What should be checked when picking up a new car?
4 Answers
Things to check when picking up a new car include: 1. Verify all vehicle documents are complete; 2. Carefully count the number of tools included with the car; 3. Inspect the vehicle's exterior for scratches, wear, or signs of repainting; 4. Lift the car to check the undercarriage for damage or deformation; 5. Check if the production dates of the vehicle's components match or are close to the vehicle's production date; 6. Test all vehicle functions to ensure they are working properly; 7. Conduct a dynamic test to check if the engine idles smoothly, if the steering wheel has noticeable vibrations, if the front and rear seats have significant shaking, and if there is noticeable noise inside the car.
I just picked up my new car last week, and the inspection took quite some effort. I carefully walked around the car to check for any scratches on the paint, especially on the bumper and other areas prone to scrapes. I opened and closed the doors and hood multiple times to listen for any unusual noises. For the interior, I checked if the seat stitching was neat, if the sunroof operated smoothly, and tested the air conditioning at maximum fan speed. After starting the engine, I didn’t rush off—I listened to ensure the idle sound was steady and opened the oil cap to check if the fluid was clear. I made sure to verify that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matched the contract and had the salesperson display all the included tools for confirmation, including the spare tire and warning triangle. I also ensured I received the vehicle certificate and invoice on the spot, as missing these could affect registration. The odometer reading should ideally be under 20 kilometers; if it exceeds 50 kilometers, be sure to ask for an explanation. Bringing a flashlight to inspect hard-to-see areas under the chassis is crucial—don’t overlook this step.
As a seasoned car inspector who often helps friends, I believe the key is to conduct a section-by-section check. For the exterior, always use a phone flashlight to sidelight the paint surface to spot subtle scratches; tires should be inspected for uniform tread depth and production cycle. Inside the cabin, first turn on all lights, especially the easily overlooked fog lights and brake lights. After ignition, shift gears to test for any jerking sensations, and turn the steering wheel in place to listen for any unusual sounds from the steering mechanism. Don’t forget to lift the trunk mat to check the tool kit, and ensure the spare tire is properly inflated. For documentation, pay special attention to the date on the conformity certificate and the vehicle consistency certificate; for imported cars, also check the customs clearance documents. If bringing a novice to inspect a car, I recommend focusing on checking for rust in the seatbelt buckles and any unusual noises during window operation, as these are often difficult to fix later. Finally, set aside half an hour for a test drive to assess whether the braking force feels linear.
Last time I helped my daughter pick up her car, she almost missed some crucial steps due to lack of experience. You need to inspect the car body along the direction of light to spot subtle dents caused during transportation. Squat down and feel the inner walls of all four wheels for signs of tire repairs – new tires should still have their bristles intact. Pay special attention to the smell of the interior; a pungent odor may indicate low-quality materials. During startup, watch the dashboard warning lights closely – all relevant ones must turn off. For electric vehicles, additionally test the charging port cover switch and the accuracy of the range display. I recommend bringing a bottle of water to pour a small amount into the engine compartment to check drainage. Don't forget to verify the completeness of the warranty manual and maintenance coupons, and cross-check the VIN on the windshield with the documents. A simple method is to take a photo of the engine number location with your phone for detailed verification at home.
