How do you inspect a used car? Honda mechanic demonstrates

“That’s a clear sign.”

If you are thinking about buying a used carDave from Dave's Auto Center has some car inspection tips for you.

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Dave has been using his TikTok account @davesautocenter to give his viewers automotive tips for quite some time. Now he informs buyers how to inspect a vehicle before purchasing it.

He posted the second part of the series on his account on July 7th. It now has over 550,700 views.

Dave's Car Inspection Tips

For the video, Dave features a used 2023 Honda Civic. In the first part of the series he examined the interior of the vehicle. Now he inspects the interior of the car.

Dave advises his viewers to turn the keys to the start position without turning the ignition.

“You want to make sure of that [all warning lights] are on before you start the car because often people who aren't completely honest can remove that bulb because there's a problem and you'll never see it come on because it's been removed,” Dave claims.

The next inspection tip he advises test drivers is to “make sure the mirrors are working.”

Also: “Make sure your windows are fully rolled down. Pull each seat belt back and forth and make sure it retracts.”

He then claims, “If a seatbelt doesn’t retract, that’s a clear sign that the airbag is working.” [igniter] has been exposed.”

During his initial inspection of the Civic, Dave discovered that it had been rear-ended in a previous accident.

@davesautocenter Be Like Dave Used Car Inspection Part 2 👨‍🔧 #autoshop #usedcar #autorepair #carrepair ♬ Original sound – Davesautocenter

Should you do your car inspection alone?

Despite Dave's car inspection tips, future owners may want to consider professional help before purchasing a car.

According to JD Power, “enthusiastic buyers sometimes overlook technical, cosmetic and safety defects during visual inspections and test drives.”

Therefore, it is always a good idea to have your future car inspected by an outside professional before signing any papers.

“A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a detailed vehicle inspection by a certified mechanic or auto specialist to assess the mechanical, aesthetic and safety condition of the vehicle. The technician will identify existing conditions, point out future problems that may develop later, and conduct investigations to ensure that any previous damage has been properly repaired,” says JD Power.

Dave's audience reacts

Many viewers were grateful for the advice.

“I'm buying my first car next week and I'm studying your site like a madman,” wrote Hannah (@h.felske).

“Thanks, Dave!! Great advice,” wrote another viewer.

Others shared their own suggestions for inspecting a used car.

One viewer advised: “Always bring a good scan tester that can at least read transmission codes.”

“I would add someone starting the car with the hood open while standing over the engine,” another added.

The Daily Dot reached out to Dave for further comment via his website and TikTok Messenger.

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