Engine diagnostics in 5 minutes without instruments

There are several simple but effective ways to assess the condition of the engine of any car without visiting service centers. This knowledge will be useful not only for the daily operation of the vehicle, but also help to make the right choice when buying a used car.

What will be needed for diagnostics

All checks are carried out visually and do not require a special tool. Even a completely unprepared person can conduct it, the main thing is that he has good hearing and eyesight, a banknote in his pocket and wet hand wipes.

What is the best place to start?

Of course, a visual inspection of the engine is also quite informative, especially in the market. A wound motor should not emit metallic sounds, operate smoothly and stably. But the main attention will be directed to the study of the exhaust pipe, more precisely, those deposits that are formed during engine operation. You should slide your finger inside the outlet and study what, in fact, remains on it.

Visual inspection of the exhaust

A small amount of soot on the walls of the exhaust pipe is normal, but the complete absence of any contamination indicates that the seller is a seasoned person and he has something to hide. The presence of oil and condensate is a bad sign, indicating problems in the operation of the motor and its deterioration.

Check back pull

With the engine running, you should attach a banknote in such a way that somewhere around one third of the exhaust pipe is covered. It should be pressed from the side opposite from the edge. If the gases move inward, the bill will immediately show it. In this case, deviations from the norm in the operation of the gas distribution and fuel systems, car plugs and, most likely, the passage of one or more valves are possible.
If the bill vibrates exclusively in the direction of the outside, then with the ignition and valves everything is in order.

Re-inspection of the exhaust

For this check, it will be necessary to ensure that the engine operates at high speeds (3-4 thousand) for 1-2 minutes. If the seller prevents this, feel free to leave, even if you like the car. The presence of smoke indicates worn piston rings. After gassing, you should again drag your finger along the inside of the pipe. Some condensation and very little soot may remain on the walls. The presence of oil is a bad sign.

The results of the application of knowledge in practice

Such simple "tricks" not only allow you to independently monitor the state of the engine of your car. Using this method when searching for and buying a new car in the secondary market will allow avoiding unscrupulous sellers and prevent possible financial losses associated with unplanned repairs of a newly purchased car.