I'm trying to buy a newer used car and I saw this one buyer (who really seemed to know what he was doing), take out the dip stick and rub a couple drops of oil between his fingers. I'm not quite sure why he did it.

I tried it out on several cars and what I found was: newer cars have less grit in the oil. So what gives with this trick?

Also, this guy put his hand just below the exhaust. I tried it and was surprised at how much more white smoke was coming out then I thought. Do you guys do these tricks? What other tricks do you use??


Thanks,
Stan

the oil,he could be checking for minuscule particles of metal, possibly indicating bearing failure.
the exhaust, I dont think he was checking the smoke but rather if there is a miss in the engine. If the exhaust is nice and smooth or has a burp to it.For example I had a egr valve go on me(didnt set a code) but the exhaust didnt feel right or smooth.
just a thought.