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• Insist on it. If they won'l you, ask why.

5th January 2006, Page 70
5th January 2006
Page 70
Page 71
Page 70, 5th January 2006 — • Insist on it. If they won'l you, ask why.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Make sure you're insur have trade plates. The d might have some, but th need to come with you.

• Do a standard driver's around, checking the tyi for consistency and whE they are worn excessive compared to their oppa Do the various lubricant Check the levels are witl proscribed areas.

• Take a good look at thi it's clear it's been chang it's cloudy or sludgy thei been water in the syster Always lift the cab, check the engine and see if its covered in oil. If there are signs of oil it could well be a leak walk away. Most dealers will valet a truck when it arrives, including the engine, so be alert.

• A dead battery means the tachograph has wound it down and ifs been standing for a while. The dealer should recharge it if you're interested.

• Warm engine? The dealer might be disguising some cold/start-up problems. Listen for any untoward noises coming from the driveline, the gearbox or the propshaft. • See if its exhaust is smoking; normally its a sign its burning oil. At standstill it's not so much of a problem, but accelerate hard towards the top end of the gearbox. If it smokes then the engine is on its way out.

• Try a mixture of roads and a mixture of speeds. Work your way up and down the box and always put the clutch to the floor when changing gear. If it struggles there ifs on its way out. Test the brakes in a safe area and check the steering doesn't pull to one side.

• Make sure features such as the cruise control and any electrical equipment is working. If a light comes up on the dash. query it and don't accept "aw, they all do that, mate" because they don't.

• If it's a tractor and the dealer will let you, or you might ■ to insist if your yard is clo pick up a trailer with som weight in it, even full Mb repeat the process. Ther will know for sure.

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