What to Pay Attention to When Picking Up a New Car?
2 Answers
When picking up a new car, you need to check whether the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the invoice, inspect the car body for scratches, ensure all the included tools are complete, verify the car maintenance manual is intact, and check that the invoice and other original documents are all present. Below are relevant details about the inspection methods: 1. Check whether the VIN matches the invoice: On the day of pickup, the 4S store will hand over the official invoice to the customer. It is crucial to verify the invoice and VIN on the same day because the original invoice is required when officially registering the car at the vehicle management office. If there is an issue with the original invoice or the VIN is incorrect, you will not be able to officially select a license plate at the vehicle management office. 2. Inspect the car body for scratches: During the process from the factory to the 4S store, new cars may inevitably suffer some minor scratches. Therefore, when picking up the car, carefully inspect the four doors, roof, and other areas for any significant scratches. If major scratches are found, you can request the 4S store to replace the vehicle. Here’s a simple method: use your phone’s flashlight to slowly examine the paint surface. 3. Check whether all the included tools are complete: When picking up the car, also thoroughly inspect the included tools, such as the spare tire, jack, tire-changing tools, and warning triangle. Nowadays, an additional item is the high-visibility traffic safety vest. Make sure all these tools are present. 4. Verify the car maintenance manual is complete: The first maintenance of the car is usually free, and it relies on the car maintenance manual. If the manual is missing, the 4S store’s after-sales service will not perform the first maintenance. If the first maintenance is done without the manual, you will have to pay for it yourself. Therefore, when picking up the car, ensure the car maintenance manual is complete and not missing any pages.
On the day of picking up the car, I was extremely excited, but reminded myself not to get carried away with joy. First, inspect the exterior: walk around the car to check for scratches, dents, or rust, especially in the corners. Open the hood to examine the engine compartment and ensure the fluid levels are normal. After getting in, test the seat adjustments, window switches for smooth operation, and how easily the steering wheel turns. Start the engine to listen for any unusual noises, test the brake pedal for firmness, and check the headlights (high and low beams), fog lights, and turn signals. Don’t forget to test the air conditioning system by checking both hot and cold air. Open the trunk to confirm the spare tire and tool kit are present, and ensure all keys are accounted for. Verify all documents, such as the purchase contract, insurance policy, and vehicle certification, checking dates and signatures. Finally, take a short test drive to assess acceleration and steering smoothness. After pickup, take some time to inspect carefully—address any flaws immediately. After all, the car marks the start of a new life; don’t let small oversights become future troubles.
