Dallas Used Car Inspection Checklist

When in the market for a second hand vehicle, you need to ensure that the vehicle is thoroughly checked before signing any document. Even though the AANT provides a number of options on car assessments, there are a few checks that you can carry out on yourself. The following Dallas used car inspection tips will help you assess the overall condition that the vehicle is in, enabling you to make a decision on whether you still want to buy it or not.

The body should always be checked first. Take a careful look to establish whether it has any indications of rust corrosion or damage from an accident. Accident damage can be established by checking whether there are loosely fitted body panels.

Examine all the windows present. It is important that you try to open and close all the windows. The same thing should also be done for the doors. When opening and closing them, determine whether additional pressure is needed for them to operate, or whether they are able to do so normally.

A careful assessment of the paintwork is required. Walk around the vehicle to check whether there are any signs of over spraying. Over spraying is an indication that poor repair work may have been carried out on that vehicle.

When the assessment of vehicle exterior is complete, you should now proceed to check under its hood. Determine whether the engine number, body number and vehicle registration numbers are present. The numbers marked on the parts ought to be similar to the numbers indicated in its registration certificate.

Confirm the year that the car was manufactured. You cannot always trust the information that has been advertised by the seller. You should look at the compliance and the build dates for more reliable information on when this vehicle was manufactured. You can find this information by checking the panels found in the engine bay.

Carefully assess the condition of the engine. A dirty engine is an indication that this vehicle has not been well maintained. It may also indicate the presence of a mechanical problem. While assessing the engine, check the condition of the engine oil. Milky or grey oil will often indicate that there is a very serious problem.

The radiator is another important component you should also inspect. When it comes to assessing a radiator, you can start by looking at its physical condition. Ensure it has not been damaged by rust before inspecting the coolant.

The lower part of a vehicle will usually tell you a lot about it. The lower part houses a very important component in any car; the exhaust system. You must start the engine when inspecting the exhaust system. Make sure that it is not producing too many fumes, and that it is not too loud.

Take a look at the condition of the tires. All tires should be checked for tread, uneven wear and cracks. The presence of any one or all of these problems will indicate that there is a problem with the suspension or steering. The spare tire should also be inspected. Remember to check for the presence of oil leaks. You can then inspect the transmission, engine and brakes to determine whether there are oil leaks.