Excited to lay hands on your new car? Alright, let’s ensure that the car is in great shape before you drive it out there. That is what makes a prepurchase car inspection checklist a smart move for not encountering unexpected issues down the road.
In this guide, we will walk you through a 12-point checklist, which will also help you understand the issues and when it’s the perfect time for effective mobile mechanic service. This piece will help you assess your potential purchase, from engine to exterior and everything in between. So let’s get started!
What Is Vehicle Inspection?
Evaluating a used car’s current condition is referred to as a mobile mechanic pre-purchase inspection. In this process, a thorough checkup of the car is done, as mandated by subnational or national governments in many countries.
If you are buying a car, here is a Car Inspection Checklist that covers all its features, which require rechecking to ensure that it is safe to drive on the road.
A Peek Into The Car Inspection Checklist
Here are the 12 points you must include in your vehicle inspection checklist.
A. Exterior Check during mobile car inspection
The primary step of mobile vehicle inspection is to look at the car’s exterior. Here is what you need to see:
1. Bodywork:
Take your car out for a closer look and check the exterior for dents, scratches, or rust spots. There is a chance that the paint is chipped or faded somewhere.
Once you have inspected the paint job thoroughly, check the bumpers, fenders, doors, and hood very closely. If you notice some significant damage, it means that the car has been in an accident, which can impact the structural integrity of your car.
2. Lights:
If you are unsure of doing the pre purchase car inspection all by yourself, seek assistance from a professional. They will help you to check that all the exterior lights are working properly. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, signals, and hazard lights.
Apart from seeking their help, always be on the lookout for a broken bulb, cracked lenses, or misaligned lights, as these compromise the proper illumination of one’s road, compromising safety, especially at night.
3. Windshield and Windows:
Inspect the windshield and all windows for cracks, chips, or excessive wear. Even small cracks can impair visibility and pose a safety risk. Replace any damaged glass promptly and note them in your used vehicle checklist for future reference.
4. Mirrors:
This might look unimportant at first, but trust us; you must include it in your auto inspection checklist.
Make sure that both the side mirrors and the rearview mirror are fitted and adjusted tightly for an excellent view. They should also be clear and obstruction-free. Clear mirrors are critical to safe driving and accident prevention. It is important to check whether the internal mirror has controls so that you do not have problems adjusting them.
5. Tyres:
Tyres can deteriorate over time due to frequent road contact. To ensure that your car has good traction, check all tyres for proper inflation, tread depth, and general condition.
In your car maintenance checklist, be sure to keep a check for uneven tread wear, bulges, or cuts indicating damage and a potentially dangerous situation. Tires also require proper inflation for enhanced fuel economy and better road handling. Depending on the model and size of your car, the tyre pressure can change. To adhere to your vehicle’s psi, refer to the user manual.
B. Interior Check for your car inspection checklist
Seatbelts, dashboards, gauges and more must be examined before getting a used car. Scroll down to learn what else you need to inspect.
6. Seatbelts:
Although it is a no-brainer, check if all seat belts are in working order. They should be able to retract and lock up properly without signs of damage or fray. Seatbelts are among the most critical safety features, so they must be in perfect shape. To help you out, you can seek help from a pre purchase inspection near me.
7. Dashboard:
A dashboard is a critical component of a car that displays instrumentation and controls for the car’s operation. While purchasing a used car, it must be on your vehicle checklist.
Check the dashboard for illuminated warning lights. These warning lights can indicate potential problems with the vehicle’s engine, brakes, or electrical components. If you find any issues with the readings, attend to them immediately to prevent their escalation.
8. Gauges:
Your used car inspection checklist must include an investigation of the gauge. These parts keep track of nearly every facet of your vehicle. Whether you want to learn the exact oil pressure, monitor the coolant temperature, or see the air-to-fuel ratio, the performance gauges give you this information.
Therefore, ensure that all gauges measuring speed, tachometer readings, fuel, and even temperature levels are calibrated accordingly. Faulty gauges can lead to misleading information and, thus, dangerous situations.
9. Horn:
While conducting vehicle inspections Perth, test the horn and ensure that it is clear and loud. This is an important step, as skipping it could lead to bad or even worse situations, as other road users may ignore it, especially during accident scenes.
10. Wiper Blades:
Windshield wipers are essential parts of a vehicle that wipe away debris, rain, snow, etc., so you can see where you’re going while driving. Without these parts, driving could be difficult. Hence, they are an important part of your automotive inspection checklist.
Inspect the windshield wiper blades for wear. Replace worn blades to maintain good visibility, especially during adverse weather conditions.
C. Car Inspection Checklist for Inspection Under the Hood
Under-the-hood vehicle inspection is of paramount importance. Here is what you need to keep an eye out for:
11. Fluids:
Another item on your vehicle inspection list is taking a look inside your car’s hood. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels. Low fluid levels could result in a variety of problems, including engine damage, overheating, and even brake failure. In such situations, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for proper procedures on how to check these fluids.
12. Belts and Hoses:
Your vehicle’s belts and hoses are essential parts vital to the function of your engine’s cooling, charging, and air conditioning systems. Therefore, they must be included in the motor inspection checklist. Hoses are made of flexible rubber compounds that can wear over time. As these are essential units, one must check all the belts and hoses for cracks, leaks, or other forms of wear. Faulty belts and hoses can cause severe mechanical failure, so replace them if necessary.
Wrapping up
Looking online for a “mobile mechanic near me” to help you conduct such checks? Then, seek assistance from a reputable mobile car mechanic like Mobile Mechanic Perth. With their commitment and workmanship, you can quickly inspect your new investment.
Also Read: Converting Manual Transmission To An Automatic: Pros & Cons
FAQ’s
1. What is a full inspection for a used car?
The process of used car inspection involves a thorough examination by a professional who will help you understand the roadworthiness of your vehicle. They can assess leaks, potential safety concerns, and even worn-out parts.
2. What are the 4 inspection techniques before buying a used car?
A used car checklist must include the following four types of inspection:
- Visual inspection
- Mechanical inspection
- Test drive
- Paperwork inspection
3. What are the inspection points in a used car?
There are 150+ car purchase inspection points that include the engine, condition, oil level, battery check, compartment, air filter, and fuel system. Instruments and Interior Compartment: instrument panel, ABS, climate control, windows, horn, and sunroof. Pre-Test Drive: wheels, lights, tyres, and shock absorbers.
4. Where can I go if I need extra assistance with automotive pre purchase inspection?
For automotive pre purchase inspection, call Mobile Mechanic Perth. This convenient doorstep service covers all significant checklists, including engine, suspension, and brakes.