The importance of a test drive: What to look for when buying a car
The importance of taking a test drive cannot be overstated when buying a car. Testing your potential new purchase is the only way to get an accurate feel for how it will perform and drive on the roads. It's also an opportunity to make sure that all of the features work correctly and that there are no unseen issues with the vehicle. With any luck, you can use this experience to find a car that fits your needs perfectly and one that you'll enjoy driving for many years.
On top of assessing how well it handles, using a test drive gives you an insight into how comfortable the interior is regarding seat height, legroom, steering wheel adjustments, and head space. You should also pay attention to features like air conditioning or heating systems, entertainment systems, and other technological devices that might affect your decision. But let's see each in detail.
Handling and performance
Acceleration and braking
To check acceleration during a test drive:
Begin by accelerating gently at first.
As you increase speed, listen for unusual noises or vibrations that may indicate an issue with the engine or transmission.
Once you reach higher speeds, note how quickly the car can move and if there is any delay in responding when pushing down on the accelerator.
During your test drive, pay attention to how smoothly and quickly the gears shift, as this can affect overall performance.
When testing braking performance during a test drive, note how much pressure is needed on the brake pedal to respond appropriately.
Steering and suspension
One vital component to check for during a test drive is the steering and suspension system, which can affect the safety and performance of your car.
Take note of how well the car accelerates from a stop. If there is any jerking or lurching, it could indicate an issue with the suspension system. Make sure there are no vibrations while accelerating or cruising at highway speeds, too; these may indicate uneven tire wear caused by worn shocks or struts. You should also be aware of excessive bouncing when taking corners or making turns, as this could mean problems with the suspension's springs or dampers.
Noise levels and ride comfort
Taking the time to properly test noise levels and ride comfort during a test drive is an essential part of the car buying process. It's important to be aware of these two factors in order to make sure that you select a vehicle that best suits your individual needs. Noise levels should be checked inside and outside the car, while ride comfort can be assessed through a series of tests such as accelerating, cornering, braking, and driving on rough terrain.
To begin testing noise levels, start by taking note of any unsettling engine or exhaust sound while driving at different speeds. Then turn off the radio and other entertainment components to assess cabin noise from outside sources such as wind or road noise. To check ride comfort when test-driving any car, first accelerate quickly from a dead stop to get an initial feel for how it responds under pressure.
Credit: www.etags.com
Interior features
Seating and legroom
Adjust the driver's seat before starting the car. Take time to adjust it to as many positions as possible so that you get an idea of how comfortable you will be while driving in any position. Then, check if there is enough space between the seat and steering wheel to sit comfortably with your arms straight at 90 degrees when gripping the wheel. This will give you an idea of how much room there is in front of you while driving.
Climate control and audio system
Begin with climate control: be sure to adjust heating and cooling functions throughout your drive so you can experience how they both work and feel. If there are any issues with temperature regulation or airflow, this should become apparent fairly quickly. Once you've tested the heating and cooling systems, assess how easily they respond when setting temperatures or using fan speed buttons. Additionally, use all available vents to ensure they're working correctly.
Next, check out the audio system by turning up each individual speaker volume one by one. Ensure that they're all producing clear sound without any distortion or noise coming from them.
Safety features
When testing out safety features, start with the basics, such as seat belts, airbags, brake lights, and windshield wipers. Ensure that all these components are working properly before considering other options.
Then take time to try out different active and passive systems, including lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights.
Test out each one individually by driving in different environments, such as highway or city traffic, to get a good idea of how each feature works in different settings.
Credit: blog.cross-sell.com
Exterior features
Visibility and lighting
Having adequate visibility and lighting during a drive can help drivers see their surroundings better, ultimately making them safer on the road.
First, always make sure that all of the interior lights work correctly. This includes checking dome lights, trunk lights, glove box lights, and other interior illumination features. It is also recommended that you take an evening or nighttime test drive to understand how bright the exterior headlights are in dark settings. Make sure to have someone with you if possible so they can provide feedback when turning on high beams or fog lamps.
On top of this, check for any blind spots while driving by changing lanes frequently and understanding where your mirrors should be positioned.
Cargo capacity and storage
Check the cargo area and other storage areas included in the car, such as glove compartments, cup holders, door pockets, and more. This will help you understand the space available for items like groceries or luggage. Also, pay attention to whether the cargo area is easily accessible by opening up the trunk or tailgate. If possible, try loading a few items into the vehicle during your test drive to understand how much weight and volume it can handle.
Design and style
When test driving, be sure to take in all aspects of the vehicle's design. Note if any features or details stand out to you – both positive and negative – and consider how they will fit into your lifestyle. Examine the interior and exterior components like seating comfort, color schemes, and safety amenities like airbags and blind spot detection systems. Ask yourself how these factors would suit your daily needs.
Tips for making the most of a test drive
Plan ahead and do your research: Before heading out for a test drive, familiarize yourself with reviews online about the make and model of cars you are considering. This will give you insight into which vehicles have good safety ratings, fuel economy ratings, interior space, performance capabilities, and more – all critical factors when considering which car to purchase.
Take the test drive on different types of roads: It's essential to ensure that you can take your prospective vehicle out on multiple surfaces, from highways and city streets to winding country roads. This will indicate driving performance in all sorts of conditions, as well as any blind spots or visibility issues caused by the car's design.
Bring a friend or family member along with you: They can give you an extra set of eyes and ears to identify any issues that may need further investigation, such as strange noises from underneath the hood or suspicious speedometer readings.
Take notes and ask questions.
Summary
A test drive is a critical step in the car-buying process, and it is crucial to confirm you get a good feel for the vehicle before signing on the dotted line. Test drives can help you determine if the car is a good fit for your lifestyle and budget and provide insight into potential problems. It's also important to note how comfortable you are with driving the vehicle and if it handles well on roads and highways.
Consider factors such as acceleration, braking, steering responsiveness, driver seat visibility, sound system quality, and comfort levels when taking a test drive. Verify that all accessories are functioning properly - such as air conditioning or heated seats - and check out storage space to ensure it meets your needs.