A Handy Checklist for Buying A Second-hand Vehicle
In 2018, the UK sold over 8.2 million used cars but fell by 29.4% in 2020 because of the pandemic. It’s more convenient to buy a used car today than previously. This is largely made possible due to MoT history, improvement in auto insurance records, etc. In spite of this, car experts continue to advise buyers to always be mindful of the risks that come with purchasing a used car. What are these risk elements to have on your checklist? Read further to find out more.
1. Leaks
Although used cars are not brand new, it doesn’t mean a buyer should overlook certain faults. For instance, different fluids run within the pipes and lines of a vehicle, usually around the engine, and it’s essential that these fluids remain within their confinements and not leak. However, should you notice a leakage in the used car you wish to buy (be it fuel, oil, or water), it could signal a faulty or burst tank that needs to be repaired.
Before you buy that car, check the undersides for possible leaks and lookout for sludge underneath the car as well. This could be due to oil leakage coming into contact with dirt, resulting in sludge on the undercarriage. To be sure where the leak is coming from, open the bonnet and look around the engine. In most cases, an oil leak is brown, but when it changes to black, the only possible explanation is old oil.
You may notice fluids such as the coolant (green, pink or yellow in colour) seeping out in other cases. Should you notice a reddish-brown leak, that could be the gearbox or power steering fluid. As a tip, some buyers leverage on such leaks to negotiate the price of the car. However, be wary of this as you might pay more for repair works after purchase.
2. Tyres
In the United Kingdom, the legal minimum for treads is 1.6mm. Therefore, you need to check all four tyres and the spare. Checking them will help you identify signs of damage. If you look carefully, you may notice graze marks on the tyres, which are fairly common and caused by kerbstones. This shouldn’t be much cause for worry; however, if there are bent wheel caps or significant dents, that could be a reason for concern and may have to be replaced immediately.
Additionally, tyres with bulges, splits, or cuts should have your attention because of the danger they pose on the road. Moreover, when you notice that one side of the tyre looks more worn out than other portions, it indicates poor wheel alignment, which could have been caused by a crash or falling into a pothole.
If you’re at all unsure about the safety of your tyres, then get them checked by a professional. If you’re worried about driving the car until the tyres have been checked, you can use a mobile tyre service such as Mobile Tyre Fitting St Helens who will visit you at your home or at your place of work.
3. Engine
Simply put, the engine is the heart of the car; it’s designed to be robust and capable of withstanding wear and tear. However, the engine has internal components that are critical to overall auto performance. To check for performance, listen for any abnormal sounds when the car starts. Again, does the dashboard oil light get activated the moment you start the engine? These are all indicators of its state.
Another thing to be mindful of is whether there’s excessive exhaust emission when the car starts. These signs are indicative of some potential engine problems that need to be resolved as soon as possible. If you’re uncertain about the used car’s emission rate, ask to see the recent test to confirm it’s within the legally permitted limits.
Buying a used car requires a great deal of diligence and thorough research. Remember, the laws make it possible to find out every significant information about the vehicle before the final purchase.