Overheating can indicate a serious problem. When turning the steering wheel ‘full lock’, are there any unusual noises? These could indicate a problem with the power steering or suspension.Is the steering wheel moving smoothly, with little effort? If the car drifts to one side, it could be a result of uneven air pressure in the tyres to a problem with the car’s suspension.Does the car accelerate as you would expect it to?.Are the speedometer and rev counter moving normally?.Keep an eye on the warning lights – do they switch off shortly after the engine starts? Do any warning lights come on while driving?.Alternatively, there could be a problem with the starter motor. Does the engine start easily from cold? If not, a new battery or alternator could be required.Squeaking from the engine could indicate a worn auxiliary or cam belt. Switch the radio off to listen for any unusual sounds.Don’t get distracted by the person selling the car talking because you need to focus on how the car drives and sounds.Here are some things to check and be aware of whilst the test drive is being carried out. Ask to see log book to check service history.Furthermore, check for previous MOT advisories – they’re a good indication of future issues you may need to address. Ask to see the V5C and MOT Certificates.If it has floating particles in it, it may be an early sign of head gasket failure. The contents of this should look like coloured water.
Watch out for yellow-mustard coloured build-up, especially on the inside of the oil filler cap, which may indicate head gasket problems.If it’s golden and new rather than black and old, this suggests the car has been recently serviced. Are there any obvious signs of a leak or build-up? Pull the dipstick and check the condition of the oil. Check if the oil is filled to the correct level. Establish whether the engine has been taken care of by the current owner.Do the electrics work? Try windows, heaters/blowers, air conditioning, wing mirrors, central locking, windscreen wipers and horn.Is the mileage feasible for the age of the car? As a rule of thumb, multiply the car’s age in years by 10,000 to work out what the mileage should be and whether the odometer has been tampered with.How do the tyres look? Are they worn on the inner edges (you may need to turn the steering wheel to see the front tyres fully)? If they have less than 3mm tread, you will need to replace them soon.Are the seatbelts in good condition and do they work and retract correctly?.Do all of the lights and indicators work?.On a cold day, you might see white smoke, which is actually just steam. Remember, diesel cars often emit black-coloured smoke. If you see blue-coloured smoke, this could indicate oil burning issues. Check the colour of emissions from the exhaust pipe.What is the condition of the exhaust pipe? Is it supported correctly and firmly?.Watch out for plastic coverings concealing rust, especially on the arches or sills. Are there signs of rust around the underside, wheel arches and sill edges? Rust is the product of corroded steel or metal, so the structure of the car may be weakened if it’s present.Top Tip: When arranging the test drive ask the seller to ensure the vehicle is cold. This will give you an opportunity to check fluid levels, such as coolant, brake fluid and oil level. It’s a good idea to check the following areas before even getting behind the wheel: Whilst our Car Guide Buyer’s report will give you areas to check on your chosen vehicle, such as common rust or component issues, the simple used car test drive checklist below will guide you through the most important areas for inspection. We recommend to check the car’s history before you engage with the seller.
0 kommentar(er)
