Jun 9, 2022
Test driving a car is the best time to learn more about your new car! Here are the best questions to ask for a test drive.

When test driving a car, it’s important to get the most out of the experience. You want to make a confident, well-informed decision about the vehicle and if it is right for you, but in the moment, it can be tough to remember all the things to pay attention to during a test drive. Here are some tips for making the most of your test drive:

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Is it comfortable?

Do you have comfortable space for your legs? Are you able to relax in the driver’s seat and still see clearly? Does the steering wheel adjust easily, so you can position it well for you? You’ll also want to be able to get in and out of the car easily and be able to see and reach all the controls comfortably.

Take some time to get to know the car before you start the drive

Before you take off, take some time to get to know all of the vehicle’s features to see how everything works and if you’re comfortable using all the features. Test out the stereo, the A/C, and heater, and play with all the features to see if they work properly, are simple to navigate, and that they fit your needs and wants.

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Drive in different conditions and on different types of roads

When you get out on the road for your test drive, take the car through different road and traffic conditions. Test how it drives over potholes, bumps, or speed bumps to see how well it handles rough road conditions. Check the responsiveness of the steering wheel as you make your turns. Be sure to get it up to passing speed too, as on a highway to make sure the vehicle won’t overheat, which would show some issues with the car that would need to be addressed. Also check the blind spots, especially in heavier traffic. Some vehicles have massive blindspots and that could kill the deal for you.

Lastly, test the horn! The horn is often overlooked during a test drive and it is important to make sure the car has a working horn.

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Listen to the car while you drive

You can get a lot of information about the condition of the car by listening to it during your test drive. Be sure to have the radio turned off so you can listen closely.

The engine should sound smooth as you start the car and accelerate or coast on the road. You don’t want to hear any high-pitch sounds, wheezing, or clicks. Also, listen for any sounds that may happen when you hit the brakes. It should be quiet. If you hear any grinding or screeching then the brakes may need servicing. All in all, your test drive should be relatively quiet apart from normal road noise.

Conclusion

Using these tips, you can be sure that you will come away from your next test drive with a lot more information about the vehicle that will help you make a more confident decision on if it’s right for you.

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