In the video, Grant urged drivers to make two checks before they consider buying a car (Image: YouTube @ScottishCarClan)
A respected motoring personality has recommended that all drivers check two commonly overlooked things when looking at any for sale.
Grant runs the YouTube channel and often makes videos in which he and reacts to developments in the motoring world.
In , the car expert shares , urging all potential buyers to know exactly when to check for leaks.
He advised: “You’re going to want to get down, have a look underneath the car. Here’s where people tend to go wrong, though. They do this before they go on the test drive, which means any unscrupulous seller has had a chance to mop up any mess, so you arrive and it looks pristine under here.
“So, here’s the best tip: go for that test drive and check after it. Makes sure it is all still as clean as it was before.”
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After the test drive, drivers should check for any signs of oil or coolant leaks (Image: Getty)
Over time, it is only natural that some cars will develop small fluid leaks from worn out components. However, in addition to ruining the look of driveways, they could lead to higher running costs and expensive engine wear that may cost thousands to put right.
In order to avoid buying a car that leaks, Grant recommended that drivers take the model for a test drive and check thoroughly underneath afterwards.
This way, the seller will not have a chance to disguise any leaks they are aware of coming from the vehicle, decreasing the risk of getting scammed with a faulty model.
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Vehicles that accelerate unevenly at constant revs may have a slipping clutch (Image: Getty)
Later in the video, Grant also recommended that, during the test drive, motorists check that the clutch of the model is slipping, which can be another expensive fault to put right.
He continued: “Here’s one thing that people often neglect to check, and again they get hit with a big bill, and that is the clutch. Now, if it’s going to be a manual car you are buying, make sure the clutch isn’t slipping and is working correctly.
“The best way to do this? Get out on the open road, get to fourth or fifth gear, get moving to 3,000RPM and floor that throttle, floor it like you’re casting for the next Fast and Furious movie. Make sure the speed of the car increases with the RPMs of the engine.”
Over time, a worn out clutch may struggle to engage or disengage with the transmission, causing the car to slip out of gear, particularly when accelerating.
As a result, drivers should avoid any car that is difficult to change gears in or accelerates poorly or unevenly, despite the engine being revved fairly hard.
Even if the vehicle is offered for a bargain price, it is generally best to avoid models with these symptoms as a replacement clutch can cost anywhere between £300 to £1,000.