Before buying a car, you should check the car’s accident history. You can get the desired vehicle accident report from the Dubai Police website or the Dubai RTA app. Go through the report thoroughly and verify the information before purchasing. Also, check for any signs of damage or repair work, take a test drive and get a professional inspection done.
Complete guide on checking the accident history of the car
Buying a pre-owned car can be an affordable and practical solution for most of us. The major thing to watch for is the hidden accident history of the car which can bring along many expenses and problems in due course. Here are some important tips that will guide you in making a good decision:
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Study the vehicle’s service history
- Get the vehicle history report
- Inspect the bodywork of the vehicle
- Examine the suspension and steering system of the car
- Take the car for a test drive
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a unique 17-digit identification code. Every car out there in the world has this number. It’s usually written on the dashboard, door jamb or engine block of the vehicle. VIN can be very helpful in providing a piece of detailed information about the accidents and repairs the car has been through.
You need a car’s chassis number or vehicle identification number (VIN) to check the car’s accident history in the UAE.
You can go to the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website and enter the VIN in the search bar for information. You can also refer to a VIN decoder tool like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System for a complete report on the vehicle’s accident history.
Study the vehicle’s service history
If it’s a well-maintained car, chances are it hasn’t been much involved in accidents and hence, it’s recommended to review the car’s service history to know the maintenance and repairs it has been through.
Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for detailed service history, the oil changes, tire rotations, and brake replacements. Refer to the car’s record to verify the maintenance plan and confirm that the car has been regularly serviced.
Get the vehicle history report
This report gives you detailed information about the accidents, repairs, and previous owners of the car. A vehicle history report can be obtained from a trusted provider like Carfax. It gives you a summary of the accident history (the type of damage, the gravity of the damage and the repairs expenses and also the safety issues associated with the car).
Inspect the bodywork of the vehicle
You can check the car’s accident history from the bodywork. It serves as a piece of valuable information about the accident history of the vehicle, like the mismatched paint, dents, and scratches.
Also, look at the car’s panels for any misalignments or gaps that indicate that the car has collided. Moreover, gauging the paint’s thickness on the car’s panels can bring a substantial variation in the paint thickness to your notice that could be due to major repairs. If you are looking to rent a sports car for a week when on vacation, make sure to check the car properly before making the decision.
Examine the suspension and steering system of the car
You can know a lot about the car’s accident history from its suspension and steering system. Look for any signs of damage like misaligned wheels or worn-out suspension parts. Test drive the car to check for other hidden issues.
Take the car for a test drive
Taking the car for a test drive presents you all the opportunity to check its performance and find out if anything is wrong with the automobile that can’t be seen by the naked eye. While you drive, pay careful attention to all the functions of the car.
Notice if you can hear any unusual noises like rattling or grinding because that means there’s something wrong with the brakes, engine or transmission.
Check the car accident history before buying a pre-loved model
It’s always a good idea to check the accident history when buying a used car or renting one in Dubai. With the useful tips discussed above, be sure of making the right choice and dodging hidden damages. Not just the car’s accident history, but don’t hesitate to ask the seller for additional information or explanations.
A thorough examination of the car will always help you make a well-informed decision. Make sure that nothing is concealed and that you know about all the damages the car has been through. Be careful, and you shall not have any bumps in the journey of your new vehicle.
