As you drive your car, you have to ensure that it’s in a safe mechanical condition. While many are buying used or reconditioned cars, many don’t know how long the car they are buying has been on the road. It’s thus recommended that you check its safety first.

When we talk about safety, we are looking at the braking system. First, many cars have the conventional braking system which do not have brake power assistants like the break servo that improve breaking efficiency.

The introduction of ABS breaking system has improved efficiency of all modern cars (we shall talk about ABS in our next issue).

SRS airbag
SRS(supplemental restrain system) airbag protects driver and passenger from colliding with car parts like steering wheel, dashboard, in case of accident. You must therefore check if it is working.

The engine The engine is important as a source of power that drives the car.  You therefore need to check the compression in the engine as it determines engine power.

Emission from the car should also be checked to know the percentage of carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases given off after combustion.

Noise emitted from the engine should also be checked around the block and cylinder head using SST. The result of wear in rotating parts, cooling systems, leakage of water and oil must be checked.

Car Mileage is also important because it shows how long the car has been on the road. However you ca not rely on mileage. People sometimes temper with mileage readings when selling their cars. Date of manufacture can give the age of the car you are going to buy.

Body You must check body parts such as doors, whether window glasses are moving well,  cracks on wind screens, dents around the body and so forth.

I wind-up by advising you to seek a professional mechanic’s help when buying a second-hand car, he will advise on the mechanical condition of your car.

gakombe@yahoo.com  
The author is a professional mechanic.