Test driving a car is a fundamental step you cannot skip when buying the car. Other than the fact that it lets you inspect the car’s interior, it also allows you to get a feel for its driving characteristics and comfort level first-hand.
And it doesn’t even matter whether you’re working with a prestige elite car rental company or any ordinary common car rental service. Having the opportunity to test drive a car you wish to buy also allows you to understand the car’s functionality, how it performs best and any unique features it might have. That said, some of the things you will want to check for during a test drive include;
- Lights: Assess the type of headlights and their brightness levels to ensure safe night driving.
- Touchscreen: Different manufacturers have varied layout differences. So, you will want to assess the ease of use and for efficient navigation.
- In-cabin controls: You will also want to test the functionality and ergonomics of buttons, switches, and knobs for user-friendly operation.
- Noises: Identify any unusual sounds or warning beeps. Be sure to understand their significance and control.
- Infotainment: Also assess comfort with armrests and visibility of the infotainment center for enjoyable driving.
Best Practices for Test Driving a Car
Whether buying or renting a car, when you step into a car for a test drive, you will want to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controls. During this test drive, make sure that everything is within easy reach
Also, ensure that the controls are intuitive to use and ensure that you feel comfortable and confident operating the car’s features, as you’ll be using them daily if you decide to purchase the vehicle. Here are four other best practices for test driving a car to keep in mind;
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Adjust the Seats and Steering Wheel
To ensure comfort and safety, the first thing you will want to find is the right driving position. So, adjust the seats to ensure that you have a clear view of the road and easy access to the pedals.
Experiment with the steering wheel position to find a comfortable and ergonomic setting. Keep in mind that you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel. So, be sure to find a position that minimizes strain and fatigue.
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Plan a Varied Driving Route
The dealership’s test drive route may give you a basic feel for the car. So, it is a good idea to plan a specific route that reflects your typical driving conditions.
When planning a driving route, include a mix of road types from highways to city streets, and country roads. To get a better sense of how the car performs in real-world situations, pay attention to how the car handles different road surfaces and traffic conditions.
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Request a Weekend Test Drive
If possible, ask the dealership for an extended test drive. This can be over a weekend or holiday as this will give you more time to evaluate the car’s performance in various situations.
With a weekend test drive, you’ll have the opportunity to test how the car handles daily commutes, errands, and longer trips. An extended test drive will also help you determine if the car meets your needs and lifestyle.
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Bring Along Your Family
Will you be regularly driving with passengers? If so, bring your family or friends along for the test drive even if it’s car rental.
This will allow you to assess the car’s comfort and convenience for all occupants. Pay attention to legroom, headroom, and overall comfort in the back seats.
If you have children, ensure that the car is child-friendly. Also, the child seats should be easy to install and access.
In Closing
Cars are not only hugely expensive items. They also tend to be owned for extended periods. So, it makes sense to want to test your dream car before signing on the dotted line.
Take your time to understand not just how the car handles but also how comfortable the seats are. The car should also meet your unique needs.
Meta Title: Best Practices for Car Test Driving in 2024
Meta Description: Whether you’re buying or renting a car, do not test drive it before reading this guide. Discover how to make the most of your new car test drive.
