How To Prepare For A Test Drive

Buying a car can be a very long process. It starts from deciding the requirements, calculating the available budget, researching over the internet for the right car, choosing the closest dealer, visiting the showroom and then test driving the car.

The test drive is probably the most important part of the whole process of buying a car. It is the time when you will decide if the car is suitable to your needs, drives the way you want it, has all the features you are looking for and also know any possible flaws that you would not like.

Not many people know how to prepare for a car test drive and Drivespark takes this opportunity to present to you some car test drive tips. These test drive tips are a result of our team interacting with several dealers, car buyers and manufacturers.

Make a check list

Make a check list: You have to make a check list of things that you need to check in the car even before you head to the showroom. If you prepare this check list well in advance you can easily know if anything you need is missing the car when you eventually drive it.

Check the exterior

Check the exterior: Don't just jump in to the car at the test drive. Have a close look at the exterior design and dimensions. This will help you understand if the car fits in to your garage, if the ground clearance is right etc.

Seating comfort

Seating comfort: Once you enter the car, always see to that you are sitting comfortably. If you don't on the first time, there is little chance you will be comfortable after you buy the car. Check if all the switches and knobs are placed ergonomically.

Take a long test drive

Take a long test drive: Always go for along test drive spanning at least five to six kilometres. Preferably try to drive in city traffic conditions as well as on the highway. This will help you understand the car's performance better.

Points to note while driving

Points to note while driving: Some of the important aspects about the car that you should note while driving is its acceleration, handling, brakes, turbo lag, steering, visibility, quietness in the cabin, engine noise, functioning of electronic switches etc.

Handling

Handling: Drive the car in all possible speeds, across different types of roads and turn the car at different speeds to see how it handles. Check if the car over steers or under steers as this will determine how quickly you need to turn the steering.

Check visibility

Check visibility: Having the best view is very important to have a safe drive. Check if the car has any large blind spots due to the A-Pillar, if the rear view mirrors are properly placed, if all the controls and switches are clear to see in the dark etc.