This is probably one of the most overlooked areas of the process when buying a new or pre-owned car. Properly inspecting your vehicle will save you money and pain down the road. Here, you’ll learn exactly what to do and what to pay attention to during your test drive.
One of the first things we recommend doing is sitting in the car and getting yourself comfortable. Adjust your seat to your liking. Level the steering wheel and adjust your mirrors. Take some time to get used to the layout of your steering wheel, dash and radio controls. Do you feel comfortable with the seating? Are the controls easy to understand or are they confusing? This is where you’ll spend most of your time with the car, so make sure it’s somewhere you want to be.
Next, go ahead and start your engine! You’ll want to pay attention to any knocking sounds or pulsing vibrations that don’t feel normal. Are the lights flickering or wavering? Test the A/C and heat! Don’t assume that anything works, especially when it comes to a used car. Test out the tech also! Do the moonroof and navigation work? Are you able to connect your phone to the vehicle easily? Do the speakers work well? Also, check the view through the front, sides, and rear to make sure you have good visibility.
While you’re driving the vehicle make sure you are trying different terrains. How does it handle on bumpy roads? Is there any road noise? Also, you will want to take your vehicle up to highway speeds to see how it performs. A neat trick to see if the car is bearing left or right is to slightly take your hands off the steering wheel (but keep them close). Does it pull to a side? You may need to get an alignment or try to work that into the deal. Also, you’ll want to test the brakes in a parking lot to make sure they are working well. These steps will save you a possible headache down the road, literally!
After the test drive, especially with used vehicles, another tip is to put the vehicle in reverse and then back into drive. Believe it or not, some vehicles are set up to be able to take on a typical test drive before the transmission starts to show its true colors. Turn the vehicle off and then back on again to make sure it will start. Also, see how easy it is to get in and out. After these steps, it’s all cosmetic.
Take a walk around your vehicle and for goodness sake, pop the hood! You want to be aware of any possible oil leaks or salting. In a new car there is sometimes a type of silicon burning that you may smell, so don’t confuse that with oil leaks. Use a quarter or your finger to see the depth of your tires and make sure they have substantial life unless you’re planning on getting new ones soon. Anything at or more than half the quarter or tip of the finger indicates good tire life. If no scratches and dents then you are good to go!
If you have any questions or concerns about test driving give us a call! We’d love to hear from you and offer any advice that will help you make the smartest decision for your next purchase! And, if you need a mechanic for an inspection, let us know. We can help you locate the best options in your area!
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