A test drive is an important step in the car-buying process. It allows you to get a feel for the vehicle, assess its performance, and ensure it meets your needs before purchasing. At Auto Avenue in Calgary, we encourage our customers to take a thorough test drive to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to look for during a test drive, including handling, braking, visibility, and comfort, to help you get the most out of the experience.
1. Handling and Steering Response
When you first start the test drive, pay attention to how the car handles. Is the steering responsive and precise? Does the vehicle feel stable on the road? Whether driving on highways or city streets, the car should feel smooth and easy to control.
Key Aspects to Consider:
- Turning Radius: Test the car’s ability to make tight turns, especially in parking lots or narrow streets.
- Responsiveness: Ensure that the steering responds quickly to your inputs without any lag.
- Road Feedback: Some drivers prefer cars that give more feedback through the steering wheel, while others prefer less sensitivity. Make sure the handling suits your driving style.
2. Braking Performance
Testing the brakes is essential to ensure safety and comfort. During the test drive, pay attention to how the brakes feel when applied. They should be firm but smooth, without any squeaking or grinding noises. A good set of brakes will bring the car to a halt without jerking or pulling the vehicle to one side.
What to Look For:
- Smooth Deceleration: The car should slow down evenly when you press the brake pedal.
- Brake Sensitivity: Ensure the brakes are not overly sensitive, causing sudden stops with light pressure.
- ABS System: Check if the car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, which prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking.
3. Visibility and Blind Spots
Good visibility is essential for safe driving, especially in busy traffic or when parking. Take note of the car’s blind spots and test out the mirrors. A vehicle with good visibility will have large windows and properly positioned mirrors that provide a clear view of your surroundings.
Check for:
- Mirror Adjustability: Ensure side mirrors and the rearview mirror offer a clear view of the road.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Some vehicles come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems. If present, test how well it alerts you to nearby vehicles.
- Windshield Size: A larger windshield can improve forward visibility, especially at intersections.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your vehicle, it’s important to assess the comfort level of the seats and the layout of the controls. During the test drive, check if the seats are supportive and if you can adjust them to your liking. Make sure the dashboard and control layout are easy to use and intuitive.
Consider:
- Seating Comfort: Are the seats supportive, and do they offer lumbar support for long drives?
- Seat Adjustments: Test out the adjustability of both the driver’s seat and the passenger seats. Ensure they provide the right balance of comfort and functionality.
- Dashboard Layout: Ensure the controls, including the infotainment system and climate control, are easily accessible without distracting you from driving.
5. Acceleration and Engine Performance
The test drive is your chance to assess how the car’s engine performs under different driving conditions. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or driving through city traffic, pay attention to the car’s acceleration and how smoothly it shifts between gears.
Key Areas to Evaluate:
- Acceleration: Is the vehicle able to accelerate smoothly without hesitation?
- Engine Noise: While some drivers enjoy a powerful engine growl, others prefer quieter engines. Check the noise level inside the cabin.
- Transmission Performance: If it’s an automatic car, test how smoothly it shifts gears. For manual cars, assess the clutch’s feel and gear shifting ease.
6. Suspension and Ride Quality
A good family car or daily commuter needs to provide a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads. While test driving, take the car over different types of road surfaces to see how it handles rough patches and uneven terrain.
Look For:
- Ride Comfort: The car should absorb road imperfections well, without excessive bouncing or jarring.
- Suspension Response: Pay attention to how the suspension handles bumps, dips, and potholes. The ride should remain smooth and stable.
- Noise Isolation: A quality suspension will also minimize road noise, contributing to a quieter cabin.
Why Test Drive with Auto Avenue?
At Auto Avenue, we believe that a test drive is important to making the right car-buying decision. We offer a wide range of quality used vehicles, each fully inspected and ready for your test drive. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the process, answering any questions you may have about the vehicle’s features, performance, and comfort.