What should be paid attention to when picking up and inspecting the car?
3 Answers
When picking up and inspecting the car at a 4S store, attention should be paid to two parts: checking the vehicle and verifying the documents. The following is a related introduction about picking up and inspecting the car: Check the engine: After cold starting the engine, let it warm up for about 2 minutes. If the engine sound is steady without any strange noises, take a short test drive. Ensure there are no unusual noises when shifting gears, no abnormal sounds from the body, and that electronic devices like the air conditioning and audio system function normally. Check the body: The paintwork of a new car is sprayed by computer automation and should be flawless. If there is uneven protection or color differences in the vehicle's paint, insist that the 4S store replace the car. The interior of the vehicle should not have any flaws. After turning on the power, all functions of the vehicle must be checked and must work properly, such as the navigation, wipers, and headlights. Check if all buttons are flexible and functional, and if the headlights can be turned on normally.
When helping my cousin pick up his new car last time, we spent nearly 2 hours inspecting it. Walking around the car body three times to examine the paint surface is particularly crucial, focusing on checking for color differences on the bumpers and door edges, and squatting down to inspect the wheels for scratches. Remember to bring your phone and use the flashlight to check the tires; abnormal wear on the tire hairs might indicate test drives. After starting the engine, don't rush to turn on the AC—first check the dashboard for warning lights, then test the power windows for any unusual noises, and have the salesperson turn on all the vehicle lights for inspection. Don't forget to check the spare tire and tool kit in the trunk. Finally, pull out the oil dipstick in the engine compartment—if the oil is black, there's definitely an issue. Oh, and make sure the manufacturing date on the door sill plate matches the contract; be especially cautious with cars that have been in stock for over six months.
A decade-long auto repair veteran shares some common pitfalls: First, check the production date dots on the windshield and headlights—if they're significantly older than the vehicle's manufacturing date, it's suspicious. Wipe leather seats with a wet wipe to test for color bleeding, and feel under fabric seats for rusted springs. Start the engine, turn the steering wheel to full lock to listen for driveshaft noises, and test the electronic parking brake by engaging and releasing it three times. During reverse, have a friend observe if both side parking sensors respond simultaneously; reject the car immediately if the rearview camera shows static. Insist on stamped receipts on the spot, and ensure the PDI checklist specifies 'pre-delivery mileage under 50km'.
