Last year, I bought an Audi A4L for the Queen, and my brother-in-law was also tempted and wanted to replace it with a Q5. But the epidemic affected his financial situation, so he could only consider used cars. I don’t know much about used cars and don’t care much. After New Year, he told me that he had bought a Q5 through a friend and asked me to help him see what preparations needed to be made. It’s so easy for young people to buy a car!
I looked at this Q5 and felt that it was generally maintained. The advantage is that the driving range is not high. It has only traveled 100,000 kilometers in 8 years. It is a Tosen mechanical four-wheel drive. The former owner said that the car burned a little oil (consumed 1L for 2000 kilometers), and there was also a problem of leaking antifreeze, so the water pump needed to be replaced. And this car has never been maintained in a 4S shop. My brother-in-law is so bold.
Considering the cost and urgency, I suggested that he make the following preparations first:
1. Remove carbon deposits. Carbon deposition can affect engine performance and fuel consumption, and even cause problems such as knocking and abnormal noise. There are many methods to remove carbon deposits, such as using cleaning agents, dismantling and cleaning, carbon hydroxide cleaning, etc. I suggested that he choose carbon hydroxide cleaning because it can effectively remove carbon deposits without damaging engine parts.
2. Replace the transmission oil and oil pan. Gearbox oil is an important lubricant to ensure the normal operation of the gearbox. If it deteriorates or is missing, it will cause abnormal noises, bumps, oil leaks and other faults in the gearbox. The transmission oil pan is a container for transmission oil. If there is a crack or damage, it can also cause oil leaks. Replacing the transmission oil and oil pan can extend the life of the transmission and improve driving comfort.
3. Replace the spark plug. The spark plug is a key component for igniting the mixture. If the spark plug ages or is damaged, it will cause problems such as reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, and difficulty in starting. Replacing the spark plug can improve the combustion efficiency and stability of the engine.
4. Replace the water pump. The water pump is the core component of the cooling system. It is responsible for circulating antifreeze to the engine and radiator to maintain the appropriate temperature of the engine. If the water pump leaks or is damaged, it will cause problems such as overheating of the engine, missing antifreeze, and lighting of water temperature lights. Replacing the water pump can avoid these problems and protect the engine.
The above are my preliminary inspection and suggestions for this Q5. Of course, there are many other details to pay attention to, such as tires, brake pads, air conditioning filter elements, etc. I hope my brother-in-law can take good care of this car and let it accompany him through more wonderful times.
GemmaBeaufort 
7 
September 2, 2024 
