Have you bought a new car but don't know what to check on the first drive? In this article you can find some tips to avoid ending up with a faulty vehicle.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you have all important documents, such as your insurance policy and vehicle registration document, before you collect your vehicle
Step 2. Be nice and friendly to the dealership staff
Step 3. Have patience
Some small delays are sometimes unavoidable.
Step 4. If you find something that doesn't match what you requested, just write it down on a piece of paper and give the note to the seller
Your goal is to solve every problem and not make an unpleasant "show" in the car showroom in a situation that should be happy for you.
Step 5. Take your time to check the vehicle
Buying a car is an important investment and it is completely normal that you want to check every detail.
Step 6. Let the seller show you the whole car and its features
You should be aware of all the features before proceeding with the inspection.
Step 7. Make a note of the kilometers traveled
A distance of less than 40 km is considered acceptable, although this value may vary depending on how the vehicle is transported to the dealership.
Step 8. Look at the bodywork
Watch it during the day and outdoors; take your time to write down any imperfections. It is very difficult to justify scratches or small dents to the dealer once you bring the car home.
Step 9. Check the welds, the joints between the body panels and that the doors line up properly
Step 10. Inspect all doors, hood and trunk
They must open and close without difficulty; in addition, the seals must be soft.
Step 11. Lift the hood
Observe the fluid levels and that the engine compartment is clean.
Step 12. Watch out for cuts or cracks in electrical wiring and connections
Also make sure that the control unit is well sealed.
Step 13. Check the battery
Generally, those of the best brands are equipped with a device that indicates the charge level; if not, ask the retailer to confirm that it is in perfect condition and run a test.
Step 14. Make sure all tires are new
Usually they must have colored stripes in the center that fade with wear.
Step 15. Look at the windows, windshield and rear window for cracks, scratches or stains that may be difficult to remove later
Make sure the wiper blades work well, as well as the mechanisms for lowering and raising the windows (whether manual or automatic).
Step 16. Look inside
Pay special attention to dirty seats, upholstery and rugs; also make sure that the upholstery (fabric or leather) is intact.
Step 17. Turn the ignition key to "ON"
Step 18. Verify that no dashboard warning lights come on
Step 19. Check that the fuel level is adequate and that the engine temperature is within an acceptable range
Step 20. Start the engine
Pay attention to abnormal sounds coming from the hood. It is advisable to leave the passenger compartment with the engine running to listen to its noise; at the same time, also observe the exhaust smoke.
Step 21. Turn on the heating and air conditioning systems
Make sure they work properly.
Step 22. Test all horns on the vehicle
Step 23. Turn on the headlights, fog lights and sidelights
Check that they work and check that the low beams are aimed at the correct distance.
Step 24. Inspect the stereo system
Bring your favorite CD for verification.
Step 25. Fasten your seat belt and ask to take a test drive before you collect the car for good
Turn off the stereo and set the air conditioning system to minimum to be able to notice any abnormal noise.
Step 26. Change the various gear ratios
Make sure that each gear engages smoothly and that the vehicle has good acceleration.
Step 27. During the test, watch out for strange sounds coming from the engine compartment or suspension
You shouldn't hear any "rattle", while a certain level of noise, vibration or transmission of road bumps should be acceptable.
Step 28. Drive around 60km / h on a straight and check that the vehicle maintains the trajectory without transmitting any strange vibrations
Step 29. Return to the dealer
Park your car, get out of the cockpit and open the hood. Make sure no fluid leaks occurred during the test drive.
Step 30. Talk to your chief mechanic to get all the information you need about scheduled service and the best driving style to follow
Step 31. Exchange your business card for that of the dealer and chief mechanic
Step 32. Report any defects you found during the inspection
Step 33. Make a note of the chassis number to make sure it matches the one on the documents
34 Check the tire pressure
35 You are now ready to drive your new car
However, before you leave the car showroom, take a picture of the purchase and all the people who have made your dream a reality!
36 Drive and show off your car
37 Check all the additional items on the car, such as the spare wheel, CD changer, tools and warning triangle
Advice
- Be courteous to the staff - remember that you will need to return to the dealership for subsequent maintenance.
- Get a friend or colleague to accompany you. An emotionally uninvolved person can give you an unbiased opinion during the inspection.
- Call the dealer a couple of days in advance and make a delivery appointment so the staff aren't in a hurry.
- Prepare all the necessary documents for the collection of the vehicle.
- Bring a camera or video camera with you to capture the moment of joy, but also to have evidence of the defects you may encounter.
Warnings
- Never collect a vehicle in the late afternoon or evening.
- Remember that this may be a very exciting time for you, but for the dealership staff it is a routine task.
