When you purchase a new car, one of the most important things you can do is to test drive it. Of course, a good test drive is more than just taking a ride around the block. You want to truly be sure that the car you choose is right for you, which means it’s important to keep these tips in mind during your test drive.
Understand the Dealership’s Policies For Test Driving
Every dealership has its own parameters surrounding what it will allow you to do during a test drive. Sometimes, an employee needs to ride with you during the drive. This isn’t always the case, though. Whether you’re looking for a new Mercedes-Benz for sale or looking for a daily driver for work, it’s important to ask about insurance policies if you can drive alone. A good dealership will have an insurance policy that covers any accidents that happen during a test drive.
In addition to whether you drive alone or not, it’s important to ask where you can drive. Some dealerships only want you to test drive in the city itself. However, if you are someone who drives on the highway more often than not, it’s important that you can test drive a new car on the highway.
Understand the Test Drive Begins Before You Enter the Car
Before you get behind the wheel, do a thorough inspection of the outside of the car. Look for dents, cracks, or rust, as well as for any nicks or cracks in the windshield. While you would hope that new cars never have these problems, it’s always to check just in case. You’ll also want to check the tread on the tires. When you get behind the wheel, be sure to check the turn signals and brake lights before you head out onto the road.
Let the Car Idle For a Few Minutes
When you start the car, spend some time familiarizing yourself with it before you pull out of the dealership’s lot. Make sure the engine doesn’t rattle, whine, or show any other signs of distress.
Turn on the radio, the air conditioner, and the heater to be sure they all work the way they should. Ensure all the lights and gauges work on the dashboard as well. Finally, ensure the seats are comfortable for you and that the ceilings are high enough. Chances are you’ll spend years driving your new car, so comfort is essential.
Practice Your Parallel Parking
In addition to driving on the highway and on city streets, it’s a good idea to practice parallel parking in your potential new car to ensure it has the maneuverability that you desire. Find a parking lot or street parking where you can practice parallel parking. When maneuvering, consider whether the steering wheel feels stiff, ensure that the shifting from drive to reverse is smooth, and pay attention to whether the pedals feel different when you’re in reverse.
Schedule a Test Drive Today!
The test drive is one of the most important parts of the experience of buying a new car. Ensure you are thorough with your test and that you drive for at least 15 minutes to get a good understanding of whether the car is a good fit for you. Now all that is left to do is contact your local dealer and schedule that test drive!
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