{"id":13208,"date":"2021-06-22T23:58:08","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T15:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.carro.sg\/?p=13208"},"modified":"2025-11-05T16:53:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T08:53:26","slug":"hidden-things-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/hidden-things-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Things To Look Out For When Buying A Car"},"content":{"rendered":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13216 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-malte-luk-2244746-1-e1623826727339.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-malte-luk-2244746-1-e1623826727339.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-malte-luk-2244746-1-e1623826727339-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-malte-luk-2244746-1-e1623826727339-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-malte-luk-2244746-1-e1623826727339-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you had to buy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a car today, would you know what to look for? There\u2019s a lot of things that are easy to inspect, like the exterior and interior of the car, or how well it drives, but there are a few other \u201chidden\u201d things that are a bit more difficult to inspect, but nonetheless are important to the car\u2019s condition.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So here\u2019s a list of 5 hidden things to look for when buying a used car. <\/span>\n<h2>1. Exhaust System<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13230 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"964\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523-1024x514.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/matt-boitor-I74mkR_3OP0-unsplash-1-e1623827266523-1536x771.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first of the hidden things is the exhaust system. It sits under the car and is difficult to manually inspect unless you have the tools. However, this system is crucial to the car as it guides exhaust gases away from the controlled combustion inside. It also prevents waste from polluting the inside of the car.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By redirecting the engine waste products into the air, it actually helps engine capacity. So when your exhaust system isn\u2019t functioning at full capacity, the engine won\u2019t be as efficient, meaning you\u2019ll consume more fuel and have, overall, less horsepower.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s difficult to tell the state of the exhaust system if you\u2019re inexperienced with cars, here are some easier to notice symptoms of a damaged exhaust system:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overly noisy engine<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased power and acceleration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased fuel efficiency<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Burning smell from the engine bay\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hanging exhaust pipe (dragging on the ground)<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent petrol smell<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>2. Sway bars, Links &amp; Bushings<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13232\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/david-von-diemar-O7b24PztFYY-unsplash-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are part of the suspension system and are essential to turning. Unless you\u2019re familiar with cars, it may be difficult to spot the sway bars, links and bushings, but they\u2019re an important component of the car that ensure not only your safety, but also the safety of those around you.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sway bar, also called the stabilising bar, connects the front wheels, and in many cases, the rear wheels too. The stabilising bar system consists of the sway bar itself, stabiliser links, stabiliser link bushings or sockets, stabiliser bar to vehicle frame bushings, and bushing brackets.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s designed to allow your car flexibility when turning, so it\u2019ll either rise or lower to similar heights and reduce body roll of the vehicle on curves, sharp corners, and large bumps. Body roll is when more weight is placed on the outside of the cars, which reduces traction and vehicle control, so this system is crucial to ensuring that all your turns are conducted in a safe manner.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure your safety, here is a list of some of the symptoms of a faulty stabiliser system:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clunking or rattling noise from the tire area<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor handling or loose steering wheel<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle shakes when you drive it\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steering is choppy <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>3. Control Arms &amp; Ball Joints<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13233 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-mike-244553-1-e1623827740371.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"662\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-mike-244553-1-e1623827740371.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-mike-244553-1-e1623827740371-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-mike-244553-1-e1623827740371-1024x530.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pexels-mike-244553-1-e1623827740371-768x397.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the parts that most vehicle owners either have never heard of, or forget. However, they\u2019re another important aspect of your vehicle\u2019s suspension system. They allow the tires to smoothly go up and down in a controlled fashion, ensuring smooth sailing. Without them, you\u2019d have a pretty miserable drive.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control arms allow the wheels to move up and down while preventing forward and backward movement, and the ball joint connects and holds the front suspension of your vehicle together. The ball joint essentially enables the wheel and suspension to move together, working to give you a smooth ride.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any damage to them can affect how well your car drives, so here are symptoms of faulty control arms and ball joints:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clunking noise that seems to come from the corner of your vehicle\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sloppy or stiff steering\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vibration in the steering wheel while driving down a level, straight road\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle drifts to the left or right when going over bumps.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven wear on the tires (inner\/outer edges of front tires wear out faster than the rest of the read) <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. Wiring<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13235\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/nina-mercado-Y_t0n-T4H5M-unsplash-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wiring of a car runs throughout the vehicle and is crucial to ensuring everything runs smoothly. The wiring system distributes power from the battery to devices located all over the car, and many electrical problems in your car can often be traced back to wiring issues.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because the wiring is hidden, it\u2019s easy to disregard its importance, but wiring issues can cause issues that might require expensive fixes, so making sure you check if the wiring is done properly is key.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some symptoms of faulty wiring:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engine won\u2019t crank properly\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are problems with the battery\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headlights and other lights aren\u2019t working properly\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuses keep blowing out\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You smell burning plastic or electrical insulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Engine Won't Crank Properly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>5. Belting<\/h2>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13237\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/chad-kirchoff-xe-e69j6-Ds-unsplash-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two different types of belts: the serpentine belt and the timing belt.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The serpentine belting of a car winds through the engine and carries power to several key components of the vehicle, including the alternator, aircon, and power steering pump. The timing belt synchronises the actions of your camshaft and crankshaft, essentially it ensures that your engine functions smoothly.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The belts are important to the overall health of your vehicle, and should they fail, you may cause extreme damage to your engine, alternator, and power steering pumps.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, to make sure you avoid this, here are symptoms of faulty belting:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Power steering and aircon not working<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engine overheating<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cracks and wear on the belt (physical inspection)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These hidden things are difficult to check on your own. Luckily, Carro is here to help. All our cars are Carro Assured and go through a thorough 150-point inspection check that includes checking on everything listed above and more, assuring you of our cars\u2019 quality. Plus, it comes with a 6-month engine and gearbox warranty, as well as pre-delivery sanitisation.<\/span>\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13301\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.06.51-AM-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1392\" height=\"433\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.06.51-AM-1.png 1392w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.06.51-AM-1-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.06.51-AM-1-1024x319.png 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.06.51-AM-1-768x239.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1392px) 100vw, 1392px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to Carro Assure,\u00a0 we also have Carro Assure +, which comes with everything that Carro Assure has, as well as a 3-day return policy AND 30-day wear and tear coverage.\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13302 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.07.01-AM-1-e1623983222632.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1388\" height=\"433\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.07.01-AM-1-e1623983222632.png 1388w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.07.01-AM-1-e1623983222632-300x94.png 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.07.01-AM-1-e1623983222632-1024x319.png 1024w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-2021-06-18-at-12.07.01-AM-1-e1623983222632-768x240.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1388px) 100vw, 1388px\" \/>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, why buy anywhere else when you can buy with Carro?\u00a0<\/span>\n\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s quick and easy. Browse our list of cars <a href=\"https:\/\/carro.sg?page=1&amp;query=&amp;sortBy=carro_showroom_sort_newest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/span>\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/carro.sg?utm_source=carro-blog&amp;utm_medium=blogpost&amp;utm_campaign=hidden-things-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-car&amp;utm_content=buy-blog-banner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13193 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/carro.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/080321_BlogBanners_R1_B2C_970x250-1-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"970\" height=\"250\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/080321_BlogBanners_R1_B2C_970x250-1-2.png 970w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/080321_BlogBanners_R1_B2C_970x250-1-2-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/080321_BlogBanners_R1_B2C_970x250-1-2-768x198.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you had to buy a car today, would you know what to look for? There\u2019s a lot of things that are easy to inspect, like the exterior and interior of the car, or how well it drives, but there are a few other \u201chidden\u201d things that are a bit more difficult to inspect, but &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":64,"featured_media":13222,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[721],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-buying-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/64"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13208"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16041,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13208\/revisions\/16041"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carro.co\/sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}