Buying a used car can be tough since you don't know just how honest the seller is being with you. To help you get a great deal on a great car, check out these simple inspection tips.

What to Check When Buying a Used Car

Getting ready to buy a used car? You may feel overwhelmed by the number of cars for sale, but this is just the start. Once you find a car that looks like a good option, you'll have to check it out in person before deciding it's the one for you. To ensure you're getting a good deal and not getting scammed, be sure to inspect these items.

Get to Know the Vehicle's History

It can be hard to know if a seller is being fully honest with you about their car. Since sellers tend to hide some information, you'll want to get a full vehicle history report that will tell you just about everything. This isn't uncommon and can be accessed with the vehicle's VIN number. Some sellers may even offer it to you upfront to prove you can trust them. Definitely take a look at the report since it will tell you about past accidents, what condition the car is in, its title status, and plenty of other details. With this in hand, you can feel better informed to make your final decision.

Inspect the Tires

Kicking the tires to see if they're good may be a cliche, but a lot of people don't actually know what to look for when shopping for a used car. Checking the condition of the tires is important because if they're no longer good, getting a new set can be pricey. If the tires are bad, you may be able to get the seller to lower the price because you'll have to buy new tires soon. Crouch down to get a good look at them and take a close look at the tread. If this is very worn, your tires may not last too long. Look out for signs of bad alignment, such as uneven wear, which can be even more of a hassle to fix. Don't forget to also look at the tire walls for signs of damage there.

Look Under the Hood

Don't be afraid to ask the seller to take a look under the hood of the car. Even if you don't know much about what this area should look like, look out for obvious signs of an issue. If the hoses have cracks, this can lead to leaks pretty soon. There may already be leaks, so look for fluid spots under the car. Rust also won't be a good sign, so don't ignore this. Ask about oil changes and other fluid changes so that you know how well the car has been maintained over the years. The seller should also have proof of how often they've been getting oil changes to give you more peace of mind. Keep your car running smoothly with the help of a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls ID. With an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, you can be sure your car's engine will stay in better shape. If you want to find more great products like this, contact Schell Distributing Inc. at (208)524-0322. You can also stop by their online shop to learn more about their products or to place an order.

Inspect the Exterior

Now it's time to look at more cosmetic parts of the car. These things may be cosmetic, but there's more to it than just aesthetics. For example, you'll want to take a walk around the car while inspecting its paint. This isn't just because a good paint job will look nicer, but because scratches, chipping paint, and other issues will bring down the price and can lead to rust and other issues. You'll also want to be sure the lights aren't cracked and that the bumpers look stable. Check the windows for cracks and other issues that will have to fixed.

Have a Look Inside

Finally, don't just take a look inside the car, but actually step inside. Get a close look at the upholstery, the floor, and the mats. Look out for rips and stains that will be tough to fix. Check the dashboard and central console for cracks and other signs of damage. Turn on the car to be sure the battery and engine are fine. Test the electric components, from the lights to the radio so you're sure everything is working fine.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

Keep your car in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls, ID. The friendly oil pros at Schell Distributing Inc can help you find a great oil for your car. You can learn more about their products by giving them a call at (208)524-0322.