August is a demanding month for used cars – holiday trips, heat and full boots all leave their mark. We'll advise you on what to check when inspecting a car after summer.
August is the month when many cars have just been through the toughest period of the year. Holiday trips with a full boot, high temperatures and long spells parked in the sun all leave marks that aren't always obvious at first glance. If you're choosing a used car right now, it pays to know where to look.
Air conditioning – now's the best time to test it
After months of heavy use, the air conditioning either proves reliable or starts showing weaknesses – weaker cooling, odd noises, a smell from the vents. August is the ideal time to test it, as any faults show up straight away. On cars in our range, such as the Octavia or Cupra Leon, the air conditioning is already checked during our technical inspection before the car goes on sale.
Tyres after holiday mileage
Longer journeys with a full load put extra strain on the tyres. Check for even wear, cracks in the sidewalls and the manufacturing date – even a tyre that looks fine can be old and hardened. Uneven wear can also point to an issue with the geometry or shock absorbers.
An interior exposed to the sun
The dashboard, seats and plastic trim suffer from UV rays and high temperatures inside a parked car. Cracked plastics, faded upholstery or warped trim strips are typical results. When viewing a car in person, it's worth checking the areas under the sun visors and around the windows too.
Brakes and engine cooling
Hot weather and frequent stop-start driving in traffic jams over summer put more strain on the braking system and engine cooling than everyday driving. Listen out for the brakes when slowing down, and check the level and colour of the coolant. For larger vehicles such as the Volkswagen Transporter or Ford Transit Connect, which often carry loads, this check is especially worthwhile.
What extra certification gives you
Every car in our range goes through a Cebia check and a technical inspection before sale, so we catch any signs of summer strain before they reach you. Even so, it's worth knowing how to check things with your own eyes – whether you're considering a Škoda Octavia, a Volvo EX30, or a commercial vehicle for autumn work.
What not to forget at the end of the viewing
Take the car for a short test drive with the air conditioning running at full blast, and listen out for anything unusual. If you're not sure, it's always better to bring along someone experienced or rely on a thoroughly checked car with a guarantee – and with the option to return it within 7 days, you get extra peace of mind here in Olomouc.
