Vehicle reconditioning may be a new term for you, but it's something that everyone has experienced when purchasing a used vehicle. Simply defined, reconditioning is the process by which a used-car dealer rejuvenates a vehicle, truck, or SUV for resale.

It's also a method that more individuals are employing to prepare their cars for sale on the private market.

If it's done correctly, vehicle reconditioning is a significant advantage to purchasing your next automobile from a dealer. A refurbished automobile has been evaluated and cleaned, and any required repairs have been made. This is the method used to certify a pre-owned automobile at a new car dealer.

​Diagnostic technicians, repair mechanics, bodywork and paint experts, and both interior and exterior detailers are examples of specialists in reconditioning.

Large vehicle reconditioning facilities are common in the auto industry, with some chains having installations of tens of thousands of square feet that are completely dedicated to this process. The procedure for reconditioning varies from shop to shop, but it is generally similar.
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The Inspection
Every vehicle that goes through a huge dealership's business process is refurbished to some degree. A thorough inspection follows, during which over 100 specific factors must be verified.

Any severe issues that would make the automobile tough to sell, such as mechanical failures or structural damage, are discovered during a thorough inspection. The technician takes notes throughout the examination regarding what service the automobile requires to be marketed in sellable form.

Automated shipping and document processing are frequently used in conjunction with a tablet or computer interface, allowing all of the car's data to be recorded. It's also possible to use data-logging systems like VINLook to document the mileage on your vehicle, which can help the dealership track how much money it spends on each automobile.

Cleaning
The first step is the complete cleaning and detailing. This entails removing all bumper stickers, parking cards, and non-stock décor and trim pieces. Antennas and aftermarket wheels that have been professionally installed can be left in place if they are not easily removable.

Cleaning the automobile fully might reveal problems that were not discovered in the inspection phase. If any bodywork or paint flaws are to be fixed, it's crucial that old wax and paint treatments be completely eliminated. Last but not least, any scents must be removed from the vehicle.

Mechanical Repair and Maintenance
The next stage is to address any technical or mechanical concerns with the automobile. In this phase, as well, some preventative maintenance may be performed. The car will be tested by technicians, who will go through a rigorous driving examination to detect any flaws. For a thorough undercarriage inspection, the automobile will be put on a lift.

Technicians generally change the oil and lubricate all necessary bearings and moving components while the automobile is being lifted. If required, they may also replace the brake fluid, transmission oil, or axle oil. Repairs to engines, transmissions, and other mechanical components are clearly essential.

A used car dealership doesn't want a vehicle it has sold to return with faults that should have been repaired before the sale. This makes the dealership appear unfavorable and increases expenses. If the reconditioning process uncovers significant issues, the dealer may choose to sell the automobile at a dealer auction rather than repair it.

Body and Paint Repairs
After the mechanical repairs are finished, the automobile is hauled to the body shop. Any scratches and dents are filled here. If the vehicle's body can be restored using paintless dent removal, that is the preferred option, but more significant damage may necessitate additional new body panels and a trip to the paint shop.

The body and paint technicians look for missing or lose trim pieces, the windows' condition, exterior mirror issues, and bumper damage along the way. If necessary, the wheels are re-checked for curb damage and sent out for specialist repairs.