When you shop for a vehicle at Car Credit, we encourage you to pay attention to details that will prevent headaches later. That’s not universally true at car dealerships. Test Drives are still important. Nearly 50% of Americans still claim to have test-driven an automobile for up to 30 minutes before making a purchase.
Test driving an automobile is crucial in making an informed purchase choice, whether buying new or second-hand. Use these test drive suggestions to help you remember what to look for during a test drive.
Things to Consider on a Test Drive
Whether buying a new or used automobile, taking it for a test drive is one of your most crucial decisions. A car purchase is a significant financial commitment that cannot be made by casually looking at a few photographs. The driving experience might differ once you turn the key in the car.
Here are some suggestions to consider when taking a test drive.
- Brakes
If the automobile has been parked on a forecourt for some time, the brakes may require one or two applications to remove any surface rust and ensure proper operation.
Don’t believe the “it’s been sitting for a few weeks” claim if the brakes seem spongy, weak, or like they’re just not stopping the car with any degree of confidence. If they don’t feel better after five minutes of driving, they won’t get any better.
Make sure no one is following you on a straight stretch of road, and let your passenger(s) know you’re about to apply heavy braking. Then, while maintaining a soft grip on the wheel, firmly depress the brake pedal.
- Bring a friend.
If you are not on top of the latest car news, it’s a good idea to go on a test drive with a friend or family member knowledgeable about automobiles. They can provide you with valuable counsel about aspects of a car’s performance you may not know.
- Steering
Is the steering wheel straight when you’re going straight? If not, it can be fixed but shows that the steering components have been worked on in the car. Does it accelerate and brake without vibrating or wobbling?
Wheel wobble, which can indicate problems with the wheels, tires, suspension, or steering, is frequently only noticeable at higher speeds. If you notice wobble on your test drive, the fix is frequently as easy as rebalancing the wheels, but it’s still something to think about.
Try to turn the steering wheel as far as it will move from lock to lock while the car is stationary and the engine is running. The power steering pump will likely make more noise as you reach the full lock, but it shouldn’t make a racket, and the suspension shouldn’t make any noise.
- Transmission
If the vehicle you are test-driving has a manual transmission, feel the clutch pressure and the smoothness of the gearshifts. Is it challenging to tell the difference between first and third gear when shifting? Is it easy to operate the shifting?
Check the smoothness of the upshift and downshift for automatic gearboxes, especially when driving up hills.
- Bearings
Listen for a humming sound from the wheel bearings when you’re cornering at a reasonable speed (within the rules, of course). It tends to originate from one side or the other, so you can only hear it when you go around left-hand curves or turn to the right.
A wheel bearing may be on its way out if there is a notable shift in pitch. If a bearing is shot, you can gently rock the car from side to side over a broad, open stretch of road, producing a humming sound.
- Electric vehicles
It’s becoming less surprising to see electric vehicles at dealerships, but should you test-drive a new electric vehicle differently?
Range and charging time are two factors that require special consideration.
Internal combustion cars’ disappointing fuel consumption results in more frequent trips to the gas station. However, if your electric car’s range falls below your expectations, you might have to walk the last few miles from work to your house every night.
Many of the most recent models can travel at least 200 miles between charges. Still, if you’re considering a used electric car as a viable substitute for gasoline or diesel, you should consider renting one for a day or two.
Make A List
After the test drive, give yourself a little time. Relax. Breathe. Complete and review your notes. Pause for a moment to reflect on what you observed. Compile a “pros & cons list” comparing the vehicles you are considering. Use that comparison sheet to determine which automobile is ideal for you.
Car Credit Can Help, Too
The friendly, knowledgeable associates at Car Credit will be happy to research your questions and help you make a decision that is best for you and your family.
If you are in the market for a reliable car, come take a test drive at any of these Tampa Bay area Car Credit locations:
CAR CREDIT EAST TAMPA
3923 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Service: 813-232-6100
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 9:30AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT HOLIDAY
2008 US Hwy 19 North
Service: 727-939-1555
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT NORTH WEST TAMPA
2902 W. HIllsborough Ave
Service: 813-874-0102
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT RUSKIN
108 N US Hwy 41
Sales: 813-645-0111
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
