3 Signs to Consider During a Test Drive

When you test-drive a car, you should always look for signs that throw up any red flags. You will want to have all your senses at work and be aware of sounds, smells, and mechanical performance as you drive. Here are three signs to consider during a test drive.

1. Initial Impressions

The first impression always has the most impact. This is no different when looking to purchase a vehicle. Test drives start long before you are behind the wheel, pulling out of the dealer’s lot. You should be attuned to the vehicle’s appearance and look for cracks, rust, and dents, including the car’s windshield and other windows. 

Checking the tires to ensure they are sufficiently inflated, have an even wear pattern, and plenty of tread life can help you avoid vehicles that may be out of alignment. A couple of other items to check will be the brake lights and turn signals before getting underway. Depending on the results of the vehicle’s initial impression, you may decide not to follow through with the test drive.

2. Warming Up

You may be anxious to get the car out on the road, but you can benefit from starting the car and letting it idle before heading out. Pop the hood and take a listen as the car runs, listening for clicking, rattling, or whining. Try out the heater, air conditioning, and radio to ensure they are all in working order. 

Ensure that all the gauges are working, and then check that the vehicle’s temperature is at a nominal range. Look around the interior, making sure the upholstery and surfaces are in good condition, along with how comfortable and roomy the car is.

3. Taking a Drive

If you have determined that you are ready to get underway, take the car out onto the road and put it to the test. It would be best to drive in different conditions, such as in stop-and-go-traffic and on the highway at higher speeds. When in traffic, you can experience how the steering, brakes, and ride feel. You can also listen for squealing, screeching, rattling, knocking, or squeaking noises that could be associated with the brakes, steering, and suspension of the vehicle.

You can get the vehicle up to speed and test to see if it rides and handles well on the highway. The added stress will enable you to see if you can detect smells such as antifreeze or burning oil to determine whether the vehicle has any fluids leaking. The engine should show no signs of hesitation or cutting back at higher speeds. Also, you can feel how smoothly the transmission shifts up and down.

These are only a few of the many signs to consider during a test drive. Other factors to consider include the vehicle’s blind spots, turning radius, ease of parking, and safety features. When you take the time to do a thorough check of these and more, you can find a vehicle free from issues, and you can have an overall positive buying experience.

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