Buying a second-hand car comes with challenges, especially if you’re clueless about the process involved in it.

When you research buying used cars, you will come across the term called pre-purchase car inspection. It gives you the exact condition of the car both from the inside and outside. This inspection also gives you a rough estimation of the final price and helps you find whether your seller is genuine or not.

Before you approach an expert mechanic to do the car inspection, it’s wise to have information about what’s done in a car inspection and what to look for during the process. Knowing everything will make you a smart buyer and you can get the final product for your money’s worth.

Following are the car parts that are inspected during a pre-purchase car inspection:

  • Dashboard
    A glance at the dashboard will tell you if there’s any wrong with the car functioning. As it contains all the gauges like speedometer, odometer, temperature gauge and other controls, a warning light will turn on if something is out of normal. If you find the light on, ask a car professional where the problem is and how much it will cost you to repair it. It also gives you a chance to bargain with the seller.
  • Fluids
    There are various fluids present in a car that protect the functioning of the car and make sure that it’s running smoothly on the road. Those fluids are engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and windshield water fluid.

    You should know that the levels of the fluids must be at the proper level without any leakages. You should also check for the colour, viscosity and smells of all the fluids and ensure that they’re normal. A professional can easily identify the abnormalities and can notify you with the same. It’s one of the important steps in the pre-purchase inspection process.
  • Tyres and suspension
    Tyres and suspension are important areas to assess as it provides the ultimate driving experience.
    If tyres are not good or worn out, it can lead to an alignment problem. Generally, you can’t tell whether the tyres are in good condition or not as they don’t show signs of wear and tear. However, an expert will recognise the alignment properly that you fail to see with your untrained eye.

    In addition to it, a car mechanic will check the suspension of your car by pushing down on each corner to check the condition of the shock absorbers.
  • Brakes
    Driving without proper brakes leads to many disasters, and hence, it’s included as the main part in pre-purchase car inspection. While inspecting, the car expert will look for brake pads and motors to see their working state.

    Brake pads are essential to grip the rotors whenever you press on the brake. In the long run, the material on the pad will wear out. So, it’s vital to repair or replace the material when buying a second car. Rotors may develop rust over time so you need to inspect these two components properly.
  • Engine
    It’s the most important component of the car that a professional should check. The primary test is to check whether the engine is starting and running smoothly or if any abnormal noises are emitting from it.
    Also, there are many other parts associated with an engine like its coolant, belts, air filter, ignition components and leaks in the engine.

    The coolant system must work properly without any leakages and should efficiently cool the engine by letting the excess heat outside via the hoses.

    Belts associated with alternator, water pump and other systems must be without any cracks, wear and stretching.

    Ignition components, like a switch, starter, spark plugs, battery and wires, must work properly for the engine to start and run. Also, ensure the battery is not too low while you’re purchasing a used car.

    In addition to all the above, the car expert must check for any oil leaks and repair them before handing you the car.

Book for car service as a final step

The pre-purchase car inspection will tell you the faults and abnormalities present in a car. To rectify all the problems and to have a smooth drive in your car, you should service your car from a reputable automobile shop. Doing all these steps will ensure that you have a hassle-free buying process when looking for a second-hand car.