If your car's engine has suffered a catastrophic failure but the rest of the car is still in good shape and has many more useful years in it, then you can have a used engine put into it for a few thousand dollars. However, not all used motors are the same quality, and shopping for one can be frustrating if you don't know what to look for. To reduce your frustration and ensure you purchase a high-quality used car engine, follow these professional mechanic tips.
Tip: Determine the Correct Size and Type of Engine That Will Fit in Your Vehicle
Not all used car engines for sale will fit in all models of vehicle. In addition, some engines that are the same size will not fit into cars made by different manufacturers.
Before you can shop for a used motor for your car, you need to determine the size and manufacturer of the existing motor. If you do not know this information, it will be listed in your owner's manual and online. To save money on the installation price and to save your mechanic frustration, you should purchase a replacement motor that is the same as the blown one.
Tip: Decide if You Want a Salvaged Engine or a Rebuilt One
There are type main types of used engines available on the market.
As their names imply, rebuilt engines are engines that failed and were rebuilt to be used again, and salvage engines are engines salvaged out of wrecked vehicles.
There are positive and negative things about both types of engines, and which you choose is entirely a personal choice. For example, for a car's engine to be removed and sold on the secondary parts market as a salvage motor, it means the motor was in a car damaged badly enough in an accident to be totaled out as not being fixable. Additionally, rebuilt engines are only as good as the mechanic who rebuilt them. However, if you can find a salvage motor with a few miles, then you can potentially get many more miles out of it than one that has been rebuilt.
Tip: Inspect the Engine for Damage Before Purchasing
Finally, while there are many things you can purchase online, a used car motor is not typically one of them. Since every used motor is different, it is important you go see the motor in person and inspect it for any cracks or other visable damage before purchasing it.
Share14 August 2018
Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with car problems, especially when you are on a long road trip. Unfortunately, if you are like most people, you might overlook key car maintenance responsibilities, which can land you in hot water on the road. A few years ago, I was traveling to visit my cousin in California, when my car died right in the middle of the desert. I didn't know what to do, but I knew that the problem was probably caused by not changing my car oil. This blog is dedicated to helping other car owners know how to take care of things, so that you aren't left in dangerous situations.
