Checking the car in road conditions (Opel Astra G)

Instruments and electrical equipment

1. Check the operation of all control and measuring instruments and electrical equipment.

Suspension and steering

2. Note all signs of abnormal steering, suspension, vehicle handling, and check how the vehicle "holds the road."

3. While driving, pay attention to any noises and vibrations that were not present before.

4. Check the smoothness of the steering, note any "jerky" or stiffness that you feel when turning the steering wheel. Note any noises that occur when driving on a bumpy road.

Engine and chassis

5. Check the engine traction and clutch operation (on cars with manual transmission), transmission, differential and axle shafts

6. Note any unusual noises that occur when the engine is running, when the clutch is engaged/disengaged, and when the transmission is operating.

7. Check the stability of the engine operation at idle, the absence of "dips" and jerks during acceleration.

8. Check the operation of the clutch - the pedal should move smoothly over its entire travel length, without sticking, the car should move off without jerking, and the pedal travel should be within the norm. Listen to the sounds made when the clutch is disengaged.

9. On vehicles with manual transmission, check that gears engage completely, smoothly and quietly.

10. Drive slowly in a circle with the steering wheel turned all the way, and check for metal-on-metal clicking sounds coming from the front of the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way the other way and listen again. If you hear metallic clicking sounds, the axle joint is worn.

Checking the brakes

11. Check the uniformity of braking - when you press the brake pedal, the car should not pull to the side. When you press the brake pedal sharply, the wheels should not lock prematurely.

12. When braking, there should be no vibrations in the steering wheel.

13. Check the operation of the parking brake. The wheels should lock with a relatively small lever stroke. The parking brake should reliably hold the car on the slope.

14. Check the operation of the brake booster as follows. With the engine off, press the brake pedal 4-5 times to let in air, then without removing your foot from the pedal, start the engine. After the engine starts, the pedal should move forward slightly in response to the increase in vacuum in the booster. Stop the engine after two minutes. If you now press the brake pedal again, you should hear a hissing sound from the booster. After 4-5 presses of the brake pedal, the hissing should stop and you should feel increased resistance.