Your RAC Vehicle History Report

Symptoms include: engine won’t / is slow to turn over, clicking noise when ignition turned to start position, dim / no lights on instrument panel, corrosion around battery terminals.

TIP: If engine won’t turn over properly ask to jump start & test the battery.

Symptoms include: a discharged battery, ignition warning light on / dim with engine running.

TIP: Check that the battery/ignition warning light goes out after starting the engine, check alternator drive belt where possible.

Symptoms include: electrical functions aren’t working correctly.

TIP: Check all electrical functions operate including wipers, washers, horn, electric windows, sunroof, audio system, seat controls etc. Check any switch operated boot or fuel filler flap release.

Symptoms include: excessive noise, difficulty selecting gears, knocking noise on cornering, oil leaks from transmission unit or difficult gear selection.

TIP: Check for smooth gear changes, listen out for unusual / ‘whining’ sounds from the transmission. Ask a qualified mechanic to check concerns with auto gearboxes.

Symptoms include: abnormal noise, leaks, uneven running, lack of power, smoky exhaust fumes.

TIP: Check oil level & contamination – whitish oil on dipstick could indicate head gasket problems. Blue smoke indicates oil burning suggesting engine wear or damage.

Symptoms include: high temperature gauge reading / temperature not rising as engine warms up, heater cold after running engine, contaminated coolant.

TIP: Check coolant level, look for coolant leaks in engine bay & beneath engine, inspect hoses for excessive wear / cracks.

Symptoms include: low brake fluid level, excessively hard / spongy brake pedal, parking brake not holding, car pulls to one side / judders when braking.

TIP: Be aware of vibrations from brake pedal / steering wheel when braking. Ask a qualified mechanic to check any brake concerns.

Symptoms include: alarm won’t set / deactivate, engine doesn’t start, engine cuts out, remote locking not working.

TIP: Press fob button(s) & check locks operate, engine should start ok, test alarm function.

Symptoms include: bonnet / boot won’t open / close properly, door locks not working properly, panel damage.

TIP: Check paint shading on different panels & any odd gaps between panels – these may indicate an accident repair / re-spray.

Symptoms include: clutch slippage / lack of power, difficult gear selection, car judders when pulling away, abnormal noise or stiff pedal.

TIP: Check the biting point is midway on the pedal. Unusual smells could indicate a slipping clutch, stiff pedal may indicate a cable fault.

Failure areas: poor operation, brake pads binding to disc, uneven braking or poor braking response.

TIP: Check the handbrake operates from a hill start. The car shouldn’t pull to the right / left when operating the brake pedal.

Failure areas: excessively worn brakes, seized / insecure parts, leaking / contaminated fluid, uneven / poor braking.

TIP: Check the car doesn’t pull to the right / left when operating the brake pedal.

Failure areas: leaking fluid, damaged / defective parts, reduced functionality, insecure / missing / seized parts, excessive wear or inappropriate modifications.

TIP: Push down on each corner of the car, the car should rise back up and not continue to bounce. Watch out for ‘rolling’ when driving around corners.

Failure areas: insecure exhaust / pipes, leaking fluid, excessive smoke / emissions.

TIP: Rattles could indicate a loose exhaust system.

Failure areas: an inoperative / defective light, misaligned beams or insecure parts.

TIP: Check that all lights and indicators are working. To check alignment, park the car facing a wall and ensure beams are level.

Failure areas: excessive wear, corrosion, leaking fluid, damage to steering system or insecure parts.

TIP: Check for leaks from the power steering reservoir.