How to Check The Engine Condition of Your Car

July 15, 2022 · 3 min read

What are the telltale signs that it’s time to buy a new car? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. Many folks procrastinate when it comes to buying a new ride, either because they don’t want to deal with the hassle or they’re afraid of sticker shock.

But if you wait too long, you might find yourself in a situation where your old car is too unreliable or costly to keep driving. So how do you know when to pull the trigger and upgrade? Here are five tips by Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC to help you decide.

The Signs!

1. Your Current Car Keeps Breaking Down

It may be time for an auto upgrade if you constantly deal with car trouble. Of course, every car will need some repairs from time to time

When you’re buying a used car, there’s no better way to find out what shape it’s in than to look at the engine. This can tell you everything from how well the previous owner took care of the vehicle to its actual mileage. The following tips will help you check the engine of the car you’re considering:

Check the Service History

Ensure you ask for the vehicle’s service history, both for repairs and oil changes. This will help you gauge how well the car has been maintained by looking at things like the condition of belts and hoses, as well as any fluid leaks or damage to parts.

Try Starting the Car

If the car you’re considering has a starting problem, it could indicate several issues, including corrosion of the battery connections or alternator wires. This could show that the engine is weak as well. A good car should start immediately after you’ve turned the ignition, and on the first attempt.

Cold Start the Car

If the car has been sitting outside for a while, test it by starting it from cold. If the engine hesitates or stalls out when started, this is an indication of problems related to compression or a weak engine. This can cause your car to break down even if it seems to run fine in between starts.

Smell the Engine

If you smell exhaust fumes or any other strange smell in the car’s cabin, it could be an indication of multiple issues. It could be that your gas cap is loose or cracked, the issue with the spark plugs, a leak in the exhaust system below the engine block, or a burning of coolant because of leakage.

Listen for Strange Noises

When starting up your car, listen closely to ensure no unusual noises are coming from the engine. Any strange clicking, grinding, or whining sounds should be investigated and diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible before you invest your money.

Lookout for Oil Leaks

Oil leaks could mean your car needs an oil change, or that there’s a serious leak in the engine seals. Sometimes, oil leaks are not observed on the ground; but rather on the lower surfaces of the engine. Take a video underneath the car and watch it carefully to be sure there are no leaks.

Check the Color of the Exhaust Fumes

Although most exhaust fumes are a grayish-black color, they can change color if there’s an issue with the engine. If you notice white smoke or blue-black smoke coming out of your tailpipe, it could be a sign that there’s damage to the engine or other parts of the vehicle.

Buy Your Car From a Reputable Dealership

Buying your used car from a reputable source is a great way to ensure you get something reliable. If you’re in the market and searching, reach out to Vann York Chevrolet. We’re happy to find you a car that you’ll love.

2026 Chevy Traverse with Liftgate Open High Point, NC

Aug 21, 2026

2026 Chevrolet Traverse: A Look at its Interior Space and Technology

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row SUV that brings a perfect balance of practicality and convenience to families in High Point, NC. From its flexible seating to its advanced technology suite, the Traverse is built to handle the demands of family life without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a well-rounded option for a family SUV, there’s a lot to like about the Traverse. more Room for Everyone and Everything One of the strong features of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is how much space it has. The Traverse offers seating for up to 8 passengers across three rows, making it a good choice for larger families or those who regularly carpool. When you need to haul gear instead of people, the Traverse has up to 98 cu.ft. of maximum cargo volume - a figure that puts it ahead of many competitors in this segment. The Smart Slide seat functionality makes accessing the third row easier for passengers of all ages. An AutoSense Power Liftgate lets you open the SUV hands-free when your arms are full. Technology That Keeps You Connected The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse brings a strong lineup of in-cabin technology. Every Traverse comes standard with a 17.7-in touchscreen display and an 11-in driver information screen. Available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance technology is offered, providing compatible highway driving support. Available HD Surround Vision gives drivers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle to help with parking. Performance and Capability Under the hood, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a turbocharged 2.5L engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 328 hp and 326 lb.ft. of torque, offering smooth acceleration if you're merging on the highway or driving downtown. Standard towing capacity reaches 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, making it a practical option for towing needs. See the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse for Yourself The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse brings together leading cargo space, smart technology, and a strong performance in one well-rounded package. If you're managing school pickups, weekend adventures, or everything in between, this SUV is designed to keep up. Stop by our Chevy dealership and explore the Traverse lineup to find the trim that fits your lifestyle.

Jul 28, 2026

2026 Chevy Trax vs. Trailblazer: Which SUV Is Right for You?

The small SUV market is definitely packed with choices—but the 2026 Chevy Trax and Trailblazer are go-to picks for many. For families, commuters, and drivers looking for an SUV with efficiency in High Point, North Carolina, both vehicles offer a lot of value—but they're designed with slightly different drivers in mind. Here's a closer look at how they stack up. Size and Interior The Trax and Trailblazer are close in size, but there are some noticeable differences. The Trailblazer offers a slightly larger cabin feel with a bit more cargo flexibility with up to 54.4 cu. ft. of cargo space. more The Trax keeps things practical and efficient, which is ideal for city commuters or anyone who spends more time navigating tight parking lots than loading up for a road trip. It provides a generous up to 54 cu. ft. of cargo space. Both have enough interior space to ride comfortably for everyday driving needs. Both SUVs also come equipped with modern technology. The Trax has an available 11-inch touchscreen, while the Trailblazer comes with an 11-inch screen as standard. Performance and Driving Experience Both models use turbocharged engines designed for efficiency and everyday responsiveness. The Trailblazer offers available all-wheel drive and can get equipped with either a 1.2L Turbo 3-cylinder engine offering 137 horsepower or an available 1.3L Turbo 3-cylinder engine that get output 155 horsepower. The Trax has a 1.2L Turbo 3-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower available. The Trax focuses on smooth, easy-to-manage driving. It's nimble, practical, and well-suited for daily commuting. The Trailblazer, with its available all-wheel drive and sportier character, is a better fit for drivers who want a bit more capability built in. Which One Should You Choose? The right choice really comes down to your daily routine and priorities. If you're looking for a great city-friendly SUV, the Trax delivers. If you want a bit more space and added capability, the Trailblazer is worth the step up. Both the 2026 Chevy Trax and Trailblazer offer the dependability and thoughtful design that Chevy is known for. Drivers throughout High Point, North Carolina can explore both models and find the one that fits their life best.

Jul 31, 2026

2026 Chevy Silverado HD: Built for Heavy-Duty Work

If you need a truck that can keep up with demanding jobs, long hauls, and longer work weeks, the 2026 Chevy Silverado HD stands ready. Its brawny capability, purposeful technology, and relentless durability make it a go-to for hard-working drivers and crews. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, towing equipment, or navigating tough terrain, this heavy-duty pickup brings a long list of features to suit High Point, North Carolina drivers. Power That Means Business At the heart of the 2026 Chevy Silverado HD features is a choice of robust powertrains designed to handle the heaviest demands. The available Duramax® 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 delivers 470 hp and 975 lbs.-ft. of torque efficiently, especially for towing and hauling. The standard 6.6L V8 gas engine provides reliable, straightforward performance for everyday work tasks with 401 hp and 464 lbs.-ft. of torque. Both are paired with the heavy-duty Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission. Having the right powertrain for the specific kind of work you do makes all the difference. The Silverado HD is built to deliver that confidence no matter what the workday brings. more One of the talked-about 2026 Chevy Silverado HD features is its competitive towing and payload capability, engineered to handle substantial trailer weights and heavy cargo loads, making it a go-to choice for contractors, farmers, and fleet operators. Capability varies between the 2500 HD and 3500 HD models and by engine, so knowing your requirements is helpful. Technology for the Jobsite The 2026 Chevy Silverado HD features a well-equipped cabin with technology designed to keep you connected and in control. A 13.4” available touchscreen brings navigation, audio, and vehicle information to your fingertips. Trailering tech is extensive, with features like offered Transparent Trailer View and Hitch View. Visit Us to Experience the 2026 Silverado HD The 2026 Chevy Silverado HD features make it a well-rounded heavy-duty truck available for drivers who need performance and practicality in equal measure. From its powerful engine options to its smart worksite technology, every detail points toward capability and reliability. If you’re ready to find the right configuration for your needs, stop by our High Point, North Carolina dealership, and explore what these trucks have to offer.