When buying a used car from a private seller it is important to make sure to have a professional mechanic look over the vehicle before you buy it, especially if you live in an area that is prone to a lot of snow. Cars that are exposed to massive amounts of snow often have different wear and tear than cars that are not consistently exposed to snow or the treatments that are used to remove snow and ice from the roadways. The following guide walks you through a few things the mechanic will look for when trying to determine if the car you are considering is worth purchasing or not:

Check the Tires on the Car

The tires of the car will need to be checked because worn tires provide less grip when you are driving. The mechanic can also look at the tires to see if the tires are wearing in a specific way. The way that tires wear can be an indication of an issue with the alignment or axles of the car that may need to be addressed.

Check the Brake Lines on the Car

When you drive a car in an area that is treated with salt and chemicals to cut down on the ice that is created on the roadways, it can lead to the brake lines of the vehicle wearing away. The salt can create holes in the brake lines which can limit your ability to stop properly when you drive the vehicle. The mechanic will check not only the brakes but also the lines to see if they are starting to show signs of rot.

Check the Heater in the Car

Living in a cold area requires you to be able to have heat in the car so that you can be comfortable when you drive. The mechanic will be able to check the heater and make sure that it is able to produce enough heat to keep you warm. Also, they will check to make sure that the defrost works properly so you can always see out of the windshield clearly.

Check the Airbags in the Car

If you are involved in an accident, having airbags that will deploy properly is important. The mechanic will be able to check the airbags to make sure that they are not expired or recalled. If the car has been involved in an accident where the airbags were deployed, the mechanic will be able to tell and let you know if the airbags were replaced properly or not.

Once all of these elements have been checked, the mechanic will be able to let you know if they notice any issues that will need to be addressed in the near future. You can get an estimate for what any necessary repairs would cost so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you should buy the car. 

Check out a website like http://www.autoservicefairfax.com for more information and assistance. 

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