fatal).
A note of caution in case your case timing belt, suddenly fails, do not crank the engine innumerable times. Request for the services of a tow truck, call a competent auto shop close by.
Timing belts, are normally replaced at 100000miles.
You can know if the timing belt of your used d car has being replaced from abroad.
A sticker is always stamped on the timing belt plastic cover, as seen in the Camry 98' and 2000 models(tiny light; that's what Nigerians call that car).
An unreplaced timing belt is a panacea for engine failure.
Choose preventive maintenance, than an emergency/outright replacement maintenance. That saves a lot of bucks people!

PS: Replacing timing belts are not easy tasks. Its a job that takes 3-6hours, depending on engine configuration, capacity, ergonomics, and skill level of the mechanic.

3. ELECTRICAL

¶¶¶Ensure the HORNS, and headlight bulbs are in working condition. Replace the if defective.

¶¶¶Scan the car for trouble codes, just in case you've got check engine light, and some other lights showing on the dashboard.

Note: Some car's won't display the check engine light on the dashboard, even if the car's ECU, has recorded some fault(s). Reason being, that the bulb, might have been dead.
Never assume if there isn't a check engine light on, the car has a clean bill of health. Just go ahead and scan the car.


4. FILTERS

*AC carbon filters. These filters helps trap dirt and microorganisms from outside environment before the air gets into the car's interior.
Clogged filters, reduces a cars Ac system cooling efficiency, and can cause evaporator and compressor/condenser systems damage.
Most threatening of the impacts of a clogged or dirty filter, is the breeding of bacteria and molds, which studies have shown, are responsible for majority of the respiratory tract infections car owners face daily in their commute to work, etc.

*Mass airflow filter. This filter, filters incoming air from the environment, and sends it straight to the intake manifold, where it's mixed up in the proper fuel/air ratios, to complete the combustion process in an engine. When these filters are blocked, it cuts down the required volume of air needed for the fuel/air mix, thereby causing a rich fuel situation.
Filters gets weak, and expires, reducing its efficiency.
New filters would increase fuel economy drastically.

5. CORROSION PREVENTION.
Almost all cars gave seen come from the USA, are heavily, or mildly corrosion infested. Depending on the level and state of the corrosion, the cost of corrosion treated, would vary.
Methods of corrosion prevented, could be any of painting, application of silicon based grease, coal tar application, and even washing the car and giving it a nice polish.


6. Never wash your car with a harsh detergent. That would damage the paint. Instead, a mild liquid soap would do. When you wash the car, wash it mildly with smooth towel, or foam.

7. INTERIORS
Proper detailing of the car should be considered.
Cars that have spent years parked at the car lot, have got bacteria and all kinds of molds ganging on the car's interiors, such as the chairs, Ac system vents, seat belts, and underneath the carpets. Use only appropriate leather cleaning agents on leather seats. These would keep the seats shining crisp.
An antibacterial cleaning service against these bacteria and molds are readily available at sine automotive shops around. This sort of service, would keep you healthy, and save you some bucks, replacing Ac system parts.

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

* Should the car's thermostat be removed? NO

* Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

*Should the singled celled radiator system be replaced because our "climate" is tropical? YES, and NO.

YES, if you've discovered the car overheats; after all troubleshooting has been performed, the culprit's been nailed down to the radiator system.

NO, if there hasn't being any complaints or issues with the radiator system yet.

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆}



CONCLUSION.
Buying a used car, can still afford you the benefits of a new car. But the key to deriving such continuous benefits lies in adhering to a scheduled maintenance regiment.
Save yourself the costs of repairs, and breakdowns, and you'd enjoy same benefits from your "new" car!





Regards,
Joseph
08066643532(WhatsApp/call)
Twitter: @dw_nig


PSS: In the near future, I'll be carrying reviews on some cars in this platform.


Send your comments, and criticism.

Thanks for the tip OP.


I will take to that!

Meanwhile, is this applicable to those who intend to buy a Belgium used cars that has be passed to a Nigerian and also passed to another Nigerian and another Nigerian?

not bad

nice one ;Dnice one

OK

BEWARE

Noted..nice one Op

OK but

Thanks OP. The mods don dey get small sense.

Nice piece

THANKS NICE INFO

Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

Please I want you to explain the effect of this point,An Auto electrician did this in my car since then the sound changed and the fuel consumption became high. I drive a Toyota corolla sport.

Ekakamba:
Thanks OP. The mods don dey get small sense.

I dey take style report u and the feel u for wetin u write.

TRYGO:
INTRODUCTION
Considering the economic situation globally, individuals and corporations, have opted for used cars(what Nigerians, call "Tokunbo", as a substitute for new ones. Though new cars, would afford you tremendous maintenance cost savings, and even ratchet up your status in the society, these benefits usually accrue to the owner, in the first 2-4years. After that, the car(s), becomes a frequent visitor to the workshop(its depreciation rate increases, the first day the car left the car lot). Because of the attendant costs of maintenance, and the embarrassment such cars would cause when they breakdown, individuals, and corporations dispose of these vehicles, before they gulp a " hole" in their financial savings.

In a bid to cash in to salvaging these kinds of vehicles, it would behoove you to note that some of these used cars, cone with almost the benefits attached to the new ones.
So, getting a used car, shouldn't be demeaning, if proper maintenance schedules are followed.

SOME BASIC CHECKS TO PERFORM ON A USED CAR
Despite the myth people have about imported used cars being perfectly in good condition, it should bore in mind that such cars have being used, and would require basic maintenance checks as follows:

1. FLUIDS REPLACEMENT

¶¶¶ Radiator/Inverter Converter System Coolants.
Depending on the mileage of vehicles, imported into the country, coolants in a car's cooling system, degrade with age, and mileage.
Coolants normally are always due for replacement, every two to three years. If they aren't replaced, the additives in them, tend to form sludge responsible for corrosions in radiators, and overheating.

¶¶¶ Transmission system
Transmission fluids in automatic and CVT (continuous variable transmission), helps such transmissions reduce frictional motions, and acts as coolants, in transferring heat from the internal components of the transmission. They reduce or prevent wear and tear, and also enhance fuel efficiency.
A dead, or poor quality transmission fluid in such system, would damage the system, if adequate checks are not carried out. Replacing such fluids saves you the cost of transmission failures and replacement in future.

¶¶¶ Brake system. Your car's brake systems consists of the salvo mechanism/master, pads, discs/drums/brake shoes(linings). Any of these components can be faulty, or might have failed, without the owner of the car realizing. Failure in any of these, could cause fatal accidents.
Ensure such components are checked before driving the car to your destination.

Brake fluids, like any other fluids, degrades also with usage.
Brake fluids not replaced as at when due, would wear out the rubber seals in the brake master, and salvo mechanism.

Perform a brake system flush. This service, flushes out all the old dark coloured brake fluids in the system, and replaces it with a fresh brake fluid. This way, brake application problems are avoided.
Remember, what causes your brake pedal to go straight down during application, are worn out brake master cylinder seals, and or seals in the calipers, or leaks.

2. BELTS REPLACEMENT

¶¶¶ Timing and drive belts. Belts are made from rubber materials, that degrade, with time as a result of usage, or expiry of the nylon materials used.
High mileage cars requires belt replacements. For instance, a worn, or brittle timing belt, as seen in some old modern vehicles, can cause engine damage(bent valves, and lose of power on motion, which could be fatal).
A note of caution in case your case timing belt, suddenly fails, do not crank the engine innumerable times. Request for the services of a tow truck, call a competent auto shop close by.
Timing belts, are normally replaced at 100000miles.
You can know if the timing belt of your used d car has being replaced from abroad.
A sticker is always stamped on the timing belt plastic cover, as seen in the Camry 98' and 2000 models(tiny light; that's what Nigerians call that car).
An unreplaced timing belt is a panacea for engine failure.
Choose preventive maintenance, than an emergency/outright replacement maintenance. That saves a lot of bucks people!

PS: Replacing timing belts are not easy tasks. Its a job that takes 3-6hours, depending on engine configuration, capacity, ergonomics, and skill level of the mechanic.

3. ELECTRICAL

¶¶¶Ensure the HORNS, and headlight bulbs are in working condition. Replace the if defective.

¶¶¶Scan the car for trouble codes, just in case you've got check engine light, and some other lights showing on the dashboard.

Note: Some car's won't display the check engine light on the dashboard, even if the car's ECU, has recorded some fault(s). Reason being, that the bulb, might have been dead.
Never assume if there isn't a check engine light on, the car has a clean bill of health. Just go ahead and scan the car.


4. FILTERS

*AC carbon filters. These filters helps trap dirt and microorganisms from outside environment before the air gets into the car's interior.
Clogged filters, reduces a cars Ac system cooling efficiency, and can cause evaporator and compressor/condenser systems damage.
Most threatening of the impacts of a clogged or dirty filter, is the breeding of bacteria and molds, which studies have shown, are responsible for majority of the respiratory tract infections car owners face daily in their commute to work, etc.

*Mass airflow filter. This filter, filters incoming air from the environment, and sends it straight to the intake manifold, where it's mixed up in the proper fuel/air ratios, to complete the combustion process in an engine. When these filters are blocked, it cuts down the required volume of air needed for the fuel/air mix, thereby causing a rich fuel situation.
Filters gets weak, and expires, reducing its efficiency.
New filters would increase fuel economy drastically.

5. CORROSION PREVENTION.
Almost all cars gave seen come from the USA, are heavily, or mildly corrosion infested. Depending on the level and state of the corrosion, the cost of corrosion treated, would vary.
Methods of corrosion prevented, could be any of painting, application of silicon based grease, coal tar application, and even washing the car and giving it a nice polish.


6. Never wash your car with a harsh detergent. That would damage the paint. Instead, a mild liquid soap would do. When you wash the car, wash it mildly with smooth towel, or foam.

7. INTERIORS
Proper detailing of the car should be considered.
Cars that have spent years parked at the car lot, have got bacteria and all kinds of molds ganging on the car's interiors, such as the chairs, Ac system vents, seat belts, and underneath the carpets. Use only appropriate leather cleaning agents on leather seats. These would keep the seats shining crisp.
An antibacterial cleaning service against these bacteria and molds are readily available at sine automotive shops around. This sort of service, would keep you healthy, and save you some bucks, replacing Ac system parts.

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆

* Should the car's thermostat be removed? NO

* Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

*Should the singled celled radiator system be replaced because our "climate" is tropical? YES, and NO.

YES, if you've discovered the car overheats; after all troubleshooting has been performed, the culprit's been nailed down to the radiator system.

NO, if there hasn't being any complaints or issues with the radiator system yet.

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆}



CONCLUSION.
Buying a used car, can still afford you the benefits of a new car. But the key to deriving such continuous benefits lies in adhering to a scheduled maintenance regiment.
Save yourself the costs of repairs, and breakdowns, and you'd enjoy same benefits from your "new" car!





Regards,
Joseph
08066643532(WhatsApp/call)
Twitter: @dw_nig


PSS: In the near future, I'll be carrying reviews on some cars in this platform.


Send your comments, and criticism.

Wanna buy a car

Okay

paulavon:
Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

Please I want you to explain the effect of this point,An Auto electrician did this in my car since then the sound changed and the fuel consumption became high. I drive a Toyota corolla sport.

No. You're already on your way to kill your car.
I guess the same Kazeem might have removed the thermostat.. Now your car will run rich most of the time, because the operating temperature will never be achieved..
The thermostat works by blocking water/coolant until the engine reaches optimal temperature. Now in the absence of it, the engine will be flooded with coolant, and the ever spinning fan will make sure your engine stays cold.. Your car ECU will instruct the injector to mix more fuel to air ratio 'Rich'.. And the final result is increase in feul consumption, increase in emissions and more wear and tear..

@sakalisis. Men, I like that name. How you enjoy the Christmas na?

@sunnymoore. You're right o! Gradually "killing" that car.

@paulavon. paulavon :

Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

Please I want you to explain the effect of this point,An Auto electrician did this in my car since then the sound changed and the fuel consumption became high. I drive a Toyota corolla sport.
No.

This is the reason y the sound changed. I want to believe you meant the sound of the engine(or fan?).
If its the fan, the fan is supposed to have a radiator fan ECU, or regulator, ....that works in consonance with the fan relays, engine coolant temperature sensor, and the engine thermostat.
When the operating temperatures of the engine exceeds a certain threshold, the ECU, in liaison with the engine coolant temperature sensor, commands the engine thermostat to open, thereby allowing in exchange of cold coolant from the outside, and the fan immediately comes on, intermittently. So, if your electrician has bypasses that protocol, there must be some issues along the circuit (electrical now), and not the fluid circuitry.

Effects of that bypass.

* increased noise, because the RPM of the Dan, has being increased, without any regulation, whatsoever.

* shorten fan lifespan. since the fan runs almost immediately the ignition. is turned to the ON position, the fan's bearings, undergo speedy rate of wearing. And that's the reason, you keep replacing fan(s) frequently.
The conservative cost of fan(s) is approximately 5k. So, do the math. If in a year, you replace that fan, you'll have spend 60k already. That's the price of an engine for some 2000s cars.
PS: You might be hearing a groaning kind of noise(maybe that's the noise you'd be referring to, I don't know), signaling the fan's bearing is about failing.

* excess fuel consumption. This is the dynamics.
Part of the reasons automakers endure those fans work or comes on, only when the engine temperature has gotten to a certain temperature, is to help conserve fuel, or simply put, like the Americans would say, ratchet up the fuel economy, is that at those times when the fan doesn't come in, and the temperature of the engine is at minimum, THERE ISN'T EXTRA LOAD PLACED on the ENGINE, and the ECU(car's computer), isn't commanding the injection system to supply in more fuel to compensate for the unusually high demand(load, from frequent fan running). If that system has being compromised, you already have EXTRA LOADS COMING FROM THE FREQUENT RUNNING OF THE FANS, AND THE CONSEQUENT GROANING NOISE FROM THEM, WHEN THE BEARINGS ARE ABOUT FAILING; the end result, would be POOR FUEL ECONOMY.

Hope this answers your questions.


@sulamanalex. Wasalam! What sort of car you looking to buy?

@daniska3yaro. Kai mallam! Na gode. Yaya wiki ne wai? Hope you understood what have just said "yaro"?

@AK47young. " beware!?" No shoot me o! hehehe


@unclezuma! I thought you even traveled to uncle's place? Emmmm, Pres Jacob Zuma na.

@ olaolulazo. Yes it does. If you know the history of that car already, and ... Basically, if you know the car's history, and maybe the operational dynamics of the previous owners.

TRYGO:
@sakalisis. Men, I like that name. How you enjoy the Christmas na?

@sunnymoore. You're right o! Gradually "killing" that car.

@paulavon. paulavon :

Should the radiator fan(s) be automatically be connected to the ignition system, such away that it comes on when the ignition system is ON? NO

Please I want you to explain the effect of this point,An Auto electrician did this in my car since then the sound changed and the fuel consumption became high. I drive a Toyota corolla sport.
No.

This is the reason y the sound changed. I want to believe you meant the sound of the engine(or fan?).
If its the fan, the fan is supposed to have a radiator fan ECU, or regulator, ....that works in consonance with the fan relays, engine coolant temperature sensor, and the engine thermostat.
When the operating temperatures of the engine exceeds a certain threshold, the ECU, in liaison with the engine coolant temperature sensor, commands the engine thermostat to open, thereby allowing in exchange of cold coolant from the outside, and the fan immediately comes on, intermittently. So, if your electrician has bypasses that protocol, there must be some issues along the circuit (electrical now), and not the fluid circuitry.

Effects of that bypass.

* increased noise, because the RPM of the Dan, has being increased, without any regulation, whatsoever.

* shorten fan lifespan. since the fan runs almost immediately the ignition. is turned to the ON position, the fan's bearings, undergo speedy rate of wearing. And that's the reason, you keep replacing fan(s) frequently.
The conservative cost of fan(s) is approximately 5k. So, do the math. If in a year, you replace that fan, you'll have spend 60k already. That's the price of an engine for some 2000s cars.
PS: You might be hearing a groaning kind of noise(maybe that's the noise you'd be referring to, I don't know), signaling the fan's bearing is about failing.

* excess fuel consumption. This is the dynamics.
Part of the reasons automakers endure those fans work or comes on, only when the engine temperature has gotten to a certain temperature, is to help conserve fuel, or simply put, like the Americans would say, ratchet up the fuel economy, is that at those times when the fan doesn't come in, and the temperature of the engine is at minimum, THERE ISN'T EXTRA LOAD PLACED on the ENGINE, and the ECU(car's computer), isn't commanding the injection system to supply in more fuel to compensate for the unusually high demand(load, from frequent fan running). If that system has being compromised, you already have EXTRA LOADS COMING FROM THE FREQUENT RUNNING OF THE FANS, AND THE CONSEQUENT GROANING NOISE FROM THEM, WHEN THE BEARINGS ARE ABOUT FAILING; the end result, would be POOR FUEL ECONOMY.

Hope this answers your questions.


@sulamanalex. Wasalam! What sort of car you looking to buy?

@daniska3yaro. Kai mallam! Na gode. Yaya wiki ne wai? Hope you understood what have just said "yaro"?

@AK47young. " beware!?" No shoot me o! hehehe


@unclezuma! I thought you even traveled to uncle's place? Emmmm, Pres Jacob Zuma na.

@ olaolulazo. Yes it does. If you know the history of that car already, and ... Basically, if you know the car's history, and maybe the operational dynamics of the previous owners.

Thanks sunnymoore and Trygo for your insightful comments, I knew recently that my car is not working well,my car used to work cooly but now the sound is high. The problem started when my fan stopped working one day, it only comes on when I put on AC, if I off the AC the fan will go off. When I took it to the auto electrician, he worked on it and the fan starts working with or without AC. But it affected the car's RMP in the process so he had to adjust it from somewhere. If I put off the AC the RPM will go below 1 but if I put it on it will get to 1.
I spend so much money on fuel now, please guys what can be done to reverse the situation?

@paulavon. You've for to tell your electrician to revert back to its factory status. He may argue and tell you, "Oga our weather de hot here, and oyibo own de cold. Keane am like that". Tell him, you just want it the way it was before. Shikenan.

PS: If I get you correctly, that means your car's cooling fans only comes on when the Ac system is switched ON. If you don't put it on, it means your engine might(overheats)? That means the fan's being controlled manually by you.?

TRYGO:
@paulavon. You've for to tell your electrician to revert back to its factory status. He may argue and tell you, "Oga our weather de hot here, and oyibo own de cold. Keane am like that". Tell him, you just want it the way it was before. Shikenan.

PS: If I get you correctly, that means your car's cooling fans only comes on when the Ac system is switched ON. If you don't put it on, it means your engine might(overheats)? That means the fan's being controlled manually by you.?

The fan was working normally before,it usually get on without AC but all of a sudden it stopped working except I put on the AC. I will meet the electro to reverse it.

@paulavon. Hey brother! You French? Well, by the way, if it was working before as you said, probably the relay that controls the engine fan is faulty; or take a look at the circuitry at the fuse box panel at the hood(bonnet). You might an open circuit somewhere.

NB: The pic displayed was that of a Chevrolet Trans Sport we did fix.

Sunymoore:

No. You're already on your way to kill your car.
I guess the same Kazeem might have removed the thermostat.. Now your car will run rich most of the time, because the operating temperature will never be achieved..
The thermostat works by blocking water/coolant until the engine reaches optimal temperature. Now in the absence of it, the engine will be flooded with coolant, and the ever spinning fan will make sure your engine stays cold.. Your car ECU will instruct the injector to mix more fuel to air ratio 'Rich'.. And the final result is increase in feul consumption, increase in emissions and more wear and tear..

but if don,t make the fan to work immediately you start on the ignition, the temperature will rise beyond the half way mark.

paulavon:


Thanks sunnymoore and Trygo for your insightful comments, I knew recently that my car is not working well,my car used to work cooly but now the sound is high. The problem started when my fan stopped working one day, it only comes on when I put on AC, if I off the AC the fan will go off. When I took it to the auto electrician, he worked on it and the fan starts working with or without AC. But it affected the car's RMP in the process so he had to adjust it from somewhere. If I put off the AC the RPM will go below 1 but if I put it on it will get to 1.
I spend so much money on fuel now, please guys what can be done to reverse the situation?

Kindly explain how much fuel you burn in a week or in every 30km travel? I really need to compare with my current car situation.

Czzy:
but if don,t make the fan to work immediately you start on the ignition, the temperature will rise beyond the half way mark.

Which is still alright.. Most cars optimal temperature is 85-95°C..

Czzy:
Kindly explain how much fuel you burn in a week or in every 30km travel? I really need to compare with my current car situation.

My tank is 60litres, previously full tank last me for almost 10 days, but now barely 5 days it is gone. I drove from Benin with full tank and when I got to Lagos half tank was left, but now am not sure full tank can take me from Benin to Lagos.