Inspecting a vehicle for safety is one of the most important things you will do when buying a used car. The critical factor during this process is that you ignore what the car looks like and inspect its underlying functionality. The reason you should ignore what the vehicle looks like is because many dealers might repair a car to its factory-delivered appearance. However, such cars might not be safe as there could be problems with the framework or even with the car’s computer. Additionally, when checking a car for safety, it is best to have a licensed vehicle inspector do the inspection. Even if you are familiar with cars, you might not have the machinery necessary to access all the parts requiring close attention.
1. Interior
Seat belts
When it comes to safety, it is, of course, vital that a vehicle’s seat belts work. To check them, you can simply buckle and unbuckle each seat belt within the car. You should be sure to take notice of any belt that does not latch properly, sticks unexpectedly, or does not work at all.
Horn
A car’s horn is the most efficient and effective way to let another driver know that you are nearby, especially if you happen to be in the driver’s blind spot. When considering purchasing a car, you should use the horn a few times. This will verify that the horn works as well as allow you to assess if it is loud enough for other drivers to hear.
Defrosters
A car without proper front and rear defrosters is annoying and can pose a safety hazard in the winter as fog or frost will decrease your ability to see clearly, increasing the likelihood of an accident. To check them, turn on both the front and rear defrosters. Next, you should make sure that hot air is blowing from both locations.
Airbag
If you want to ensure the airbag is working and not a second-hand airbag that can leave you injured in a crash, you should have the vehicle looked at by a mechanic that does ASAP mobile pre-purchase car inspections. Doing so will ensure all the sensors are working.
2. Brakes
When it comes to safety, having brakes that are in good working order is a must. The first thing you should do to test the brakes is to drive the car at 30 miles per hour. Once you reach this speed, you should first ensure no one is behind you and then stop the car. If you feel any pulsing in the pedal or brakes, you will most likely need to replace the brakes.
To check the emergency brake, you should start at the top of a sloped road, place the vehicle in neutral, and let the vehicle start to roll down the hill. Once the vehicle begins to roll, you can simply apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. If the brake does not stop and hold the vehicle in place, the emergency brake will need to be repaired.
3. Bumpers
Bumpers are an important part of keeping you and your car safe during an accident as they are designed to absorb impact. When checking the front and rear bumpers, you should be sure to note that the bumpers are attached and there are no signs of damage.
4. Lights
Just as brakes that work properly will help keep you safe, lights that brighten the road at night are crucial to keeping you safe as well. When checking the headlights, be sure to check both the high and low beams. You should also check the casings to see if they are cracked or if condensation has formed inside.
When checking the tail lights, make sure they are working and that there are no cracks in the casings. You should also ensure the brake lights are in good working order. To do this, you should have someone watch the lights as you apply the brakes.
Finally, you should check both the left and right turn signals to ensure that they work. Of course, you will need to check the turn signals in the dashboard as well as the left and right turn lights located at the rear and at the front of the vehicle.
Author Bio:
Lisa Eclesworth is a notable and influential lifestyle writer. She is a mom of two and a successful homemaker. She loves to cook and create beautiful projects with her family. She writes informative and fun articles that her readers love and enjoy. You can directly connect with her on email – [email protected] or visit her website www.lisaeclesworth.com