American culture has long been centered around the freedom and opportunity presented by the open road, but that freedom comes with a wide variety of responsibilities. Those responsibilities begin before you've even finalized the purchase of your car, and if a used vehicle meets your needs, you should be sure that there are no unpleasant surprises once the sale is completed (at a local dealer, such as Hertz Clifton-Passaic Rent A Car).
Below, you'll find a guide to some uncommon things you should be sure to check before you buy a used car. Most people know to examine maintenance records and a vehicle's sales history, but keeping an eye out for the things listed here should give you an advantage over other buyers and guarantee that you're content with your purchase.
Suspension
Many car owners aren't aware of the critical role that their vehicle's suspension plays in offering them a safe and comfortable ride. However, when your suspension begins to fail, you could be looking at an expensive repair that will bring you back to the stark reality of its importance.
When you inspect a potential used car purchase, make sure that it appears to be resting evenly on all four tires without leaning too far in a given direction. You could also apply your weight to each of the corners of the vehicle to make sure the response is smooth and sudden, as this will help guarantee that the suspension will respond correctly to road hazards.
Tires
Often times, the excitement associated with the glitz and glamor of your car's new features can override the importance of examining its essential functions. Your car's tires are a frequent point of stress and emphasis, and if you purchase a vehicle whose tires are already worn, you may be looking at an expensive replacement sooner than you expected.
Make sure that the tires have sufficient tread and no visible spots of wear on the side walls. Damage to a tire's sidewall can often be a sign of a pending blowout, so you should feel free to negotiate for a replacement tire if any damage is detected.
Interior Odor
A lingering smell inside a used car may be more than a minor annoyance. If the car previously belonged to a smoker, you and your passengers could suffer from intense irritation associated with being subjected to cigarette smell. If you detect any odor of mildew in the vehicle, it may have suffered water damage or have an ongoing leak that could pose a serious issue. Following your nose is a great way to make sure you make a wise purchase.
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