What to Pay Attention to for New Cars in Stock for 6 Months
3 Answers
Identify whether it is a flooded vehicle and check for any unusual odors inside the car. Here is relevant information: 1. Check if there is any musty smell in the air conditioning system: If there is, request a replacement of the cabin air filter. Verify whether the production dates of the window glass are consistent, and inspect the front and rear windshields for signs of replacement, for the same reason as the first point. 2. Examine the vehicle's paint surface for noticeable color differences compared to recently manufactured new cars: Most 4S store parking lots are open-air. Exposure to sun and rain is unavoidable, and acidic rainwater can cause some corrosion to the paint. However, stock vehicles without orders are rarely washed, so the condition of the paint will not be ideal.
The stock car I picked up last year was already 6 months old, and I specifically asked the maintenance technician about precautions at that time. First, the battery is prone to losing charge, so make sure the 4S store fully charges it and checks its health before pickup. Tires left parked for too long can develop flat spots and deformations, so remember to check the tire pressure and rotate their positions. Engine oil oxidizes and deteriorates over time—even if the odometer hasn’t moved, it should be replaced to avoid damaging the engine. Rubber components like seals and wiper blades are most vulnerable to aging; inspect them for cracks by bending them. All fluids in the car need to be checked, especially brake fluid, which easily absorbs moisture and degrades—it’s best to request a comprehensive inspection by the dealer before pickup. Finally, before hitting the road, be sure to pump the brakes a few times to remove rust, and drive on the highway for a while to allow all components to break in properly.
A new car sitting in inventory for half a year may look fresh, but it can hide many potential issues. Once when accompanying a friend to pick up an inventory car, we found the lubricant in the door seams had dried up and clumped. Pay special attention to the battery—long-term discharge can lead to sulfide crystallization, affecting its lifespan. It's best to start with a slow charge for 24 hours. Engine oil has a shelf life of just six months, so insist on replacing both the oil and oil filter. Underbody components may have rusted, so lift the car and tap the suspension bolts to check. Use a coin to check tire deformation by inserting it into the tread grooves—if the car vibrates at high speeds, it's likely due to tire out-of-roundness. Inspect the paint under sunlight for color discrepancies, as prolonged exposure can cause oxidation and dullness. Thoroughly checking these areas will give you peace of mind when driving it home.
