A test drive should be a crucial step when buying a car. You can do a ton of research to narrow your selection to a few cars. However,  the test drive can help finalize your decision. There is no better way to learn about the quality and condition of your potential next vehicle than with a test drive. But what should you look for when test driving a car? It’s essential to make sure you’re comfortable in your new vehicle before you make your purchase official. But there’s often a limited time during a test drive to inspect the car. We’re here to answer your questions about what to look for during a test drive. This way, you can be comfortable with your decision.

What Should I Look For When Test Driving a Car?

Vehicle Exterior

As a customer, the test should begin before you get behind the wheel. Take some time carefully inspect the vehicle’s exterior. The most obvious things to look for are dents, chips or scratches in the paint, or cracks in the windshield. But a closer inspection can reveal more details. For instance, you should pay attention to the tires. Do they all look inflated and have a good amount of tread left? New tires can be a good sign that the dealership has paid attention to every detail. You should also make sure the car is sitting evenly. If it is lopsided or sloping to one side, it could mean there is a problem with the vehicle’s suspension.

Starting the Car

Once inside the car, you can get a feel for how it runs. Remember that this is your test drive, so don’t be afraid to take your time. Let the car run for a minute or so before you go anywhere. Use this time to listen to the engine. You don’t want to hear rattling, clicking, or other troubling noises. You should also take a moment to ensure all the cabin components work properly. Test both the heating and AC, regardless of the temperature outside. If you buy a car during the summer, you don’t want to wait until winter to find out the heat doesn’t work. In addition, check the radio, headlights, windshield wipers, seat controls, and anything else. 

On the Road

Once you’re satisfied with everything else, it’s time to take the car for a drive. Once here, you should note everything you can about how the car feels. It’s essential to test the brakes. Make sure they are responsive, coming to a natural, full stop on the road. Other important things to note are the car’s handling, acceleration, and bumps in the terrain. If you can take the car onto the highway during your test drive, you can see how it performs at higher speeds. But this may not be an option everywhere.  And one last thing not to overlook is your comfort with the vehicle. Do you feel comfortable with how the car handles? If so, you may have found your next vehicle!

How to Test Drive a Car

Want to test a new car but are unsure how to test drive a car? The process is simple! Once you have done your homework and narrowed your search, get in touch with the dealership. Let them know you are interested in comparing a couple of models and would like to test drive the vehicles. Any dealer will be happy to let you take the car you’re interested in for a test drive. Want to test drive one of our cars here at Suncoast CJDR? Simply contact us or visit us at our location in Seminole, Florida.