Get Dirty Inspecting Your Next Car
July 21, 2011 by Clinton
No matter where you’re buying a used car, you should be aware that there is a chance there’s something the seller’s not telling you. Whether the seller is aware of it or not, some cars have serious mechanical problems that have been covered up just enough to make them unnoticeable until it’s too late.
Since there are people who will go to great lengths to hide red flags, you’ll need to be willing to get a little dirty to turn up some problems. This article discusses steps to add to your inspection checklist that many people choose to forgo because they seem silly and result in dirty fingernails.
Look for clamp marks
Clamp marks appear as holes or teeth marks on the body of the car. These marks are clear signs that the car has been repaired with a frame machine, a tool only used when serious damage has occurred. To look for clamp marks, you’ll have to get under the car with a flashlight and scan the frame rail.
Check under the oil cap
When most used car buyers look under the hood of a car, they just want to make sure everything looks nice and clean. Because of this, most smart sellers will wipe down the visible components and may even change the oil. What they probably won’t do is clean the underside of the oil cap, making this area a great place to look for clues. When you take off the oil cap, check for thick black marks, corrosion and burnt oil. Any of these are signs that the engine has been driven hard or raced.
Peel back the carpet liner in the trunk
Peel back the trunk’s carpet liner to look for several things. First, you’ll want to make sure the spare tire and jack are in place. Secondly, be alert for a musty odor or water in the tire well. If either is present, the car has probably suffered flood damage.
Examine the dipstick
Before you buy any car, you should check the oil to make sure it is full and clean. While most people stop there, it is also a good idea to feel the oil on the dipstick. If you feel any particles, the engine may have serious problems.
<Run fingers along the edge of the hood
The edge of the hood by the windshield should be completely smooth. If it feels rough, the hood been replaced after a collision. When body shops repaint the hood, they usually buff the whole thing except for this small area.
Category: Car Maintenance, Used Cars Online
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One Response to “Get Dirty Inspecting Your Next Car”
These marks are clear signs that the car has been repaired with a frame machine, a tool only used when serious damage has occurred.