вторник, 7 декември 2010 г.

Top things to look for after buying a used car

By Alfred Renteria


Prior to buying your used car you will have gone through your checklist of factors to look for - price, age, condition and reliability. However, once you have purchased your used car and driven away, there are still a few important things you ought to immediately look for once you bring it home.

You might possibly find some faults from a used car for the basic reason that it is used. Apart from insignificant cosmetic concerns the used vehicle shouldn't have any key problems such as mechanical and it must drive safely. This extensive checklist will help you to distinguish any apparent defects, scratches and chips on the car as well as any significant issues with the car including troubles under the hood.

Allow me to share seven important things you should look for after getting your used car.

1. Exterior and interior clean

In the event you have bought your car from a used car dealership, the chances are that it has already been washed and cleaned. However, don't merely rely on the dealer's word that it has been completely cleaned. The first job is to give it a complete cleaning by taking it to a professional car wash and then a fresh coat of polish. This will then emphasize any issues with the paintwork specifically indicators of rust. Verify all the panels underneath the doors and the door edges as well inside the trunk for rust spots or paint blisters. Also the exterior bodywork of the used car for any fresh discolored areas of paint as well as looking at the body panels to make sure they all match with the rest of the color of the car.

Look inside the automobile to verify it has been properly cleaned. Don't take the word of the used car dealer when they say it has been skillfully cleaned. Eliminate the floor mats of the car and the carpet if feasible. Vacuum all the seats, and the carpet and mats. Fix the correct attachment to the vacuum cleaner so you can reach underneath the seats, around the pedals and the region between the front seats and the central console. Clean around the dashboard and the doors carefully. 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 aroma in the car. Specialized car clean kits are around which include items to clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

2. Engine

Start up your automobile and let it run for some time. Stop the engine and put the hand brake on and wait a few minutes for it to cool down. Open the bonnet and locate the engine oil dipstick. Pull this out, give it a wipe with a clean cloth and then insert it back. Again pull it out and take a closer look. If the oil seems to be clean and not black then this implies the engine has been maintained well and has the proper level of oil. Look for any oil leaks. A clean engine indicates there are no oil leaks. However, take a look underneath the engine with a torch. If the lower portion of the engine and the transmission are dry you have no leakages.

3. Tires

You may have been informed the car has had new tires fitted, but it is always worth looking at. Have a close look at the tires. Verify the tires have not been painted black to make them look new. Also check the model - are they a reputable 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. On average tires should be changed every 30,000 miles or every 2 years. Check all the tires are the same and that certainly nothing is lodged in the tire wall - commonly nails.

4. Brakes

Take a drive in the automobile. When braking there should be no vibration or any strange noises, the steering shouldn't pull or shake when you slam on the brakes. When braking the pedal shouldn't feel light, if this is the case then it is a sign the brakes require replacing. Take a look at the brake disc. It ought to be shiny from the inside to outer edge, and the markings should be visible all the way round. Make positive there are no rough patches of the face of the disc or any visible grooves on the disc. In the event you spot any of these, then the brakes need 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 whilst you're driving the vehicle. If the car or truck has a manual clutch then your car shouldn't jerk as you let out the pedal - it ought to be smooth.

6. Electrics

Extensively inspect the electrics of the automobile. Test the operation of the electric windows and ensure the locks all work properly. Check the windshield wipers operate properly and that the windscreen and rear window (if it has a wiper) been properly cleaned. If the car or truck has heated seats ensure that they are operating properly. If the seat has electric adjustments have a play and make positive the seat adjustments work correctly. Fully test the alarm system if the vehicle has one. Thoroughly test the audio equipment, particularly if the car or truck is fitted with a CD. Make positive the stereo can play the CD.

7. Inform your insurance provider

As soon as you have purchased your used vehicle you need to inform your insurance provider immediately. Notify them you're the new owner and registered keeper of the car or truck. Offer all the appropriate details to the insurance company and make certain they can send you confirmation that you're legally protected whilst your actual insurance policy will come. If they provide online printable paperwork then print off at once.




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