Dashboard settings#
Inside the car#
Combustion cars have separate parts with their own condition. Brakes, springs, dampers, tyres and wheels have separate parts at each corner. A worn front-left tyre can sit alongside three good ones.
| Area | Parts |
|---|---|
| Engine & starting | Engine block, valvetrain, ignition, starter, fuel delivery and oil system |
| Cooling & electrical | Radiator, coolant pump, battery and alternator |
| Drivetrain | Transmission, differential and clutch or torque converter |
| Brakes & steering | A brake at each corner, plus the steering assembly |
| Suspension & tyres | Separate springs, dampers, tyres and wheels at each corner |
| Exhaust | Exhaust and catalytic-converter assembly |
| Bodywork | Doors, bonnet, boot, glass and lights |
Signs of trouble#
You might hear an engine rattle, notice the cabin lights dip or struggle to start the car. Drivers, passengers and people nearby can notice different signs of trouble.
“A faint metallic rattle can be heard from the engine bay.”
Mechanic inspections#
A mechanic can inspect individual parts to find out how much life they have left. Checks range from a walk-around and a look under the bonnet to road tests, lift inspections and specialist work.
Customers can receive an inspection report with condition grades, safety concerns and recommended repairs.
How parts wear out#
Driving distance and engine running time wear different parts at different rates. Crashes, fire and water damage add wear. Part quality and previous use also affect condition.
One fault can damage other parts. Poor cooling adds engine wear, while worn suspension wears the tyre at the same corner faster.
Severe faults can make a car hard to start, limit how it drives or stop it from moving.
Buying and selling used parts#
Salvage and chopping recover the parts fitted to a vehicle. Each part keeps its wear when removed, sold or fitted to another compatible car.
A mechanic can inspect a used part before you buy it.
A mechanic could sell a worn replacement as a good part, knowing the customer cannot check its health. Another might disclose the wear and price it to match.
Servicing and repairs#
Oil, coolant, brakes, transmission and ignition have separate service needs. Overdue servicing increases wear.
Workshops can quote for repairs, get the customer’s approval and record the completed work. Used replacement parts keep their existing wear.
Keys and ownership#
Every vehicle has a key. Whoever holds it can use the car, including someone you give it to.
Garages provide storage. Sales and ownership transfers keep the car’s existing parts and wear.