What are the precautions for picking up a car and the steps for vehicle inspection?
3 Answers
Check the production date of the vehicle, inspect the engine compartment, and ensure the engine oil is OK; check the doors and interior for any scratches or stains. Specific details are as follows: 1. Basic inspection: Check the basic functions of the vehicle; observe whether the engine runs smoothly, etc. Finally, verify that all relevant vehicle documents are complete and take a test drive to understand its performance. 2. New car inspection requires 'observation, listening, questioning, and touching': First, visually inspect the body paint for any scratches or wear. Park the vehicle in an outdoor area with sufficient light and check if the paint is even; if necessary, you can touch it with your hands. The vehicle's nameplate is located on the side of the driver's door or inside the engine compartment. By checking the information on the nameplate, you can determine the production date of the vehicle.
I'm quite experienced in taking delivery of new cars. A thorough inspection is a must when you get a new vehicle. First, walk around the car to check for any scratches or color differences on the paintwork, especially on vulnerable areas like bumpers and door edges. After starting the engine, test all lights including fog lights and reverse lights. Examine the tires carefully to see if the rubber hairs are still present, and check the rims for any transport scratches. Inside the car, test the air conditioning, audio system, and all windows, paying special attention to any warning lights on the dashboard. Remember to pop the hood to listen to the idle sound and quickly check the engine oil color - it should be clear amber for a new car. Don't forget to inspect the spare tire and toolkit in the trunk; a friend of mine once got tricked when the jack was swapped during delivery. For paperwork, verify the VIN, engine number, and insurance details, and double-check the temporary license plate expiration date. Finally, have the salesperson walk you through basic operations before driving off, and avoid rapid acceleration during the first 500 kilometers to protect the engine.
As an experienced driver, I believe the most crucial part of vehicle inspection is the engine compartment. Listen for any unusual noises during a cold start, and after the idle stabilizes, open the oil cap to check if the oil is clear and free of impurities. Also, verify that the brake fluid and coolant levels are within the standard range. Check the production dates of all four tires to ensure consistency, and it's best to adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended value on the spot. For the interior, pay attention to whether the seat adjustments are smooth and test all the buttons on the center console for responsiveness. The road test is very important—take the car out to check if the brakes have any dead zones, if the steering wheel pulls to one side, and if the transmission shifts smoothly. Turn off the radio when reversing to listen for any unusual noises from the chassis. When reviewing the delivery documents, focus on whether the purchase invoice amount matches and if the three-guarantee certificate is complete. It's advisable to bring along an experienced driver for the inspection, as they know the tricks of the trade. Before leaving, make sure to fill up the first tank of fuel, as there may be impurities at the bottom of a new car's fuel tank.
