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Vehicle
Inspection
While you are walking around the
car, check the tire wear. It should be worn evenly across the tread.
If the edges or center are worn more, their may be an alignment
needed, or the tire pressures may not have been maintained. Look for
puddles and drips under the car. Engine coolant is green or orange,
so if it’s not been raining, you will see green or orange puddles
if there are coolant leaks. Motor oil, power steering fluid and
dirty transmission oil are usually dark and thick. Brake fluid is
dark and oil like when old. When behind the car, look at the
tailpipe. It may be any color from light gray to black. It should
not feel oily inside. Pop the trunk if not already open.
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Lift the mat and look
for evidence of water, mildew, rust, or body repairs. Leaking
tail lights can create moisture in the truck that will cause
mold and mildew to form. Pull the liner back along the sides and
use your flashlight to look behind. Check the spare tire for air
pressure and tread while you are there. Is the jack, jack
handle and lug nut wrench in sight? Open
all the doors. Each should open with little effort. Each should
close with a slight thump. No rattles. When the door is open,
grab the door firmly and move it up and down. With a ten year
old car you may feel a bit of looseness in the hinges, this
would need to be addressed to prevent the door latches from
being damaged by sagging doors. Look all along the lower edges
of the doors for bubbles or bumps in the edge indicating rust or
body repairs. Like the fenders, the lower door edges should be
smooth.
Now it’s time to check
out the interior. What condition is the drives seat? Is it going
to be comfortable enough for you? Does is adjust smoothly.
Operate all the windows. Are they smooth? Do the door locks work
from both inside and out? Do you have any special keys or
remotes required to operate a vehicle alarm? Turn the ignition
on, but don’t start the engine just yet. Look at the lights on
the dash. You should see them all light up. Be sure that you see
the “Check Engine” light come on. This should be on when the
engine is not running. Wipers should move easily across the
windshield after you spray the window washer. No clunks or
squeaks. Check heater fan, hazard lights, power locks, horn,
radio/CD player, etc. Turn the ignition off now.
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