Instruments and electrical equipment
1. Check the operation of all instrumentation and electrical equipment.
2. Make sure that the readings of the devices are correct, check the operation of all consumers, including them one by one.
Suspension and steering
1. Note all signs of abnormal steering, suspension, vehicle handling problems, check how the vehicle "holds the road".
2. When driving, pay attention to all the emerging noises and vibrations that were absent before.
3. Check the smooth operation of the steering, note "discontinuity" or tightness that is felt when turning the steering wheel. Note all the noises that are heard while driving on a bumpy road.
Engine and Chassis
1. Check engine traction, clutch operation (on vehicles with manual transmission), transmission, differential and axle shafts.
2. Note any unusual noises during engine operation, clutch engagement/disengagement, and transmission operation.
3. Check the stability of the engine at idle, the absence of dips and jerks during acceleration.
4. Check the operation of the clutch - the pedal should move the entire length of the stroke smoothly, without jamming, the car should start off without jerking, and the pedal stroke should be normal. Listen for the sounds made when the clutch is disengaged.
5. On cars with a manual transmission, check the completeness, smoothness and noiselessness of the gear shift, the gearshift control lever should move smoothly, and be clearly fixed when the gear is engaged.
6. On cars with automatic transmission, check the smoothness of the gear change, the absence of jerks. During the breaks between gear changes, the engine speed should not increase. With the vehicle stationary, check that the gear selector is fixed in all positions. If any defects are found, contact the car service.
7. Slowly moving in a circle with the steering wheel fully turned out, check for clicks "metal to metal" from the front of the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the other side and listen again. If metallic clicks are heard, then the axle shaft joint is worn out. In this case, the axle shaft assembly with CV joints should be replaced.
Checking the operation of the brakes
1. Check the uniformity of braking - when you press the brake pedal, the car should not pull to the side. When the brake pedal is pressed hard, the wheels should not lock prematurely.
2. When braking, the steering wheel should not vibrate.
3. Check the operation of the hand brake. The wheels should lock with relatively little lever travel. The handbrake must securely hold the vehicle on the slope.
4. Check the operation of the vacuum brake booster as follows. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal 4-5 times to let air in, then keep your foot on the pedal and start the engine.
5. After starting the engine, the pedal should move forward slightly in response to the increase in vacuum in the amplifier. Stop the engine after two minutes. If you now press the brake pedal again, then a hiss should be heard from the amplifier side. After 4-5 depresses of the brake pedal, the hissing should stop and increased resistance should be felt.