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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Inspection under the Bonnet While Buying a Used Car

There is no need to become a mechanic to perform a reasonable or basic inspection under the bonnet before purchasing a used car. Taking the car to a mechanic can provide the best insight, even though there are many items you can check yourself. There is no need of any tool requirement except a few clean rags. The inspection has to perform before the vehicle start and the engine is off. And second time is after the car is properly warm up.

Battery: Batteries have sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive. Check for signs of corrosion at the area around the battery and battery terminals. This indicates a leaking or a bad battery. Clean with baking soda around that area, if needed. Check for whether the battery is firmly attached to the frame.

When the car is running, loose battery vibrate excessively and eventually the battery terminals may loosen. Check for the adequate water levels in each cell. For maintenance, free batteries there is no need to check for water levels.

Radiator: The engine must be cool at anytime when the radiator cap is removed. There is no need to look at the color of the radiator fluid, because the colors are vary as per the brand. Check for any metal particles floating in the fluid. The oil in the radiator coolant may indicate a leaking gasket or a cracked cylinder head.

Engine oil: A build up of sludge and thick or dirty oil may indicate a lack of proper maintenance. Milky or Grey colored oil may means presence of water and can lead to serious engine problems.

Check for Engine number and VIN: Check for the engine number and the vehicle identification number or body number. The numbers on the certificate of registration and these numbers must have to match. The vehicle identification number contains numbers and letter and it is the unique identity of the car.

If you are unable to find the number, ask the seller to point out the number to you. If you did not find the number or the number is not matched with the documents, you should not buy the car. Check for signs of interference like drill holes, grind marks, scratches etc. These are the illegal interference with the numbers.

An engine with oil or dirt may indicate poor maintenance or or mechanical problems. While engine is idle check or listen for any knocking or rattling or irregular running noises. Check for the signs of different shade in the engine bay. This is called as over spray and it may indicates that the car met a crash and the paint sprayed again. If you find any freshly welded signs, it is an indicator of damage.

Related Links:
Greeley Toyota
Fremont Porsche
Hyundai dealer Richmond Hill
Ford Mustang Thousand Oaks
Hyundai Dealer Los Angeles
Dyer Chevy


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