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Coming soon to Android and iPhone

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RidePulse

Used-car test drive checklist: vibration

Car: ______________________ Date: __________ Tire size: ____________

Before you drive

Tires: matching brands, enough tread, no bulges; uneven or cupped wear
Fresh balance weights, new rotors or new mounts: ask what was done and why
Start the engine cold if you can: rough running, smoke, noises
Check engine light comes on at key-on, then goes out

Parked, engine running · Outdoors, parking brake on.

Idle with the AC off: steady, or shaking and hunting?
AC on: a small change, or a big jump in vibration?
Automatic, foot firmly on the brake: Drive and Reverse, any clunk or big shake? (Nobody in front of the car.)
Steering wheel and mirrors still at idle?

Slow, in a parking lot

Full-lock turns both ways: clicking or groaning?
Over a speed bump: clunks, or bouncing more than once?
Pulling away gently: shudder or judder?

City speeds, 25 to 40 mph

A wobble or thump that keeps time with the wheels?
Shudder when accelerating that stops when you coast?

Highway, 50 to 70 mph, within the limit

Steering wheel shake at a steady speed? Speed: ____
Seat or floor vibration? Speed: ____
Does it change when you lift off the gas and coast?
A hum or growl that changes when you gently change lanes?
Pulls to one side, or steering wheel off center?

Braking · Quiet road, nobody close behind.

Gentle stop from about 50 mph: steering wheel shake or pedal pulse?
Pulls to one side when braking?
Squeal or grinding?

After the drive

Hot or burning smell from one wheel, oil or coolant?
Notes for the inspector: what, where, at what speed

Note the speed where anything starts, and whether you feel it in the steering wheel, the seat or the pedal. Keep to the limits; a passenger takes notes. A vibration is a question for the mechanic doing the pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis. More: ridepulse.web.app/guides/used-car-test-drive-vibration-checklist/

RidePulse

A health check for your car’s ride.

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RidePulse is a screening tool, not a professional diagnosis. Results depend on phone, placement and road. Have a qualified mechanic inspect any suspected fault.

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