Car maintenance is very important in the long run. If you need to sell you car in the future you need all the brownie points you can get during the car inspections! There are some rules you should always follow; wash the car regularly, don't eat or drink and don't smoke in the car either. Start with the simplest things!
• Inspect the car oil filter regularly. Make sure it doesn't get clogged and no water enters the engine oil. Follow the car manual to check when the car is due for an oil change. Make sure you change the oil and the filter once every 5000 km.
• Always check all the fluids in the car and you know there are many fluids in the car. The fluids include the brake, windshield, transmission and transaxle fluids. If anything is low, refill it immediately, if you don't it will effect the working of the car and cause long term damage as well.
• Always check the air in the tires. Your car manual has the air pressure level at which the tires have to be. If the air pressure is low the car will feel like its dragging and you also risk a flat.
• Make sure your wipers are working and if they are old replace them as they might cause more harm than good. They may cause blotches on the windscreen. Once they start streaking try wiping them or replace them.
• If you hear a screeching sound while the air conditioning is on, have a look at the engine belt. It may be scratched. Repair it immediately to avoid more scratches and tears.
• You don't want the engine heating up so check the coolant level from time to time and fill it immediately when the level drops drastically.
• All the lights should always work they include the headlights, indicators, fog lights, hazard lights and the brake lights. If any aren't functioning well it can be extremely hazardous so repair them quickly.
• Wash your car once a week so it doesn't get stained with grime and dirt. Use a mild detergent and make sure the water is not hard. Wash the tires as well to make sure the drive quality is not affected in any way. Use a soft cloth to wipe the car. Keep the interiors of the car clean and vacuum it from time to time; remember it is not your room or storage space! Wax and polish from time to time, protecting it from scratches and UV rays of the sun, rain and bird droppings.
If you follow these simple steps your car will be in good condition and fare well in any vehicle inspection either for a pollution check or during resale. Vehicle inspections are extremely important to make sure you know and understand the working of your car.
Vehicle Inspections
Vehicle Inspection
Monday, December 28, 2009
Used Car Inspection Tips
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car that don’t necessarily apply to new ones. However, with the right information at your fingertips, buying a used car can be an empowering experience. Knowing how to inspect a used car will allow you to make the best the decision possible. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car you are considering for purchase. There should be no signs of damage, rust, or dents. If you have any reservations, you can always have a mechanic give you a thorough mechanical inspection. If everything looks good, you should still be able to check for any signs of damage, rust, or dents. If you have any reservations, you can live with. Next, take into consideration when inspecting any used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult.
Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car you are considering for purchase. There should be even over the entire body of the trunk of any used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car will allow you to make the best the decision possible. Here are some things you should still be able to check the condition of the pedal rubber as well.
Inspecting The Trunk is usually the most neglected part of your interior inspection. Make sure that all the lights are in working order. Don’t forget to check the blinkers and tail lights as well. Finally, don’t neglect to inspect the condition of the trunk of any odors in the car.
Next, take into consideration when inspecting any used car: Exterior Inspection The first thing to take into consideration when inspecting the exterior of a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car that don’t necessarily apply to new ones. However, with the right information at your fingertips, buying a used car will allow you to make the best the decision possible.
Here are some things you should take into consideration when inspecting the exterior inspection. If everything looks good, you should check all mechanical controls as part of your interior inspection. Make sure that all the lights are in working order and have no idea how the car handles the road and how it sounds. You should also make certain that the tires are in working order and have no damage. Don’t forget to check the blinkers and tail lights as well. Finally, don’t neglect to inspect the condition of other exterior parts, such as the disc brakes, mirrors, glass, wheel rims, etc.
Vehicle Inspections
Vehicle Inspection
Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car you are considering for purchase. There should be even over the entire body of the trunk of any used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car will allow you to make the best the decision possible. Here are some things you should still be able to check the condition of the pedal rubber as well.
Inspecting The Trunk is usually the most neglected part of your interior inspection. Make sure that all the lights are in working order. Don’t forget to check the blinkers and tail lights as well. Finally, don’t neglect to inspect the condition of the trunk of any odors in the car.
Next, take into consideration when inspecting any used car: Exterior Inspection The first thing to take into consideration when inspecting the exterior of a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car doesn’t have to be intimidating or difficult. Sure, there are inherent risks associated with buying a used car that don’t necessarily apply to new ones. However, with the right information at your fingertips, buying a used car will allow you to make the best the decision possible.
Here are some things you should take into consideration when inspecting the exterior inspection. If everything looks good, you should check all mechanical controls as part of your interior inspection. Make sure that all the lights are in working order and have no idea how the car handles the road and how it sounds. You should also make certain that the tires are in working order and have no damage. Don’t forget to check the blinkers and tail lights as well. Finally, don’t neglect to inspect the condition of other exterior parts, such as the disc brakes, mirrors, glass, wheel rims, etc.
Vehicle Inspections
Vehicle Inspection
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Used Car Inspection Checklist For Avoiding Lemons
Choosing a used car inspection before purchase can save consumers thousands of dollars by uncovering major mechanical, exterior and interior problems. Use this used car inspection checklist to avoid buying a lemon.
* Obtain Vehicle History Report – Get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and buy a vehicle history report. This shows any accident history, accident indicators (airbag deployments, etc.), title and registration, number of owners, frame/structural damage, flood or salvage history, odometer rollback, lemon history, service and repair information and more.
* Check VIN – The VIN appears in several locations – and all should match. Look on the dashboard, driver’s door jamb, on the engine, hood and other parts. Also check the VIN on the registration, title, and other documents.
* Verify Mileage – Check the car’s actual mileage against vehicle history. Ask about the vehicle’s gas mileage mpg or miles per gallon. A Honda Civic, for example, should get better fuel economy than a mid-size SUV. Similarly, Toyota car gas mileage as stated by the seller should match with estimates provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the model year, vehicle and engine/transmission.
* Do Complete Visual Inspection – Plan to spend at least a half hour going over the car’s exterior and interior during the used car inspection.
o Note any visible defects such as paint dents, chips, scratches, broken lenses, worn windshield wipers, missing wheel covers or hubcaps. Don’t buy a car with excessive corrosion or rust.
o Check to see vehicle lines are perfectly straight and note any gaps in body panels.
o Check paint quality for any ripples, differences in color, patches that are shinier than others.
o If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, it may mean excessive engine/transmission wear.
o Inspect tires. Look for uniform quality, brand names, no cuts, bubbles, cracks or uneven wear.
o Inside, check for excessive driver’s seat wear.
o Check all locks (windows, doors, trunks) and keyless entry.
o Check for any musty odors or excessive use of air fresheners.
o Look for any signs of flood/water damage.
* Test Operation
o Test all doors to ensure they open/close easily
o On the instrument panel, make sure all gauges work properly.
o Test all electrical accessories: power windows, locks, wipers, rear wiper/washer, sunroof, seat adjustments, mirrors, and stereo/CD.
o Verify heating and air conditioning controls work properly.
* Check Engine and Transmission – Obtain the car’s service records, if possible to see if it was maintained properly. Check under the hood to see if there’s any burned oil smell, corroded battery terminals, or oil leaks. Check the oil filler cap to see if there are thick or black deposits. Check the engine oil. If it’s very dirty or below the “Low” mark, steer clear of the car. Also check the transmission. The gears should move smoothly between Drive, Park, Neutral and Reverse, whether manual or automatic, with no hesitation.
* Take Test Drive – Be sure to test drive the vehicle. It should start easily, have no shakes, shimmies, or make excessive noise or smoke. Make sure the steering is responsive, no pulling to one side, no creaks or knocks when going over bumps, no pulsating when braking.
* Don’t Buy Until Satisfied – Don’t give any deposit or sign any contract until completely satisfied with the used car inspection.
* Obtain Vehicle History Report – Get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and buy a vehicle history report. This shows any accident history, accident indicators (airbag deployments, etc.), title and registration, number of owners, frame/structural damage, flood or salvage history, odometer rollback, lemon history, service and repair information and more.
* Check VIN – The VIN appears in several locations – and all should match. Look on the dashboard, driver’s door jamb, on the engine, hood and other parts. Also check the VIN on the registration, title, and other documents.
* Verify Mileage – Check the car’s actual mileage against vehicle history. Ask about the vehicle’s gas mileage mpg or miles per gallon. A Honda Civic, for example, should get better fuel economy than a mid-size SUV. Similarly, Toyota car gas mileage as stated by the seller should match with estimates provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the model year, vehicle and engine/transmission.
* Do Complete Visual Inspection – Plan to spend at least a half hour going over the car’s exterior and interior during the used car inspection.
o Note any visible defects such as paint dents, chips, scratches, broken lenses, worn windshield wipers, missing wheel covers or hubcaps. Don’t buy a car with excessive corrosion or rust.
o Check to see vehicle lines are perfectly straight and note any gaps in body panels.
o Check paint quality for any ripples, differences in color, patches that are shinier than others.
o If the vehicle has a trailer hitch, it may mean excessive engine/transmission wear.
o Inspect tires. Look for uniform quality, brand names, no cuts, bubbles, cracks or uneven wear.
o Inside, check for excessive driver’s seat wear.
o Check all locks (windows, doors, trunks) and keyless entry.
o Check for any musty odors or excessive use of air fresheners.
o Look for any signs of flood/water damage.
* Test Operation
o Test all doors to ensure they open/close easily
o On the instrument panel, make sure all gauges work properly.
o Test all electrical accessories: power windows, locks, wipers, rear wiper/washer, sunroof, seat adjustments, mirrors, and stereo/CD.
o Verify heating and air conditioning controls work properly.
* Check Engine and Transmission – Obtain the car’s service records, if possible to see if it was maintained properly. Check under the hood to see if there’s any burned oil smell, corroded battery terminals, or oil leaks. Check the oil filler cap to see if there are thick or black deposits. Check the engine oil. If it’s very dirty or below the “Low” mark, steer clear of the car. Also check the transmission. The gears should move smoothly between Drive, Park, Neutral and Reverse, whether manual or automatic, with no hesitation.
* Take Test Drive – Be sure to test drive the vehicle. It should start easily, have no shakes, shimmies, or make excessive noise or smoke. Make sure the steering is responsive, no pulling to one side, no creaks or knocks when going over bumps, no pulsating when braking.
* Don’t Buy Until Satisfied – Don’t give any deposit or sign any contract until completely satisfied with the used car inspection.
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