Seasoned mechanics know
what to look for in a used car by experience. However, no one is
perfect, and we are all prone to forget even the most mundane items.
Do you want a surefire way of remembering every detail you need to
cover during a vehicle inspection?
Use a Checklist!
The most prudent approach to vehicle inspections is to print out a free vehicle inspection checklist and use it every time you have to perform one. Car dealership service advisers use clipboard lists all the time for regular PMS or repairs. If you’re a new mechanic still learning your way around the profession, having a checklist with you is as important as your tools. It’s the professional thing to do, and it will make sure you don’t miss anything. This checklist is also useful in case you need a title loan. While you can get some title loans without the car getting inspected, most require an inspection before the lender releases the loan.
Here is a pretty comprehensive automotive inspection checklist you can use on your next used-car project.
Tools to Bring
If you’re doing the
inspection in a location other than the shop, make sure to bring the
following:
A magnet for concealed bodywork
White rags for checking the oil
OBD2 scan tool
Jack to prop the car up
Jack stands so you won’t get crushed
Flashlight
AUX cable and Bluetooth-enabled phone to test the entertainment system
Your other tools
Keep in mind that you
don’t need to bring all your tools with you because you’re only
inspecting the vehicle.
Questions for the Seller
If someone hires you to
help inspect a used car that’s for sale, you should assist the buyer
as much as you can. One of the best ways to do this is by coaching
the buyer to ask these questions. You can also ask these yourself.
Are you the car’s
first owner?
Why are you
selling?
Does the vehicle
have any maintenance or repair history on hand?
What type and
brand of oil do you use?
When was the last
time the car had an oil change, and where was it done?
Have you had the
timing belt replaced? If yes, when?
Are there any
known issues, mechanical or otherwise?
Has the car ever
been in an accident?
Do you have
another set of rims with snow tires?
If your client is
asking the questions: My mechanic is here with me, can he inspect
the vehicle? OR I need to bring the car to my mechanic for
inspection. Is that alright?
If you’re asking
the questions: I’m a mechanic. Is it OK if I inspect your car?
If you feel that the seller isn’t forthcoming about vehicle ownership, remember that you can look up the owner by searching the VIN number.
Vehicle Inspection Checklist for Mechanics
Buying a second-hand
car carries its fair share of risk. For this reason, a trained
professional like yourself must use a checklist such as this one.
Pre-Check
A missing owner’s
manual isn’t a big deal, but it does give you an idea on the
seller’s personality type
Look for gaps in
service history. Raise a red flag if there are no records at all
Is the mileage
suspect and doesn’t fit what you see and know about the car?
If the title
contains the word “salvage,” it’s time to take your client
and walk away
The Exterior
Tires are free of curb damage
Tires are from reputable manufacturers (e.g., Michelin)
All tires are from the same brand and not expired
Tires are intact and free of cracks, bubbles, and cuts. Use soapy water if you suspect the tire is suspect because bubbles will form when there’s a hole
The jack, spare tire, and lug wrench are all present and working
The windshield is free of cracks and deep scratches
The spare tire has air and is serviceable
The trunk and front doors lock/unlock using a key
All the lights work correctly. Directional signals, rear lights, brake lights, headlights, hazard lights, and high/low beams
The body panel colors all match
Make sure the magnet sticks to all the steel body panels. If it falls off, that’s a concealed repair unless declared
The paint job is free of inconsistencies
Alignment of the trunk and hood, when closed, is OK
Alignment of the fenders is excellent
The body is free of dents and scratches
The Interior
The doors unlock
remotely using the key fob and the car alarm works
The seats are free
of holes, cracks and show little signs of wear
All the doors open
and close without incident
The trunk opens
and closes properly
All gauges and
instrument panels work
No dashboard
warning lights stay on when starting the car
Entertainment/infotainment
system works
The A/C works even
when the vehicle is under the sun
The heater is
working
Windshield wipers
work without leaving a trail of water. Also, check the wiper fluid
dispenser if it works properly
All seats adjust,
and all the seatbelts work
Power windows are
all working
Sunroof mechanism
works
Engine and Suspension
The engine block is dry and free of fluid or oil leaks.
Oil filler neck
free of black tar
Battery bay free
of corrosion. Also, check the battery enclosure for any signs of
corrosion
The oil dipstick
is a clear, golden brown, not dark, thick, and black
The engine doesn’t
smell funky while the engine is running
Exhaust pipe
doesn’t leak water, and the emissions are clear
Leveled vehicle
while at rest
No creaking or
rattling noises while bouncing inside the vehicle
All corners react
the same when bouncing off potholes
Checking the
Transmission
If the car has
automatic transmission (AT):
The fluid isn’t
gritty or dirty and looks clean
The transmission
doesn’t slip or delay when driving
If the vehicle has
manual transmission (MT):
Smooth-shifting on
all gears
Absence of any
grinding noises when in reverse
Steering and Brake
System
The car steers
straight, even when hands are not on the wheel
There’s no pull on
either side when braking
Parking brake
engages and disengages without issue
The steering wheel
and brake pedal don’t shake when applying the brakes
The wheels don’t
lock during braking when the anti-lock braking system is ON
The car doesn’t
drift to either side
The vehicle
doesn’t violently vibrate or shake when running and idle
When turning, the
steering wheel gives no resistance and is easy to operate with one
hand
No clunking or
clicking noises when turning
Author’s bio:
Patrick Peterson is a writer/editor at AutoDetective. Born and raised in the automotive world. He’s a passionate writer who crafts exquisite content pieces about everything related to cars and bikes.
