Vehicle Inspections

Pre Purchase Inspections Gold Coast

Vehicle Pre purchase inspections

We can help you choose a great new second-hand car avoid buying a lemon!

What we cover and check for you

The Dashboard

We make sure all the gauges are working including the speedo, odometer and temperature gauge 

All warning lights are checked.

Tires and Suspension

The suspension of the vehicle by pushing down on each corner to check the condition of the shock absorbers.

Tires are a vital area to check and these are often recommended to be replaced. We assess the condition they are in and if they exhibit uneven wear, which can point to a wheel alignment issue.

Oils and Fluids

A car requires a range of fluids to help cool and clean the engine, provide pressure to specific systems. We asses the fluid’s condition, making sure they are at the proper level and check for any leaks

Engine Oil – The engine oil helps cool vital engine parts while in operation and removes dirt and debris, which is filtered through the oil filter.

We check the age of the oil and check that there is no coolant leaking into your engine from the head gasket

Brake fluid – We check the brake fluid to make sure it is at the proper level, there are no visible leaks, and that it is in good condition.

Coolant –The mechanic will check the levels of the coolant in your radiator and the condition of it.

We can recommend if it needs flushing.

We also check for any oil residue which can indicate a leaking head gasket

Power steering fluid- The power steering fluid helps keep pressure built up in the power steering system and we check to make sure it is at the right level and it is a clear or pale pink color. A dark colour indicates it needs to be changed

Windshield washer fluid – Additionally, the mechanic will check the windshield washer fluid reservoir to make sure it is at the proper level and check your wiper nozzles.

Brakes

The brakes are a vital safety system for you car

The pads and brake rotors are checked

The brake pads grip the rotors and stop the vehicle when the brakes are pressed.

The brake rotors are the surface that the brake pads rub against, helping to stop the vehicle.

These parts do need replacing on a regular basis

Under the Bonnet – Engine and Transmission

We will first turn the car on to see whether the engine idles smoothly and if there is any knocking or other noises while the engine warms up to operating temperature.

Then we will check the following areas

Cooling system.

The cooling system includes the radiator, thermostat, and any hoses that route the coolant to the engine.

We check the cooling system for any leaks and to make sure that the coolant cycles properly when the engine is running.

Radiator hoses are also assessed for leaks

Belts.

Most cars have a variety of belts

We check the alternator belt, fan belt, compressor belt and timing belt

We look for cracks, wear, and stretching.

Filters

We check the air filter and cabin filter

The Ignition.

The ignition system includes the ignition switch, starter, starter solenoid, alternator, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and battery.

These are checked to make sure they are working properly. We also look at the battery’s charge to ensure that it’s not low.

Transmission

The mechanic should check the transmission to assess smooth shifting with no delay when going into gear. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it should shift without grinding.

In addition to looking at all the engine and transmission components – we also look for any leaks underneath the vehicle.

Exhaust System

If you smell an exhaust smell within the cabin of the vehicle, it can indicate that there is a leak and needs repair.

We check the following

Exhaust manifold

Catalytic converter

Muffler

Tailpipe.

If the exhaust smells like rotten eggs it means the catalytic converter needs to be looked at

A strong smell of exhaust can indicate a leak somewhere in the system, including the exhaust pipe, muffler, or tailpipe.

It is vital to make sure that your exhaust system is working to avoid deadly carbon monoxide coming into the vehicle

The Body

We look for significant damage might mean the car was in a more extensive accident.

This could lead to the vehicle being out of alignment, which can causes uneven tire wear.

Dents and rust. The mechanic should look for rust and dents on the car body, especially in areas that you cannot see, such as underneath or in the wheel wells.

If the rust damage is extensive enough, then you should consider looking for a different vehicle.

Vehicle lights

The lights in the vehicle also need to operate properly. Correctly working headlights give you good visibility in dark and inclement conditions, while brake lights and turn signals let other drivers know your intent on the road.

Headlights. When inspecting the vehicle’s headlights, the mechanic should make sure that both high and low beams work correctly.

Brake lights. The brake lights on a vehicle must work properly in order for other vehicles to be able to see your stopping in low-light or dark conditions.

Indicators. front and back indicators are checked

Hazard lights. Hazard lights alert others to problems with your vehicle.

Air Con and Heating

The air conditioner should blow fresh, cold air. We check to see if it needs re gassing or if there is a broken belt

Sometimes we might need the heater in Queensland, we check out the heater to make sure it also works properly.​