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Top things to look for after buying a used car
by Alfred Renteria
Prior to buying your used car you'll have been
through your checklist of factors to look for - price, age, condition
and reliability. However, once you have bought your used car and driven
away, there are still several important things you need to immediately
look for once you bring it home.
You will
possibly find a few defects from a used car for the basic reason that
it is used. Apart from insignificant cosmetic issues the used vehicle
should not have any major problems such as mechanical and it should
drive safely. This thorough list will aid you to distinguish any
noticeable defects, scratches and chips on the car as well as any major
concerns with the car including troubles under the hood.
Listed here are 7 crucial things you should look for after buying your used car.
1. Exterior and interior clean
If
you have purchased your automobile from a used car dealership, the odds
are that it has already been washed and cleaned. However, don't just
depend on the dealer's word that it has been completely cleaned. The
first job is to give it a extensive cleaning by taking it to a
professional car wash and then a fresh coat of polish. This will then
put the spotlight on any problems with the paintwork particularly signs
of rust. Examine all the panels under the doors and the door edges as
well inside the trunk for rust spots or paint blisters. Additionally the
exterior bodywork of the used car for any fresh discolored areas of
paint as well as looking at the body panels to ensure they all go with
with the remainder of the color of the car.
Look
within the car to examine it has been properly cleaned. Don't take the
word of the used car dealer when they say it has been skillfully
cleaned. Take away the floor mats of the car and the carpet if possible.
Vacuum all the seats, and the carpet and mats. Fix the appropriate
attachment to the vacuum cleaner so you could reach beneath the seats,
around the pedals and the region between the front seats and the middle
console. Clean around the dashboard and the doors with care. For fabric
seats and carpets use a carpet cleaner dry foam spray if feasible. This
will cleanse dried in spots as well as leave a fresh odor in the
automobile. Expert car clean kits are available which include products
to clean the interior and exterior of your automobile.
2. Engine
Start
up your car and let it run for a while. Stop the motor and put the hand
brake on and wait a few minutes for it to cool off. Open the bonnet and
locate the engine oil dipstick. Pull this out, offer it a wipe with a
clean cloth and then place it back. Again pull it out and take a closer
look. If the oil seems to be clean and not black then this suggests the
engine has been taken care of well and has the appropriate level of oil.
Look for any oil leaks. A clean engine implies there are no oil leaks.
However, take a look beneath the engine with a flashlight. If the lower
component of the engine and the transmission are dry you have no
leaks.
3. Tires
You
might have been advised the car has had new tires fitted, but it is
always worth checking. Have a close look at the tires. Check the tires
have not been painted black to make them seem new. Additionally check
the brand - are they a trustworthy brand. Make positive all the tires
are the same. Examine the tread of the tires and check against the legal
tread specifications. Examine for balding and if feasible find out when
the tires were last changed. Typically tires should be changed every
30,000 miles or every two years. Verify all the wheels are the same and
that certainly nothing is lodged in the tire wall - normally
nails.
4. Brakes
Take
a drive in the automobile. When braking there ought to be no vibration
or any weird sounds, the steering shouldn't pull or shake when you slam
on the brakes. When braking the pedal shouldn't feel mild, if this is
the case then it is a sign the brakes need changing. Take a look at the
brake disc. It should be shiny from the inside to outer edge, and the
markings should be visible all the way round. Make sure there are no
rough patches of the face of the disc or any visible grooves on the
disc. In the event you identify any of these, then the brakes require
changing. Always change in pairs as this will ensure your vehicle drives
evenly and safely.
5. Transmission
The
transmission should work effortlessly and quietly when driving in
forward and reverse. It shouldn't slip while you are operating the
automobile. If the car or truck has a manual clutch then your motor
vehicle shouldn't jerk as you let out the pedal - it ought to be
easy.
6. Electrics
Carefully
check the electrics of the vehicle. Test the operation of the electric
windows and make sure the locks all work properly. Check the windshield
wipers function suitably and that the windscreen and rear window (if it
has a wiper) been correctly cleaned. If the vehicle has heated seats
ensure that they are functioning correctly. If the seat has electric
adjustments have a play and make certain the seat adjustments work
correctly. Fully test the alarm system if the vehicle has one.
Thoroughly test the audio equipment, especially when the car or truck is
fitted with a CD. Make positive the stereo could play the CD.
7. Inform your insurance provider
As
soon as you have bought your used car you need to inform your insurance
company immediately. Inform them you are the new owner and registered
keeper of the motor vehicle. Provide all the correct details to the
insurance company and ensure they could send you confirmation that you
are legally covered while your actual insurance policy arrives. If they
provide online printable paperwork then print off at once.
About the Author:
HertzRent2Buy has eliminated the middle man! See for yourself by checking out our used cars for sale, and you'll want to buy the used car!
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