What are the precautions for picking up a car?
4 Answers
Precautions for picking up a car include: 1. Park the vehicle in an outdoor area with sufficient light to inspect the body paint, ensuring there are no scratches or wear, the paint is even, and it appears translucent under sunlight reflection; 2. Open the car door—the vehicle identification plate is located near the driver's side door or B-pillar—check the relevant information on the plate; 3. Open the engine compartment to inspect if it is clean, free of dirt or dust, and check if the engine oil and other fluids are at adequate levels; 4. Manually test whether the doors open and close smoothly, the windows roll up and down properly, there is no strong odor inside the car, the air conditioning cools effectively, the wipers function correctly, and the lights turn on normally; 5. Start the engine to feel if it idles smoothly, if there is noticeable noise inside the car, or if the steering wheel vibrates significantly; 6. Check if all relevant vehicle documents are complete, such as the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle type approval certificate, vehicle registration certificate, warranty certificate, owner's manual, and new car delivery checklist.
I suggest you don't rush when picking up your new car. Bring a friend along—two pairs of eyes are better than one. The first time I picked up a car, I knew nothing and drove off immediately, only to discover scratches on the side door when washing it later. Take your time to inspect the entire body: look for scratches, dents, and even glance at the roof and undercarriage. Check that the tire tread isn't excessively worn and the rims aren't deformed. Sit in the driver's seat, start the engine, and listen for smooth operation without strange noises. Test all functions: headlights, air conditioning (both hot and cold), power windows, windshield wipers, and the audio system. Remember to verify all documents: ensure the purchase contract, VIN, insurance policy, and invoice match to avoid costly mistakes. After picking up the car, drive a short distance to test the brakes and steering. Only hit the road when everything feels normal to ensure safe driving.
Veteran drivers' experience tells me that the key to picking up a car lies in the details. Walk around the car to check for any flaws in the exterior, pop the hood to inspect the engine oil level and coolant color—make sure there's no antifreeze leakage. After ignition, listen for minimal engine noise to feel at ease. Inspect the interior to ensure seat adjustments are smooth and buttons aren't sticky. Document verification is crucial: check the license plate number, insurance effective date, and ensure the maintenance manual is complete—missing any could cause big trouble. A test drive is essential; drive a few hundred meters to feel if the throttle and brake responses are normal. Don’t forget to check that the trunk toolkit and spare tire are in place to avoid being caught unprepared in an emergency. Being thorough throughout the process can save a lot of hassle later.
When picking up a new car with the whole family, focus on key points. First, check if the rear seat space is sufficient and if the child seat interfaces install smoothly; the speed of the air conditioning affects the children's comfort. Ensure all doors open and close smoothly, and that seat belts buckle securely for safety. Double-check all documents to avoid missing anything and unnecessary trips back. A short test drive to feel stability and absence of unusual noises is enough—no need for a long journey. This method is time-saving, practical, and easy to remember.
