Car buying is an essential event in everyone’s life, and in a country like India, it even becomes a social event. You are buying a new car or an old car. Your vehicle is your asset and liability, and it takes money too. So, reliability matters and more in the case if you buy a used or second-hand car. Check the exterior, interior, and under the hood to check if there are any significant problems.It is not the case of luck at all. Thorough research is required. It may seem overwhelming at first without experience. How to check? What to check? Many points are there to be considered but keep your eyes, ears, and nose open. Here we are providing you with some good tips to answer your how-to and what-to questions, which can increase the reliability of your new, used car. 

How To Check Exterior 

Body conditions.

Park the car on level ground before checking it, and in this way, you can take a walk around it and check its exterior thoroughly. You can have a look over each body panel and roof, looking at scratches, dent, and rust, pay attention to the line on the fenders and doors. The paint should be the same on every panel. Check the doors and hood by opening and closing. Rust, scratches, and dent are the points to be ignored based on performance but to be considered based on the money you have paid or going to pay. 

Glass. 

Look carefully at the vehicle’s glass to make sure there are not any cracks or pocked areas. A small chip may not cause alarm. 

Suspensions. 

Check the car standing on level ground – then bounce each corner to make sure that the shock-absorber is working correctly if you feel any play or sound of ticking or clicking, who may calculate that the bearings or suspension are out of order.

Lights and Lenses. 

Make sure that lights and reflectors are intact. Ensure that there are not any cracks, Fogg and moisture in the mornings and lenses. This will need a friend to help you to see if the lights are working correctly. By the way, it is always better to go with a friend.

Tires. 

You can tell a lot from the tires. There Is no need to replace the tire if the car has traveled less than 20,000 miles. The odometer has been rolled back. There is a possibility of such activity. Your insightful inspection is advised. Also, check that all four tires are the same. If you find any tire is different from others, there is a probability that it has been replaced or all have been replaced. 

Interior. 

This is the inner side of a car. It matters very much as you are going to spend your time inside the vehicle. 

Pedals Are To Be Checked. 

You can check the pedal by observing the rubber on the brake, clutch, and gas pedals. The condition of the pedals shows how much the car has been driven. They wear out, and brand new pedals offer the same. 

Seats Are A Comfort Zone. 

Out all the seats front or rear. Try all the seats to make adjustments to make sure that they work correctly, and you will have a good driving position. 

Odour Says A Lot. 

As it is written above, keep your nose open. Now, sniff the interior for checking any water leaks as a musty, moldy, or mildewy smell can indicate the same. Check for the wet spots on the carpet by removing the floormate. 

Ignition System Is Important. 

Without starting the engine, turn the ignition switch and check all the warning lights. Try out every switch lever and button. Who should check air conditioning properly? On it first, to see how quickly it blows cold. 

Trunks.

There should not be any wetness near carpeting. There should not be any musty smell. Check the spare tire to see if there is water or rust. 

Roof. 

Again, see if the water is leaking through the sunroof or moonroof. Check its opening and closing is proper. 

 Don’t Forget To Check Under The Hood. 

Check this part when the engine is excellent. The dust and dirt on the machine are every day but make sure the oil is not splattered near the engine or on the pavement. 

Radiator Checking. 

Make sure there are not greenish stains outside the radiator. It indicates that there are leaks in the radiator. Check for the coolant, too. That should be green. 

Battery The Power Bank. 

Remove or unscrew the filler caps and check first the electrolyte level in the battery. Check all the indicators green, yellow or black, indicating the excellent shape of the storm and dying or dead, respectively. 

Fluid. 

First, refer to the user’s manual to know where to check all fluid levels. The dark brown or black engine oil is ok. Honey-colored engine oil was recently replaced or changed. Make sure it is not gritty. 

Check This Out Under The Vehicle 

Tailpipe, Check It, and Feel It.

The streak of the tailpipe should be dry and dark grey. If some rust is seen, you don’t need to worry a lot about it even if high rust is fine but need to replace the exhaust system.

An independent Mechanic Would Be A Good Help.

Your dealer will freely let you take the vehicle to the inspection for your satisfaction. If there is resistance, then avoid such a deal. It may have a problem. Consultation with an expert is required. You have done an excellent job on your end. At least ask someone whom you trust about the shop if you are not aware of the same. Always remember, ‘ Prevention is better than cure. ‘ A relaxed, constant, careful, and thorough checking or inspection from interior to the exterior and under the hood and car is required. Follow expert advice if possible. 

I hope it will help you.