What Does a New Car Inspection Check?

[OAdaline]

Here is a detailed introduction to the inspection items at a new car inspection site: Check the body paint: Inspect the paint for scratches, spots, dents, and wear. Observe the paint under sufficient sunlight to check for color differences. Open the car doors and adjust them to several angles to allow light to shine from different directions, checking if the sheet metal is smooth and if there are any signs of repair. Check the vehicle identification plate: The vehicle identification plate is located on the side of the driver's door or inside the engine compartment. Check if the manufacturing date is too far in the past. If the time exceeds six months, the car may be a stock vehicle or a test drive car. Also, ensure the information on the vehicle identification plate matches that on the vehicle certificate. Check the windshield: The numbers represent the most recent production year, and the dots represent the production month. If the dots are on the left side of the number, it indicates production in the first half of the year—subtract the number of black dots from 7 to get the specific year. If the dots are on the right side of the number, it indicates production in the second half of the year—subtract the number of black dots from 13 to get the specific year. If the windshield production date is too far from the new car's production date (a year or more), the windshield may have been replaced. Check if the engine compartment is clean: If the vehicle has been stored for a long time or used, some areas may have obvious dust or stains. Also, check if the engine oil level is sufficient and if other fluid levels meet the standards. Check if the doors open and close smoothly: Ensure there is no noise when the door hinges rotate, the gaps between the doors and the front and rear bumpers are consistent, and the doors can be closed in one smooth motion. Check the tire production date: If the tire production date is significantly older than the car's delivery date, it should be noted. Check the vehicle's basic functions: Ensure the windows can be raised and lowered normally, the air conditioning cools properly, there are no strange odors from the vents, the dashboard functions operate correctly, the wipers work, the lights turn on properly, and the sunroof opens and closes smoothly, among other things.

[DiReese]

Last time I went to inspect my new car, I was extremely thorough and spent a considerable amount of time checking every detail. First, I walked around the car several times to inspect the paint for any scratches, small dents, or color inconsistencies—details that are only visible under different lighting angles. Then, I sat in the driver’s seat and tested all the electronic features: turning on the lights to check the brightness of high and low beams, adjusting the wiper speeds, testing the horn’s loudness, switching between hot and cold air from the AC, and evaluating the bass and treble effects of the sound system. I started the engine to listen for smooth operation without any strange noises; pressing the brake pedal to ensure responsive and delay-free performance. I also opened the trunk to confirm the toolkit was complete and the spare tire had proper pressure, and cross-checked the VIN code with the purchase documents to avoid future disputes. Although the process was tedious, it helped me avoid discovering issues after driving the car home. Now, after more than a year of driving, the car has had zero problems. I highly recommend new buyers to be patient during this process.

[VonEsther]

From years of car inspection experience, I've learned that checking a new car is all about thoroughness. Externally, carefully examine if the body panel gaps are even and if the tire wear indicators are clear—choose a sunny day to spot defects under reflections. Inside, test the seat adjustment functions, steering wheel button responsiveness, and navigation system boot-up speed. For the mechanical part, start the engine to check if the tachometer is stable, pop the hood to glance at oil levels and brake fluid adequacy, and take a short test drive to feel suspension vibrations and steering smoothness. Don’t forget to verify documents like manufacturing date and warranty period to avoid issues with stock vehicles. Overlooking these small details could lead to high repair costs later—taking time now is better than regretting it later.

[Harper]

When inspecting a new car, I focus on performance: first, listen if the engine starts smoothly, and check if the acceleration is responsive with a light press on the throttle. Test the brakes a few times to ensure no lag and quick stopping. Drive to hear minimal chassis noise and comfortable road feedback. Visually scan the body for dents, and test all interior buttons like AC and sunroof to ensure they work. Verify the VIN matches the documents—ultimately, a car that drives smoothly is what brings peace of mind.