When you are looking for a used car to buy, you will come across vehicles that are TLC listed or says needs TLC and will work like new and such. But what does TLC mean for cars? Are TLC-listed cars bad? How do you provide TLC?
The term TLC stands for tender loving care, and in a car listing, if you see the car needs TLC, it means the car didn’t get proper care from the previous owner and will require maintenance.
But if it’s listed as the car has received TLC, then it means the previous owner took care of the car, and you won’t need to repair any part.
Here, we will take an in-depth look at what TLC means in a car listing, the problems that come with TLC-listed cars, and everything related.
TLC in A Car Listing – Definition
Needing TLC Definition:
If you find a car with a TLC label, generally, it means the car needs TLC. So it didn’t receive proper and regular maintenance. This can be for a specific part of a car or multiple, even if the vehicle is still running.
Generally, taking care of the TLC-listed parts of the car will allow you to regain some closer to the vehicle’s peak performance. A car needing TLC will cost you less, but you should look for alternate options if the fixing costs are too much.
Received TLC Definition:
There are also cars that are listed for having tender loving care; these vehicles are fantastic to have because they will provide a hassle-free experience. These cars will also cost you more to buy.
TLC in A Car Listing
If you find a car with a TLC label, generally, it means the car needs TLC. So it didn’t receive proper and regular maintenance. This can be for a specific part of a car or multiple, even if the vehicle is still running.
Generally, taking care of the TLC-listed parts of the car will allow you to regain some closer to the vehicle’s peak performance. A car needing TLC will cost you less, but you should look for alternate options if the fixing costs are too much.
There are also cars that are listed for having tender loving care; these vehicles are wonderful to have because they will provide a hassle-free experience. These cars will also cost you more to buy.
Issues You Can Expect from a TLC Listed Car
When a car is listed as needing TLC, this typically means that it can have problems in any part of the vehicle, and most of the time, there isn’t just one. These are the issues that you might encounter in a car without a TLC license:
- Car’s Fluids and Tires
The difference between well-maintained vehicles and ignored ones is often visible in how the fluids are doing. A car has different types of oils, coolants, and liquids roaming through its body. And none of them should be neglected. But this is the first and the most common issue that you will find in a car needing TLC.
Fluid issues can lead to permanent engine damage and high repair cost, which render the vehicle completely useless. So, make sure to check up on these issues if you are looking for a TLC car to buy.
- Interior
From the engine to door knobs, any of them can be damaged or have dust and dirt piling up. Internal damages are hard to detect and sometimes only reveal themselves after it is too late for a fix.
- Exterior
Lastly, the most visible issues will be on the exterior of a TLC-listed car. From uneven wear on the body to missing bumpers and headlights, all can be a possibility for a car without a TLC license.
How to Provide Tender Loving Care to A Listed Car?
TLC is a car slang that is used by almost every veteran car owner. If a car is TLC listed, then regular maintenance wasn’t conducted on that vehicle.
Now, if you happen to come upon a car like that, then you can perform the following car maintenance.
Change the Oil
If it hasn’t been changed for a long time, the oil will start solidifying like a gel. And that won’t allow the engine to receive the oil, and you will end up with engine issues.
So, to avoid this situation and prevent a possible visit to an auto mechanic, you will need to change the car oil after a dedicated time period.
Generally, you should change your oil after 3 to 4 months or after 3 thousand miles. Contact the previous owner and ask him for the details regarding this and then change the oil according to that information.
Fluid Maintenance
For a vehicle listed for TLC, five types of fluid-related issues might occur. That’s why you need to perform maintenance checks on them as well. The fluid that you need to keep an eye on are:
1. Engine Oil
2. Brake Fluid
3. Coolant
4. Power Steering Fluid
5. Transmission Fluid
Engine Oil
Among a car’s fluids, engine oil and brake fluids are arguably the most important. Getting the oil checked ensures that there are no issues on the engine, nor is there a possible oil leak that you might have to worry about.
Brake Fluid
Next is brake fluid. This fluid or oil keeps a car’s brake performing optimally. It ensures that the car brake responds when you press your foot on it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to hit the brakes, and this will always lead to trouble.
Coolant
The cooling system of a car mainly depends on the coolant. Coolant works to protect the engine from being overheated, frozen & rusting. It also plays a vital role in preventing engine corroding and rusting.
Power Steering Fluid
Taking care of the steering wheel is also a big part of TLC for a car, and this form of tender loving care has been ignored by many in the vehicle industry. But if your steering wheel alignment is out of bounds and you can move it around, you will face many problems.
That’s why you need to keep checking on them regularly and do a little TLC in this department. You can save money by not going to the mechanic for a problematic steering wheel.
Transmission Fluid
Last but not least, most TLC-listed automobiles and their transmission fluids aren’t maintained as well.
It generally lubricates the internal machinery of the car; thus, without regular maintenance, it leads to the internal parts wearing down. So don’t forget to do the transmission fluid maintenance when you are showing tender love to your car.
Taking Caring on Unattained Filters
Generally, a car has 4 filters:
1. Air Filter
2. Cabin Filter
3. Fuel Filter
4. Oil Filter
They ensure that the flow of respected elements like air or oils is maintained. And that there is no dust or other forms of dirt that can hinder the performance of your vehicle. But as time passes, the filters get covered up by dust and dirt build-up and therefore require TLC.
Check the Brake Pads
Getting TLC means for cars to have a thorough inspection on every part, and the one needing TLC most is arguably the brake pads. Sadly cars listed for TLC don’t go through one.
So, conduct brake pad inspections instantly once you get a hand on a TLC-listed car and then repeat it once a month.
If you find even a small inconvenience or hear any noise, get professional help as soon as possible. The car TLC cost for them will be much less costly than the expensive repairs that you might have to do afterward.
Check Upon the Tires & Their Balance
Tires are vital for a car, and most cars that are TLC listed have some sort of tire-related issue. As they are always generating friction, the rubber will start to wire out.
When this occurs, the tire pressure will be unbalanced, and you need to get the tires rotated if you want to use them for a long.
If tire rotations aren’t conducted, then you will have to change tires pretty soon, and it will be a costly cycle in the long run. We recommend you switch up your car’s tire rotations once every 5 thousand to 8 thousand miles.
TLC on Car’s Interior
Interior parts wear down quite fast but noticing the situation can be a bit difficult. The parts that you need to provide TLC on for a listed vehicle’s interior are:
Carpet
The carpet gets worn out over time; if the car was used for anything related to transport, it would be heavily worn out. Wash the carpet weekly or monthly, and you don’t have to worry about it ever again.
Dashboard
You know a car needs TLC when the dashboard becomes dirty or needs attention. That’s why we suggest you conduct frequent checks and keep the dash clean all the time.
Windows & Mirror
TLC for car windows and mirrors is also necessary. Go to a car wash that holds a TLC license for cars. This ensures better maintenance, but you can also clean them yourself regularly.
Seats & Seat Belts
It is very uncomfortable to use a car if the seat is dirty or has some sort of malfunction here and there, especially in a luxury car. The car takes thousands out of your pocket, and you can’t enjoy it because the seat TLC of the car wasn’t good enough.
So, clean your seats regularly; we recommend you do it at the end of the day.
Look into the Car’s Exterior
For the exterior, the following parts should receive your attention:
Bumpers
This part protects your car from behind, and if you are carrying something in your car, then it is necessary that the bumper is in proper condition. A damaged bumper can also cause riding issues, and most of the time, you might have to opt for a mechanic to help you out.
Body
A TLC-listed car doesn’t need verbal support; it just needs care, and that care shows when the car’s body looks fantastic. Wash the body once a week and, if possible, take it to a car wash on a monthly basis.
Undercarriage
If you don’t conduct proper TLC for the undercarriage, it will hold on to damp air and stink a lot when you open it up.
Cleaning the undercarriage is quite simple; you just open it up and let the air out. Then you can just clean it with a brush.
Lights
Changing the lights when they become dulled is a must and is a safety risk otherwise. The lenses should be cleaned as soon as you see the signs of the light being dulled, and if they burn out, change them as soon as possible.
Price Impact of Cars With & Without TLC on Car Listings
Cars with a “TLC received” tag will sell for high prices and are always in high demand because there’s a huge difference between a well-maintained car from a neglected one.
You won’t have to do additional car maintenance nor have to pay an inspection fee to a mechanic, so buyers will obviously pick these types of cars over the others. And that’s why the price is also high.
While the cost of cars without tender loving care is low, the additional costs you might have to bear can be a lot higher. That’s why cars with proper TLC will always have higher pricing.
Final Thoughts
TLC is always the deciding factor on a car listing and understanding it allows you to make the best decision for yourself. If you are a buyer, then pick the ones that have received TLC or need only a little. And if you are a seller, then take care of your car properly. Otherwise, it won’t be a profitable sell. Best of luck!