Mercedes-Benz C 300

All four tires should have the same height and be the same type. If they are different or have different wear, this may indicate problems with the steering system, suspension or vehicle structure. A car with poor stability may pull to one side while driving.

When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and start the engine. If bubbles appear after a few minutes, there may be a problem with the cylinder head. It is normal for the water level to rise slightly due to expansion from heat. Also make sure the water is clean. Another way is to check the engine oil cap. After heating the engine, if you see wet spots or milky brown oil, the cylinder head may be damaged.

Open the engine hood and check the oil level, coolant, brake fluid and steering fluid. Low levels may indicate poor maintenance or leaks. Also look for leaks under the engine — oil usually accumulates there.

Black smoke indicates excessive fuel combustion. Blue smoke indicates engine oil combustion, which is usually a sign of internal damage. White smoke may indicate the presence of water in the combustion system – usually due to a damaged engine head.

Apply pressure to the brakes to brake quickly, but not so hard that the tires melt. Try this while driving at about 30 mph (48 km/h) in a traffic-free area. You should not feel any vibration from the brake pedal, nor hear any loud or strange noises. Squeaky brakes indicate the need to corrode brake discs or replace them with new ones. The car should not deviate when braking, which may be due to broken equipment inside the brakes.

Check each body panel and top for rust, scratches or scratches. Check the second line to the end and the door. Wrong panels and large gaps may indicate slow work in the factory or poor repair. The color should be the same on each body panel. If you suspect that a print may have been repaired with colored putty, place a magnet on it. It will not stick to a submerged area. Open and close each door, hood and cover. Lift and lower each door slowly, especially the driver's door. If it seems loose in the back, the car has been used for a long time and/or has been driven hard. Also check the wheel arches and under doors. Take a light and look inside the fenders for damaged parts.

Smell. When you open the car door, feel the smell inside. A strong smell and dust may indicate poor maintenance. Remove the floor mats and check for wet spots on the mats. Pedals. The rubber on the brake, gas or friction pedals is worn. Cars with low mileage should not have them. Instruments and control. Turn on the ignition, but do not start the engine. All lights should come on for a few seconds and turn off when you start the engine. With the engine running, turn the heater to full blast to see how quickly and how hot it gets. Turn on the air conditioner and make sure the air is fresh. Seats. Try all seat adjustments to make sure they work properly and that you can find a good sitting position. The upholstery should not be torn or destroyed, especially in a car with low mileage.

Walk around the vehicle and check all glass and windshield for scratches or large and deep areas. Small parts are not very disturbing, but you can use them to lower the price of the vehicle. Keep in mind that small scratches or broken glass will only get worse and may require expensive repairs later.

Start the car and take it for a test. Find a bumpy road with potholes to test the car's suspension system. Also try tight corners where, if damaged, the car will be noticed by the noise of the shock absorber system.