Tips for Completing a Successful Test Drive

Last updated 11 months ago

The first step to finding the next vehicle for anyone or their family is taking a trip to the used car dealership. Considering what you need from a car will help you to narrow down your choices. Once a few vehicles have been found that meet your standards, it’s necessary to perform inspections and test drives. Read on to learn about the most important aspects to look for when test driving a vehicle.

Test Driving a Used Car in Port Charlotte, Florida - Palm Auto Mall

Inspection

Performing an initial vehicle inspection will give the buyer an idea of how well the vehicle was cared for, and any possible repairs it may need. It’s wise to bring at least a small flashlight when going to look at a used vehicle. Look at the vehicle’s suspension, under the hood, all around the vehicle, and inside the cabin. Rust is the major concern, however signs of excessive wear or damage may also indicate the vehicle was not properly maintained.

Controls

Start checking vehicle functionality by checking all the doors, trunk, and locks to see if they function properly. Once inside the vehicle, ensure that head lights, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and interior lights all work. Now is the time to check all the seat positioning, windows, and stereo functions as well. It’s important to check these features before driving to avoid being distracted when on the road, as well as to know where the controls are actually located.

Driving

Start the engine, and take note of how long it takes the engine to start, how it idles, and any unusual noise or vibration. Move the shifter through all the gears on a manual transmission to ensure it shifts smoothly. In an automatic, notice how long it takes the gear to engage when shifting into drive and reverse. On the road, see how accelerating normally feels and then try accelerating quickly. Also, apply the brakes and feel for sponginess. When it’s safe to do so, let go of the steering wheel, and see if the vehicle drives straight or pulls to one side. Finally, test out possible features such as cruise control, air conditioning, heating, and any other driving-related features.

Palm Auto Mall, serving the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte areas of Florida, offers a wide range of high-quality new and used cars or trucks. Contact us at (941) 347-6775 for more information.