How to Inspect the Chassis of a Used Car?
2 Answers
If you are purchasing a used car, it is essential to lift the vehicle onto a rack to inspect the chassis thoroughly. Only then can you gain a comprehensive understanding of the car's condition. The inspection steps are as follows: 1. Check for any scratches on the chassis and whether the suspension and subframe are deformed. 2. Inspect the front and rear longitudinal beams for any signs of deformation or repair. 3. Examine the rear panel and rear anti-collision steel beam for any repair marks. Precautions when buying a used car: 1. Walk around the car first to check if all four tires are underinflated. 2. Observe whether the tire brands are consistent. 3. Inspect the front wheels. 4. Check the wheel bearings of the used car. 5. After the used car transaction is completed, request the buyer to promptly hand over the relevant documents.
When helping friends check used cars, I always bring a flashlight to inspect underneath. The first thing is to look for any welding or bodywork marks on the frame – those suspicious stitch-like weld spots are red flags. If the underbody protection panel is severely dented, it's likely been scraped. I also check the inner walls of the exhaust pipe – black soot is normal, but sticky oil residue might indicate burning oil. Last time I saw a shiny-looking SUV with all its rubber suspension bushings cracked like old tree bark – it would definitely clunk over speed bumps. Remember, don't just focus on the engine, the chassis is the 'backbone' of a used car!
