Whether you are buying or selling a used car, the vehicle will need to be inspected at least twice. One type of inspection, of course, occurs when a buyer is kicking the tires, so to speak. The other type of inspection takes place when a seller intends to sell it. In each case, the inspection differs.
For instance, a buyer will conduct a general inspection before taking the vehicle to a certified inspector where the critical components of the car will be examined. During a sale, the seller will have the vehicle inspected in order to show it is reliable. By doing so, the seller will be able to provide assurance to the buyer that the car is reliable and able to live up to the investment.
Of course, a buyer might still decide to take the vehicle to a certified inspector, and this third inspection is much like the one the seller does prior to selling it. In each case, it is critical to determine if the car is going to die prematurely or whether it has many more miles under the proverbial hood.
- Rubber
When it comes to vehicles, rubber plays a variety of roles. Of course, the tires require inspection. Ideally, there should be five tires, the spare being in the trunk. The tires should have at least 1/2-inch tread, and they should be no older than three years. Older tires can suffer from oxidation damage, which can lead to cracks in the sidewalls.
You must also inspect the belts. The belts, of course, are not rubber, exactly, but they fall into the same category. They should display no signs of being brittle. Finally, the brake pad should have its factory-stamped traction because a smooth pedal indicates someone who liked to ride the brakes and a car that might require new brake pads.
- Frame
You should inspect the vehicle for rust along the wheel wells and ensure the bumpers, both front and back, are solid, clear of any corrosion. The motor mounts should be solid, and the undercarriage should show no signs of rust.
- Engine
The motor should run smoothly. If it starts hard, it might need a new battery or alternator. If it knocks, it might burn oil and require a new engine. While the vehicle idles, the exhaust should be clear. Black smoke indicates oil in the engine. Although white smoke can be condensation, it can also be a sign of a cracked cylinder or a gasket in desperate need of repair. To ensure the engine is in the best condition possible, you should request a certificate by a dealer that conducts ASAP mobile pre-purchase auto inspections.
- Brakes
The brakes must stop the car without making a noise. If the squealer tab screeches, the brakes need to be replaced. If the brakes screech and grind, you might even need to replace the rotors. As you test the car, if you slam on the brakes, making sure no one is behind you, and the car jumps and stutters to a stop, the anti-lock brakes are probably working just fine.
- Glass
The windshield and windows should be free of spider veins as these can lengthen over time. Chips in the windshield can lead to cracks, so you should check the edges of the windshield and the side windows with the vehicle parked in direct sunlight. Inspecting in the shade can cause you to miss something.
The headlights should be clear of oxidation, which will display as a fogginess in the glass. If this is apparent, you should clean the headlights to see if they are simply dirty. If the glass cleaner does not clear the headlights, they will need to be replaced because they will diffuse the light and not adequately illuminate the road.
Finally, mirrors should rotate and be free of cracks.
- Seats
Nobody likes a dirty or cracked seat. Consequently, you should check the seats for abnormal wear and tear. If the seats are cracked, you need to determine if they need to be replaced or if they can simply be covered. The headrests should not wiggle, and you should check the seat positioning to ensure the seats can be easily moved forward or back.
Author Bio
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – lisa@lisaeclesworth.com or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com