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Test driving a used car |
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One of the important aspects of buying a used car is test driving it to make sure that it is in good condition.
IBC Japan's affiliate, AutoTerminal Americas, has an in-house test track so customers can test-drive the car they want to purchase to ensure its roadworthiness.
Here are some useful tips when test driving a used car :
Before test driving a used car , be sure to check several areas of the car , starting with the headlights, hazard lights and turn signals.
Look at the tires and make sure the car has a good spare. Make sure the horn works, and try out the wipers. Be sure the windows open and close properly. See if the mirrors adjust, and make sure that none is loose. Turn on the radio and make sure the tape player or CD player is working OK, too. Also, listen for any problems with the speakers.
Tires, including the spare, should be in good shape.
Look over the interior. Look for any loose or damaged panels, and check for wear and tear to the carpet and seats. During the test drive , take the seller along in case you have any questions.
Feel for any wheel or drive-line vibrations through the steering system or the car itself.
Brake slow and evenly. Feel for any brake pulsation through the brake pedal or vibrations throughout the car . This would be a sign of brake-system problems. Accelerate slowly to feel the shift changes and make sure there are not any transmission problems. Get on to an interstate highway to check cruise control and any other accessories like navigation systems. After driving the car , take a look under the hood. Wipe off the oil dipstick and examine its color. Also, check out the dipstick itself to make sure there is no tarnish buildup. That would be a sign that the oil has not been changed properly.
You can also twist off the cap to the engine oil and look for any buildup underneath it. That would also be a sign of mishandling.
The transmission fluid should be pinkish. If it is brown, it might mean that the fiber material is starting to wear or that the transmission has been overheated.
An engine's coolant should not be brown, either. It should be reddish. A car's brake fluid should be a clear to yellowish.
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