Maintain Your Used Car in Roanoke, VA

Looking to buy a used car in Roanoke? The difference between a deal and a money pit usually comes down to one thing: maintenance. At Berglund Used Car Super Center, we know what makes a used car well-kept or poorly-kept – and want you to know, too. Let's discuss the signs of properly maintained used cars so that you can shop with confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

1. Clean, Consistent Service Records

One of the prime indicators of a well-maintained vehicle is the presence of service history documents. Routine service records for oil changes, tire rotation, brake inspection, or anything else on a regular itinerary are a good sign that the previous owner took their responsibilities seriously.

Ask for a vehicle history or anything else that will demonstrate what servicing has been completed. If you notice the mileage records show a gap, and no service paperwork aligns with that mileage, that is concerning and wrong enough to warrant a closer investigation.

2. Smooth, Quiet Startup

A properly warmed-up engine shouldn't make noise and should start cleanly when you turn the key or push the button. Listen for noise. It shouldn’t be grinding, ticking, or taking a long time for the engine to fire up. These noises could indicate larger issues, especially if the car is cold in the morning.

Pro tip: Start the engine cold if you can. The warm engine may hide problems when starting up.

3. Even Tire Wear

Looking at the tires can tell you a lot. If the wear is relatively even across all four tires, it usually means that the suspension and alignment are in good condition, and the previous owner rotated them enough.

If the tread is worn more on the inside, outside, or one tire, it could suggest an alignment problem, or possibly a more serious issue with the steering or suspension system.

4. Clean Fluids = Healthy Systems

Pop the hood and check the fluids. Well-maintained vehicles tend to have:

• Oil: Clean, amber-colored, and free of sludge
• Coolant: Bright and filled to the appropriate level
• Transmission Fluid: Pink to red and not burnt-smelling
• Brake Fluid: Clear or slightly yellow, not dark and dirty

Any fluids that look or smell off could be a red flag – or at least a sign that routine upkeep was ignored.

5. No Mystery Lights on the Dash

When the vehicle powers on, all the warning lights should illuminate briefly, then turn off once the engine is running. If any warning lights stay on (especially the check engine, ABS, or airbag lights), ask questions.

Some lights can be reset temporarily without actually fixing the issue, so if you’re unsure, have one of our trusted technicians take a closer look.

6. Smooth Ride and Solid Brakes

On your test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle handles. A well-maintained car should ride smoothly with no excessive bouncing or drifting. The brakes should engage confidently and quietly – no squealing, grinding, or pulsing in the pedal.

If anything feels loose, rough, or unbalanced, it could be a sign the vehicle needs suspension work or brake repair.

7. Interior and Exterior That’s Been Cared For

Sure, dings and stains happen – but a vehicle that’s been cleaned regularly inside and out says a lot about how it’s been treated overall. Look for intact upholstery, working electronics, and clean carpets. On the outside, consistent paint quality and no signs of rust or body filler are all good signs.

Shop Smart at Berglund Used Car Super Center

We take pride in offering vehicles that meet high standards, because we know Roanoke drivers deserve more than just a low sticker price. Every vehicle on our lot goes through a thorough inspection, and we’re happy to walk you through the details of any car you’re considering.

Ready to upgrade? Visit us today, and let’s find you a vehicle that’s been taken care of, just like you’d take care of it next. We’ll even give you some expert financing tips.