Buying a Used Car? Tyre and Mechanical Checks to Do First
Before buying a used car, check all four tyres (and the spare) for tread, age and even wear, look for fluid leaks and warning lights, and test the brakes, steering and suspension on a drive. Uneven tyre wear or odd noises can reveal expensive underlying problems, so a few simple checks, or a pre-purchase inspection, can save you a costly mistake.
Start with the tyres
The tyres tell you a lot about a used car, so check all four and the spare. Look at the tread depth (a fresh set on an otherwise tired car can be a red flag, and bald tyres are an immediate cost), and the age via the DOT date code.
Most revealing is the wear pattern: even wear is good, but wear on one edge can mean misalignment, and cupped or uneven wear can point to worn suspension. So the tyres hint at problems well beyond just needing replacing.
What uneven tyre wear reveals
Uneven wear is a window into the car's health. Wear concentrated on one edge usually means the wheel alignment is out, often from kerb or pothole damage. Feathered wear points to a toe problem, and cupped or scalloped wear can indicate worn shock absorbers or other suspension issues.
None of these are necessarily deal-breakers, but they are things to investigate and factor into the price. A car with badly uneven wear may need alignment, suspension work and new tyres soon after purchase.
Under the bonnet and underneath
With the engine cold, check the key fluid levels and their condition: oil (not too low, not sludgy), coolant (correct level and clean), and brake fluid. Look around the engine and on the ground for signs of leaks, oil, coolant or other fluids.
- Oil and coolant at the right levels and looking clean.
- No obvious leaks under the car or around the engine.
- No mayonnaise-like residue on the oil cap (which can hint at head-gasket trouble).
Lights, electrics and the dashboard
Turn the ignition on and check the dashboard: the warning lights should illuminate and then go out as expected. A light that stays on (engine, ABS, airbag, etc.) flags a fault to investigate, and a dashboard with bulbs removed to hide warnings is a serious red flag.
Check all the exterior lights work, test the electrics (windows, central locking, air con, infotainment), and make sure the air con actually blows cold, as a re-gas or repair is a cost to factor in.
The test drive
A test drive reveals what a static check cannot. Listen and feel for problems as you drive.
Note whether the car pulls to one side (alignment or brakes), any vibration (balancing, bearings or tyres), knocking over bumps (suspension), droning that changes with speed (wheel bearing), or clicking on tight turns (CV joint). Check the brakes pull up straight and firm, the clutch and gears feel right, and the steering is light and precise.
Consider a pre-purchase inspection
If you are not confident judging all this yourself, a pre-purchase inspection by a garage is cheap peace of mind on a major purchase. A professional can check the tyres, brakes, suspension, fluids and more, and spot problems a quick look would miss.
We are happy to inspect a used car before you buy, or to check over one you have just bought and sort any tyres, brakes or alignment it needs. It is far cheaper to find the problems before you hand over the money, or at least before they catch you out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check on the tyres of a used car?
Check all four tyres and the spare for tread depth, age via the DOT date code, and especially the wear pattern. Even wear is good; wear on one edge can mean misalignment, and cupped wear can indicate worn suspension. The tyres hint at problems well beyond just needing replacing.
What does uneven tyre wear on a used car mean?
Wear on one edge usually means the alignment is out, often from kerb or pothole damage; feathered wear points to a toe problem; and cupped or scalloped wear can indicate worn shock absorbers. None are necessarily deal-breakers, but they are worth investigating and factoring into the price.
What should I look for under the bonnet?
With the engine cold, check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and condition, and look for leaks under the car and around the engine. Watch for sludgy oil, dirty coolant, or a mayonnaise-like residue on the oil cap, which can hint at head-gasket trouble worth investigating.
What should I check on a used-car test drive?
Listen and feel for the car pulling to one side, vibration, knocking over bumps, a drone that changes with speed (wheel bearing) or clicking on tight turns (CV joint). Check the brakes pull up straight and firm, the clutch and gears feel right, and the steering is light and precise.
Is a pre-purchase car inspection worth it?
Yes, especially if you are not confident judging a car yourself. For a small fee, a garage can check the tyres, brakes, suspension, fluids and more, and spot problems a quick look would miss. On a major purchase it is cheap peace of mind, and we are happy to inspect a car before you buy.
Book With Norwich Tyres & Auto Service
Need a hand from a real, independent Norwich garage? Call 07933 900901 or pop into Ber Street, NR1 3ES. Same-day tyre fitting is available on most common sizes, with free parking on site.
Hero image: “Container trucks on an American highway” by futureatlas.com (source), licensed under CC BY.