How Cars24 Inspectors Check Tyres, Paint and Engine Health
- 1Tyre, paint, and engine checks use precision tools
- 2Car Inspection ensures safety and legal readiness
- 3RTO transfer depends on matching the car and documents
When you sell a car to Cars24, the inspection is the most critical part of the journey. While many people think an inspection is just a quick look at the car's appearance, it is actually a highly technical deep dive. Our inspectors use specialised tools to evaluate three major areas: the tyres, the paint, and the engine.
This data doesn't just decide the price, it also ensures that the vehicle is fit for a legal ownership transfer. However, even with a perfect inspection report and all the right paperwork, the final Registration Certificate (RC) transfer depends on the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Understanding how we check these components and why the RTO process remains separate is key to a smooth selling experience.
The Tyre Check: Safety and Alignment
Tyres are the only part of the car in constant contact with the road. At Cars24, we don't just look for good or bad tyres, we measure their remaining life using a tread depth gauge.
- Tread Depth: A new tyre typically has a tread depth of about 8 mm. If the depth is below 2 mm, the tyre is considered unsafe and requires immediate replacement.
- Uniform Wear: Our inspectors check if the tyre is wearing out evenly. If one side of the tyre is more worn than the other, it indicates a problem with the wheel alignment or the suspension.
- Manufacturing Date: Tyres have a shelf life. Even if they look new, rubber hardens over time. We check the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall to see if the tyres are more than 5-6 years old.
- Sidewall Integrity: We look for cuts, bulges, or bubbles. These are signs of structural failure that could lead to a blowout.
The Paint Check: Detecting Hidden Accidents
To the naked eye, a car might look perfect. However, our inspectors use a Paint Thickness Gauge (PTG) to see what lies beneath the surface. This tool measures the distance between the sensor and the metal body in microns.
- Factory Standards: A factory-painted car usually has a thickness between 80 and 120 microns.
- Repainted Panels: If the gauge reads 200 or 300 microns, it means the panel has been repainted. If it reads 500+ microns, it indicates the use of putty or filler to cover a dent or a major accidental repair.
- Structural Integrity: We pay close attention to the pillars (A, B, and C pillars) and the apron. If these areas show signs of repair, the car’s structural safety is compromised.
For the RTO, the colour of the car must match what is written on the RC. If a seller has repainted the car a different colour without updating the RC, the ownership transfer will be rejected immediately. Our paint check ensures that the physical car matches its legal description.
The Engine Health: Beyond the Sound
The engine is the heart of the vehicle. Our inspection involves both mechanical and digital checks.
- OBD-II Scanning: We plug a diagnostic tool into the car’s On-Board Diagnostics port. This reads the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and reveals error codes that are not visible on the dashboard. It can detect issues with the oxygen sensors, the catalytic converter, or the ignition system.
- Fluid Analysis: We check the engine oil for sludge (which indicates poor maintenance) and the coolant for oil traces (which indicates a blown head gasket).
- Blow-by Test: By checking the fumes coming out of the oil filler cap, we can determine if the engine's internal seals (piston rings) are worn out.
- Transmission: During the test drive, our inspectors check for tight gear shifts or a slipping clutch, which are expensive repairs.
Summary of the Process
| Component | What We Check | Why It Matters for RTO |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | Tread depth & age | Vehicle fitness for transfer |
| Paint | Micron thickness | Colour match & structural safety |
| Engine | OBD-II & Blow-by | Passing the RTO fitness test |
Thorough Checks Lead to Safer Buyers
At Cars24, our inspection is designed to be as thorough as possible to give you a fair price and ensure the car is legally ready for sale. However, the ecosystem involves three players: the seller, the platform, and the buyer. Ensure the first two are perfectly aligned, enabling us to provide a secure experience for the third, and that is an essential part of our business.
By ensuring a used car is ready for the road, we provide happy experiences to first-time buyers, upgraders, and families. Checking tyres helps make sure the car will remain controllable in unforeseen circumstances, checking paint helps us establish that the structural integrity of the car has not been compromised, and engine health evaluation enables us to deliver a reliable vehicle, ensuring safety for everyone on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
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