Avoid New Car Defects: Four Steps to Nip Disputes in the Bud When Picking Up Your Car

by langrentoh1 on 2012-03-08 09:47:22

Decorating your beloved car and avoiding flaws in a new car: Four steps to nip disputes in the bud when picking up your car. Pictures by Rong Fei.

Driving back happily with the newly picked up car, only to discover some unnoticed flaws and problems upon returning home. Going to argue with the dealer may not solve the problem and will only leave you upset. Although authorized dealerships will inform customers of the condition of flawed models before picking up the car, some dealers indeed pass off inferior quality cars, used cars as new ones, or even refurbish accident cars or test drive cars for consumers. However, four simple steps can largely avoid such "tragedies."

Step one: First, check the odometer and air freshener. Generally, domestically produced new cars have a mileage standard within 150 kilometers, while imported new cars are within 300 kilometers. Additionally, check if the production date is within one year.

It's important to note that some dealers may disconnect the odometer during transportation, and many models' odometers can be reset once, so checking the odometer may not yield much information. The editor suggests checking the brake disc; the surface of a new car's brake disc is very smooth, whereas used cars will have fine lines on the brake disc due to friction.

Step two: Carefully check the paintwork for any small flaws or deformities. You can feel the car body for any unevenness or signs of repair. Additionally, check if there are any damages or scratches on the car window glass, whether the tires are intact, and if the wheel rims are clean and undamaged. These minor issues may not significantly affect the use of the car, but they provide good opportunities for bargaining when buying a car.

Step three: Next, check the interior conditions. See if the seats inside the car are complete, if the seat covers are neat, and if the floor is clean. Check if the door handles are flexible, if the window seals are intact. Check if the window glass operation is smooth, if the rearview mirror is clear, and if there is any wear on the mirror surface. Check if the wipers and spray cleaners work normally. Check if the headlights, brake lights, and fog lights illuminate properly.

Step four: After checking the exterior, if there are no problems, you can proceed with a road test. During the road test, listen carefully for any unusual noises from the engine and transmission, and check if the steering wheel is centered while driving straight. Try turning left and right to see if the steering wheel returns to its original position with consistent force. Finally, test the emergency brakes at a medium speed to see if the brakes pull. After the road test, open the engine hood and check if there is any water or oil leakage at the joints.