Must Check Oil Chamber and Radiator Before Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is a smart way to own a vehicle without breaking the bank. But skip a thorough inspection, and you could face repairs costing millions of rupiah.

According to Sundoro Edi, owner of Inspector Car in Jakarta, you can avoid major losses with just two simple checks. “Just check the oil chamber and radiator.You can quickly tell if the car is healthy or likely to cause problems,” Sundoro told Kompas.com on October 10, 2025.

First,inspect the oil chamber.Simply open the oil cap and look for oil sludge or crust. Also,check if the oil appears mixed with water. “Dark brown oil sludge signals a dirty engine and poor oil circulation. This usually happens when oil changes are neglected,” sundoro explained. A milky or frothy appearance indicates water contamination, wich is a serious issue.

Next, examine the radiator. Check the coolant level and its condition. Rust or a murky colour suggests potential cooling system problems. Also, look for signs of oil in the coolant, which could indicate a blown head gasket – a costly repair. “If the coolant looks clean and the level is correct, thatS a good sign,” Sundoro added.”But if it’s dirty or low, be cautious.”

These two quick checks won’t reveal every potential issue,but they’re a great starting point. Don’t hesitate to have a trusted mechanic perform a more extensive inspection before finalizing any purchase. A little due diligence can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road.

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