So you have finally made up your mind to go in for a
second hand car. Congratulations :) However before you continue reading any
further I'd advise you to go through the Basic Tips first so that this makes
some sense.
1. Roll on Test
a. Bottom
End Grunt
i.
Steps: Put car in 3rd gear – slow down to 20kmph
and then accelerate to 80kmph. Keep accelerator pressed down completely.
ii.
Checks - The car should accelerate cleanly.
There should be no unexpected jerks, loss of power.
iii.
Problems – Poor fuel metering, air cleaner
clogged, engine not in tune.
iv.
Interpretation: Poor maintenance, car has not
been taken care of properly – regular services may not have been carried out.
b. Mid
Range:
i.
Steps:
Put car in 4th gear – slow down to 40kmph then accelerate to 100. Keep
accelerator pressed down completely.
ii.
Checks – The car should accelerate cleanly.
There should be no unexpected jerks, loss of power.
iii.
Problems - Poor fuel metering, air cleaner
clogged, engine not in tune, Valves noise
iv.
Interpretation - Poor maintenance, car has not
been taken care of properly – regular services may not have been carried out.
2. Clutch Condition:
a. Clutch
Slippage: Clutch should not feel hard
i.
Steps: Depress clutch. Put car in reverse.
Ensure there is no traffic or obstruction behind. Increase revs to 3500. Dump
clutch. Stop after 3 – 4 seconds. OR Put car in first gear drive slowly till
engine rpm is in mid range. Then accelerate hard all the way up to the top.
ii.
Checks: If car does not accelerate in keeping
with revs then there may be clutch slippage. Some slippage will occur due to
spinning wheels. Other than that the car should accelerate properly.
iii.
Problems:
Clutch plate could be worn. Clutch might need setting.
3.
Gearbox
a. Shifting
i.
Steps: Accelerate hard in first gear and quickly
shift to second. Try down shifting from third to second as well.
ii.
Checks: Does the gear shift without baulking?
Does it make a grinding sound? Does it slip out when under load.
iii.
Problems: This could be a problem with the
synchromesh, or the gear lock.
iv.
Interpretation: Depends on the life of the
vehicle, but by and large this means that the vehicle has been used roughly and
maintenance has not been in keeping with the usage.
b. Auto’ box – Planetary
i.
Steps: accelerate
4.
Steering
a. Joints
i.
Steps: Go to a place where you can make constant
radius turns. Drive slowly, put the car in first. Turn the steering wheel
completely to the right and accelerate. Keep increasing speed for a couple of
rounds. Do the same for the other side.
ii.
Checks: Listen for any knocking or clicking
sounds.
iii.
Problem: The constant velocity joints could be
worn. This is a rare occurrence in modern day cars. For most modern day cars
this will be a rare occurrence since CV joints are fairly durable as long as
the boot is not torn. Check for boot replacement or
iv.
Interpretation: Car has been driven for well
over 40,000kms to get this kind of a problem. And it hasn’t been cared for.
Replacing and servicing joints is fairly expensive.
5.
Engine Bay Inspection
Open the hood. Look for hood release latch, do not grope for it. Each car’s will be different. Ensure stay is securely on.
a. Internal
parts
i.
Using flashlight look at cams, valve springs,
rockers.
ii.
They should be shiny and metallic
iii.
Coating of thick oil is a sign of poor
maintenance and possible problems
iv.
Uneven wear is also not a good sign
Engine
oil Condition
i.
Remove oil dipstick. Take oil between index
finger and thumb.
ii.
Colour –
1. It
should not be dark black. Most oils will look dark after a few 100kms. But that
is alright.
2. Golden
colour is a sign of fresh oil
a. Viscosity
i.
Is it too thick?
1. The
oils should feel slick
2. It
should not feel watery
b. Levels
i.
Wipe dipstick with cloth.
ii.
Reinsert completely into slot.
iii.
Pull out slowly
iv.
The oil line should be between the markings
c. Particles
i.
Oil can have sediments
ii.
Oil can have metal particles
Brake Oil
i.
Open Master cylinder reservoir
ii.
Remove filter net
iii.
Check bottom of container for dirt
iv.
Check levels with markings on container
Power
steering oil
i.
Open container
ii.
Check for sediments, dirt
iii.
Check for levels on container
1. Note:
in some cars like the Honda City and Maruti Swift – the steering assist is
electrical so there won’t be any power steering oil.
Coolant
Check
i.
Levels
1. Match
liquid level with markings on container
ii.
Condition
1. Anti-freeze
will be mixed with water, but proportion should be correct. A light green/ blue
colour means low mix
a. A
proper mix will look dark and thick
2. Look
for traces of oil in the coolant – this will be seen as a light haze on top of
the coolant
a. Check
same at radiator cap
Engine Leakages
i.
Oil leakages at the head
ii.
Oil leakage at sump
iii.
Oil leakage – others
Signs of rebuild
i.
You will be able to find the gasket maker at the
joins between the two planes.
Disclaimer: These are just my thoughts and that I will
not be responsible for any incorrect decision taken by you or any irreparable
loss caused by following these tips. I still suggest you take a second opinion
from a professional mechanic.
