How to Test Drive a Car like a Pro

When you’re buying a Used Car, it’s very important to take it for a test drive. But is it possible to make a decision solely based on one drive? It’s quite challenging. Especially if you don’t do it right. 

A test drive is your right and you better make it a good one if you don’t want to get into any trouble with your future car. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind. Take a screenshot, as this can be your ultimate checklist for a perfect Test Drive:

7 Things to Keep in Mind While Test Driving A Car

1. Plan your Route

Now you must be thinking about who really plans a route while doing a test drive. Isn’t it supposed to be spontaneous? Yes but for a rookie, maybe. A pro knows that it’s imperative to plan a route to test out the car in different environments on different roads. Plan a route that is long enough and covers a variety of roads including a smaller lane, a highway, a traffic stop, and a bunch of crowded regions. Also, drive it on your usual way home or the way to your work. You’ll know how you feel about your new car if you plan a route. No room for rookie mistakes. 

2. The longer the drive, the better

Why should your test drive be long? Firstly all cars start showing their issues after some time and the longer you are in it, the more aware you’ll be of its true condition. There is so much to check including the AC, the radio, the engine, the brakes, you need to give at least an hour or two to your drive. 

3. Check the brakes

Brakes are extremely important and you must keep them at the top of your checklist. How do the brakes feel in the car you are driving? Do you feel that you can stop quickly or is there a long braking distance? Do the brakes grab too hard and make smooth stops difficult? Do you personally feel comfortable with the vehicle’s ability to stop? Once you’re able to answer these questions in your mind, you’re good to go.

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4. Maneuverability

Every car has different maneuverability depending on its size. If you’re used to driving small cars, a big one will feel different. An SUV is more difficult to manage than a compact car. Thus, a test drive will give you an idea if you can easily handle your new car and what issue you may face. Does your car easily maneuver through curves and turns? Is it easy to park especially in parallel? In short, you must see if you see yourself driving this car with ease or not.

5. Check All electronic amenities

Apart from the AC and radio, check all the electronic amenities that are available in the car. Especially the navigation system, a rearview camera, the touch screen if it has one, the sunroof, the car seats, and more. 

6. Look for any noise

If the car is in some kind of trouble you will eventually know if your test drive is long enough. Especially through sounds that can give you a clearer picture of the engine, radiator, fan belt, etc and you should bring it up. Can you hear the tires on the roadway? Is the car noisy? When on the freeway, do you have to raise your voice significantly to carry on a conversation?

7. Put it in park

One of the most important things to do is to try parking the car. See if you’re able to do it with ease. Try reverse parking and parallel parking. After you’re done make sure you do a little inspection while the car is in the parked mode. You might have missed something while driving, maybe a defect or something else. Don't rush through it, either.

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