Buying a used car is an exciting and cost-effective decision, but it can also prove to be risky. Hence it is essential that you make an informed decision when buying a used car. One way to do that is by taking the car for a test drive before finalizing your purchase. In fact, this is an extremely crucial step when evaluating the performance and condition of a used car. But do you know how to evaluate a car during a test drive? We will walk you through the process so you make the most during your used car test-driving experience.
Let us first understand why a test drive is so important. Test driving a vehicle before purchasing it, allows you to experience first-hand how it performs on the road. You may have done a lot of research and read many reviews before choosing a car. However, nothing can replace the actual experience of driving it on the road.
Taking a used car for a test drive is important because;
Prospective car buyers often make a few common mistakes when test-driving a used car.
Do not get attached or make up your mind after test-driving the first car. While the car may be great, you should only decide once you have driven all the shortlisted cars and compare the performance and features of each.
Taking the car for a test drive on a straight road is not a good idea. You need to test the car’s maneuverability and handling which requires tackling corners and curves. You must also drive in challenging conditions and push the car to its limits to see how it responds.
Give yourself time when taking a car out for a test drive. If the test drive is only a few minutes long it will not help you understand the car’s performance and condition. Ensure you thoroughly evaluate the car before ending your test drive.
You need to prepare before you attend your test drive. Ensure you have a valid driving license in hand. You may need to fill up certain forms at the dealership before test-driving the car. Write down a list of questions on each vehicle you plan to test drive, to ask the seller or the dealership.
Before you begin your test drive, discuss with the dealer or the seller about the route you would like to take for the test drive. Try to drive on a route that experiences traffic congestion as well as long open stretches of road with less traffic. This will help you get an idea of the engine condition and whether the vehicle overheats. Do not avoid roads with potholes or speed breakers as these will test the suspension of the vehicle.
Start the car and let it idle on the neutral gear. Listen to the hum of the engine and pay attention to any unusual sounds. Rev the engine by pressing down on the accelerator and once again pay attention to how the engine sounds. You should not hear any rattling or clanging noises. Also, check for any sudden vibrations during acceleration. If you encounter any of these issues, step out and have the dealer look at it. There is no point in continuing with a test drive of a vehicle with a bad engine. If everything goes fine, drive out onto the road
Turn on the car AC and drive for a while with the AC on. Then turn it off and dive with the windows down. This will give you an idea of how the car performs in both conditions and the load on the engine. Similarly, check the fan speeds with the AC on at minimum fan speed and then at full speed. Pay attention to the difference in the acceleration of the vehicle.
Ensure you also test the steering and cornering ability of the car. Make a U-turn when possible or even a complete 360-degree turn if you have adequate room to maneuver the car. Ensure you turn the steering both ways during the test drive. Sense the feedback from the steering wheel, and pay attention to any noises from the suspension. If the vehicle’s steering assembly is damaged you will experience resistance when making a U-turn.
If possible, drive the car with full seating capacity and check the front and rear suspension. Fill the car with passengers, and drive at normal speeds across various road conditions to determine if the suspension works fine. Also, check whether the rear fender touches the tires at full capacity. This is extremely dangerous as it could damage the tire completely leading to the tire bursting.
The car’s brakes must be in perfect condition for your safety during a drive. To test the brakes, drive at a reasonably high speed and gradually step down on the brake pedals. Watch out for any vibration from the brake pedal or the car drifting to one side. These issues could indicate a problem with the brake assembly or worn-out brake pads. This could also be a wheel alignment problem
After driving for some time, stop the car in a parking area, get out, and inspect the car externally, paying attention to any sound coming from the radiator fan or from under the hood. If you have not driven the car for long, the radiator fan should not be working. A functioning radiator fan indicated an engine overheating issue. Examine the ground beneath the car for any oil stains. This indicates oil leakage from the engine.
Once you complete the test drive, bring all the issues with the car to the attention of the car dealer or seller. If you are satisfied with the test drive you can proceed with the purchase of the car. A comprehensive test drive will ensure you get a vehicle free from defects and damage.
We are Auto Level, a luxury car dealership in the UAE. Our inventory comprises a wide variety of superior quality used and new cars. Every car in our inventory undergoes comprehensive checks and tests to ensure roadworthiness. Select a car that is right for you from our premium options and drive with confidence. Book a free test drive today! Just give us a call at 80053835.
