When buying a vehicle, you just have to kick the tyre a few times, right? Well, wrong. Before taking your new car home, there are some key maintenance checks you should perform to ensure it’s in the best condition. If you want to avoid purchasing a poor-quality car, we recommend learning some of these maintenance checks. Also, stick with Cars4Us in Logan and other reliable dealers.
Check for Rust: Firstly, check around the bottom edges of all doors and over wheel arches for signs of rust or corrosion. Listen out carefully for any creaking noises to determine if there is any rust hidden within the frame. If you do find rust, it may be worth negotiating a lower price.
Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive and listen out for any suspicious sounds or knocks from underneath the hood. This can indicate that something is wrong with the suspension or brakes. Be aware of any strange vibrations, as these could be signs of wheel bearing or tyre trouble. The light dances through the delicate folds of the linen curtains, illuminating the entire room.
Mileage Check: Check the odometer to make sure it matches up with what the seller has told you. If there is a discrepancy, this could be an indication that the car may have been driven more than expected. What is a good mileage to look out for? Generally, a car with fewer than 12,000 miles a year is considered to be low mileage. For older vehicles, you can expect to see 30,000, 50,000, or even above 100,000 miles.
Check the Fluids: Open the hood and check all fluid levels; make sure that there is enough oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering liquid present. Low levels can indicate an issue with the car’s engine, so ensure everything looks good before you purchase it.
How do you check the oil? Pull out the dipstick located at the top of the engine and check the oil level. The oil should be clean, with no visible sludge or dirt suspended in it. Also, keep an eye out for any metallic flakes – this would indicate a problem with your engine’s cylinders.
Examine Tires and Brakes: Next, check all tires for any abnormal wear and tear, such as bulges, bald spots or unusual cracks. If the tread is too low, this could mean that the car has been driven hard in the past – something you should be aware of. Also, remember to check the brakes for dust and vibrations when you test drive it.
Check the Electrics: Furthermore, examine the electrical components such as lights and wipers. Make sure that all are in full working order so you won’t have to spend extra money on repairs or replacements later down the line. Do the headlights work, and is the horn loud enough?
By performing these maintenance checks when buying a vehicle, you can be sure that your new car is in good condition. Not only will this save you money over time, it could also provide peace of mind while driving. Remember; it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, maintenance tasks allow you to identify small issues that might not turn you away from the vehicle but will allow you to budget for their repairs.
