What to Check When Buying a Used Car: Getting Your Vehicle Pink Slip Ready

It's a simple safety check, but you'd be surprised how many cars don't pass the first time. No one wants the hassle and expense of a re-inspection, so let's get you prepared. Whether you're buying a used car or preparing your current vehicle for inspection, knowing what to check when buying a used car can save you significant time and money.

Here's a look at the most common reasons cars fail, and more importantly, how to make sure yours is in top shape to pass with flying colours.

Tyres: The Foundation of a Safe Car

Tyres are a big deal when it comes to roadworthy checks. Worn out tyres, uneven wear, or even the wrong type of tyres for your vehicle can all lead to a failed inspection. This is one of the first things to check while buying a used car, as replacements can be costly.

Before you head in for your pink slip, check your tyre pressure and tread depth. Make sure there are no cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. And remember, your spare tyre needs to be in good condition too!

Brakes: Essential for Stopping Power

You'd be surprised how many cars fail their inspection due to brake issues. Worn brake pads, damaged rotors, or leaks in the brake system are all common culprits. When examining what to check when buying a used car, the braking system should be at the top of your list.

If your brakes are squealing, grinding, or feeling spongy, it's definitely time to get them checked before your inspection. And don't forget about your handbrake – it needs to be working properly too!

Lights: Let There Be Light!

Headlights, taillights, indicators, number plate lights – they all need to be working correctly. A blown bulb is an easy fix, but faulty wiring or a dodgy switch can be more complicated. Among the important things to check while buying a used car, a complete lighting inspection is quick and can reveal electrical system issues.

Walk around your car and check that all your lights are working as they should. It's a simple check that can save you a lot of hassle.

Steering and Suspension: Staying in Control

Worn suspension components can affect your car's handling and stability, making it unsafe to drive. Check for any leaks, unusual noises, or excessive bouncing when you go over bumps. If your car feels like it's wandering all over the road, it's time to get your steering and suspension checked.

Windscreen Wipers: Clear Vision is Key

Imagine driving in the pouring rain with wipers that smear more than they clear – not a good look! Worn or damaged wiper blades can obstruct your vision and are a common reason for pink slip failures.

Before your inspection, make sure your wipers are in good condition and are clearing your windscreen effectively. And don't forget to top up your windscreen washer fluid!

A Few Extra Tips for a Smooth Inspection

When considering what to check when buying a used car, don't overlook these essentials:

Check your owner's manual:
It's a goldmine of information about your car's maintenance needs.

Keep service records:
Regular servicing shows you're taking care of your car. When purchasing a used vehicle, these records are among the critical things to check while buying a used car.

Clean your car:
A clean car makes it easier for the inspector to do their job.

Don't forget your registration papers:
You'll need them for the inspection.

Need a Hand with Your Pink Slip?

Getting your car ready for a pink slip inspection doesn't have to be stressful. By following these simple tips and addressing any potential issues beforehand, you can increase your chances of passing your inspection. These same checks are precisely what to look for when purchasing a used vehicle to ensure you're not buying someone else's problems.

And if you need any help with your car's maintenance or repairs, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Northside Autohaus. We're here to help you keep your car safe and roadworthy.

We'll make sure your car gets the pink slip it deserves.

Denise Goldhahn

20:04 11 Feb 26

I honestly can’t recommend North Side Autohaus Brookvale highly enough. The service is absolutely amazing, professional, honest, and genuinely customer-focused from start to finish.

The team is knowledgeable, friendly, and take the time to explain everything clearly without any pressure. You can tell they really care about doing the job properly. Their pricing is also very competitive, which makes the whole experience even better.

This is now the only place I’ll be taking my car for any servicing or repairs. Great team, great service, and great value. Highly recommend!

Arthur Roosevelt

22:45 02 Nov 25

I recently took my 2014 VW Golf here for a timing belt replacement and some other minor service work. Their price was very competitive, and Romeo's communication was great. Very satisfied with their work, and as an unexpected bonus they thoroughly cleaned and washed my car afterwards. Would definitely recommend these guys.

Simon D

14:05 16 Jul 25

Chose them as Audi VW specialists as they market them selves this way to create a niche. They did run diagnostics and did the job seemingly well, no blow back yet. The problem is one of the operators attitude. It was unprofessional and unappealing. They claimed my car would be ready at 11:30am, when i arrived he abruptly told me it’s not ready, i asked when. To which he replied when its done! They finished at 12pm and test drove for 15 mins which seemed like forever. I asked when is my car coming back after 15 mins of the car disappearing. He again was abrupt and used a gruff tone stating he’s gone for a test drive and he’ll back when he’s done. It was really unfortunate experience, a rude demeanour, grunting and lack of empathy. I won’t tolerate bad attitudes when i’m the customer paying good $ doesn’t matter if the work is reliable. 1st and last time.

Matt Savage

10:58 16 Jul 25

I take all my cars to Jeff and Romeo as they high standard of work and do best job honestly with fair prices. Matt

Simon Von-Limont

09:54 30 Apr 25

Noemi Bull

03:52 25 Mar 24

Great service

Joel Phillips

07:10 03 Jan 24

Jeff was incredible to deal with. Gave us a loan car at a time I was in desperate need. Extremely good service.

Paula Brennan

01:42 24 Jul 23

Amazing team! Great mechanics and honest with pricing and outcomes! So good

Yolanda Bensdorp

22:20 26 Jun 23

Romeo and his team was very professional and helpful and did a great job on my car

Michael Christie

23:43 22 Jun 23

Friendly and thorough.

Nicola Baker

23:17 15 Nov 22

Could not be happier with Northside Autohaus. From my fist point of call speaking with Romeo, he was quick to fit me in as my Audi Q5 was leaking adblue liquid and needed urgent attention. When arriving at Autohause, Romeo was there to greet my with kindness and respect. He called as soon as they had found the problem and made recommendations with openness and honesty on costings and timelines.
Fantastic customer service all the way through to the end. I will definitely be visiting Northside Autohaus for all my service and repairs from now on. Highly recommend Autohaus.
Nicola

Vlado Markovic

09:41 18 Oct 22

Romeo and the team serviced my Audi A8 to my great satisfaction. This was second time I serviced my car here and I am as happy as I was first time. Quality work and friendly service that is hard to find these days. Would like to recommend Northside Autohaus to any Audi, BMW or VW owner.

Martin Andrew

01:02 27 Aug 22

This week was our second annual service at Northside Autohaus, last year our near 10yr Golf TSI required some semi major servicing with water pump, belts, engine mounts etc (as to be expected with age and kms on the clock), thankfully this year a simple service, wheel balance and tyre rotation to ensure even wear and fuel efficiency, along a quick repair to the rear window washer water line which had broken in the section between the car body and tailgate (another semi common VW fault).

Romeo was helpful as always to discuss any issues or concerns with the vehicle, reach out and call to confirm once the team had inspected the vehicle and what they found, providing an accurate quote and ensuring the vehicle was ready that afternoon (with a clean and vacuum also completed!). Thanks Northside Autohaus for the great service.

Kerem Koş

02:50 25 Mar 22

My Audi Q7 had a sticky and complicated problem. Jeff and his team were able to locate the root cause and fix it. The team was helpful and friendly. I am happy with the service and highly recommend them.

Common Pink Slip Inspection Failures and How to Avoid Them

Tyres: The Foundation of a Safe Car

Brakes: Essential for Stopping Power

Lights: Let There Be Light!

Steering and Suspension: Staying in Control

Windscreen Wipers: Clear Vision is Key

A Few Extra Tips for a Smooth Inspection

What our customers say about us

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