Yes. For hybrid vehicles, technicians will conduct forced switching tests between EV (electric) and HEV (hybrid) modes, focusing on the sensation of clutch engagement and reading the hybrid system's specific fault codes to ensure the complex dual power system operates correctly.
Two separate protections matter: cargo insurance and contractual risk transfer. Cargo insurance: for container or RoRo shipments, buy marine cargo insurance covering total loss and damage, typically 110% of the CIF value (average cost 0.3%–0.8%). Check exclusions — many policies exclude pre-existing damage, so a pre-shipment inspection report is essential to prove the car's condition at loading. Incoterms define who bears risk and cost at each stage: 1. FOB (Free On Board): exporter pays until the car is loaded on the vessel; risk passes to you at that point. You pay ocean freight and insurance. Common and usually cheapest if you have your own freight forwarder. 2. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): exporter pays freight and minimum insurance to your port. Convenient but the insurance coverage is basic — consider topping it up. 3. EXW (Ex Works): you handle everything from the exporter's yard; only choose this if you have a trusted agent in China. Put the agreed Incoterm and port clearly in the contract, and never release final payment before the Bill of Lading is issued.
A cold start reveals problems that a warm engine hides. Ask your inspection agent to perform and film this sequence. First, the start itself: the engine should crank smoothly and settle into a stable idle within a few seconds. Extended cranking, blue or white smoke, or a lumpy idle suggest worn internals or head-gasket issues. Second, listen for timing-chain rattle or metallic tapping in the first ten seconds — cold top-end noise often means deferred maintenance. Third, watch the exhaust on a cold morning: brief white vapor is normal in winter, but persistent blue smoke means oil burning, and sweet-smelling white smoke can indicate coolant leaking into the cylinders. Fourth, have the inspector scan the OBD system right after the cold start; misfire counters and fuel-trim values are most honest when the engine is cold. Ask for a continuous, timestamped video from outside the car before startup through at least five minutes of idling, so you can verify the engine really was cold.
