What to Pay Attention to When Inspecting a New Car?
4 Answers
When inspecting a new car, the following aspects should be noted: 1. Documentation Check: Including: purchase invoice, vehicle certificate, warranty service card, vehicle user manual, factory certificate/vehicle factory inspection sheet. Some vehicles may have separate engine user manuals and spare keys, while certain optional equipment for some vehicles may have specific requirements or regulations. In such cases, consumers should request relevant documentation from the dealer. 2. Exterior Detail Inspection: Some comprehensive dealers may sell test drive cars, inventory cars, or accident-damaged cars as new vehicles to consumers, concealing the vehicle's origin and offering seemingly attractive discounts to pass them off as new cars when they are actually unwanted accident vehicles. Additionally, some comprehensive dealers may take advantage of consumers' lack of familiarity with vehicle models by selling base models as high-end models to gain more profit. Therefore, consumers must be meticulous when inspecting the vehicle.
When I first bought a new car, safety was my top concern. I would start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, then test if the brakes were responsive, especially when stopping at low speeds. I'd drive a short distance to pay attention to the steering and suspension response to prevent future accidents. The seatbelt buckle should be pulled and fastened quickly to ensure it doesn't get stuck. Tire pressure must be normal, so I often carry a tire pressure gauge to check it and look for any scratches or bulges on the surface. All lights must be thoroughly inspected: whether the headlights are bright and if the brake lights respond quickly. After opening the hood, I check if the engine is leaking oil and if the coolant and oil levels are adequate. Safety is no small matter—don't find it troublesome. This process takes me about half an hour, but it helps prevent future risks.
I particularly love the exterior details of a new car, so I need to conduct a thorough inspection on the day of pickup. Start by scanning the body paint from a distance to check for color discrepancies or minor dents. Then, take a closer look to ensure the door gaps are even and the window seals are tight with no air leaks. All glass surfaces should be clean and free of cracks, while the tire treads should be fresh and the rims free of scratches. Are the wheel caps securely fastened? The mirrors should fold smoothly. I usually use my phone's flashlight to inspect hard-to-see areas like the undercarriage or door edges, which are prone to damage during transport. A flawless exterior affects my mood; otherwise, repairs later on could cost more. I also run my hand over the paint to feel for smoothness, not roughness, and check that the paint protection film is intact. This process takes about 15 minutes, but don't rush—being thorough will give you more confidence when you hit the road.
Functional testing is my forte. Upon entering the car, start the ignition to check if all dashboard lights and information displays illuminate properly. Test the air conditioning at both high and low temperatures to ensure even airflow without any strange odors. Press every button in sequence: adjust the audio volume up and down, verify the reliability of all lighting switches including fog lights and interior lights. How fast does the Bluetooth connect to your phone? Is the reverse camera display clear? Check if the windows roll up and down smoothly without sticking. Under the hood, inspect the circuit fuses for proper installation. Minor functional issues can accumulate into major repairs—I can cover all critical checks in 10 minutes to ensure trouble-free daily operation.
