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.
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Road Worthy Certificates
When does a car need a RWC?
No matter the age of your car, if you are selling a car in Queensland or you have moved here from another state and bought your car with you – A RWC is required.
All vehicles (including trucks, motorbikes and trailers) must have a Safety or Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) if they are:
What Does a RWC Cost?
A RWC will cost from $84
This is a rundown of what we check
The second part of a RWC is a Road test
What we check for is:
You can view the full inspection guidelines here