How to Physically Inspect a Used Car

When buying used cars Hinckley, it almost goes without saying that it is important to carry out a physical inspection of the car. However, it can be difficult to know what to look for, especially if the person buying has little or no idea about cars.

There are of course some starting points but many experts recommend that having a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to any transaction. In the event of a mechanic not being available, there are some vital checks which should not be overlooked.

Bodywork

The most obvious evidence of a fault is often in the bodywork, so evidence of rust, corrosion and other evidence of underlying damage can quickly point to a problem. Any blemishes, even if they’ve been covered by paint could point to an underlying problem but these can quickly be detected by running a thumb over the damage. A cracking sound can be the first indication of a larger problem.

As well as rust, it’s also worth looking for evidence of any work which hasn’t been carried out properly. Variations in paint colour or texture can be a giveaway of poor upkeep.

Damage

One of the main reasons to look for signs of damage is that they may be an indication of an accident which has not been reported. If the suspension or steering has been damaged in an accident then they could be severely affected in the future. These can be demonstrated by looking for evidence of welding inside the front and back doors as well as a pull when driving the vehicle.

The Engine

An inspection of the engine can quickly indicate how well the car has been treated by its previous owners. In general, a dirty engine and surrounds can point to a car which hasn’t had regular servicing, however an engine which is impeccably clean could be masking a larger problem

Checking the colour of the oil, the amount and colour of the coolant and listening to the engine are good indications of how well the engine has been treated by its owner.

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