Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, take it for a test drive. Because used cars have a history, it’s even more important to get behind the wheel before you buy. A car may look fantastic and have a clean record, but you might find that you don’t like the way it feels or handles on the road. Check out the tips below for when you take a potential vehicle out for a spin.

What to Do When Test Driving a Car

1. Get Comfortable

Before you take the car onto the road, sit in the driver’s seat and look around. Check the side mirrors, rearview mirror, and blind spots to see what visibility is like. Look at how much space you and your passengers have to move around in their seats. See if the seats support your back. Fiddle with the dashboard to see if you’re comfortable with any touch screens, buttons, or knobs. If you plan to bring car seats, sporting gear, or luggage in the car often, it should have enough space to accommodate.

2. Feel & Listen

Once you’re on the road, take note of how comfortable the ride is overall. Turn the radio off so that you can hear the engine and road noise. Drive the car on all kinds of terrains, like neighborhood streets, main roads, highways, and parking lots; that way, you can get a feel for how the car performs in heavy traffic and bumpy pavement. Finally, park the car—and parallel park, if you can—to see how it maneuvers.

3. Have Other Family Members Try It

If your partner or another family member also plans to drive the car, get their opinion. Take them along with you when you drive, and have them test drive it after you. That way, you can form an opinion about the vehicle together.

4. Take Time to Think

Don’t feel pressured to buy after test driving. Purchasing a new or used car is a significant decision, and this is your chance to evaluate the vehicle. Give yourself plenty of time to think about it or discuss it with your family. Sleep on it and return to the dealership the next day to make a purchase or continue looking.

Are you ready to take a new or used car for a test drive? Head to Keenan’s Cherryland in West Salem, WI. They will help you find a car, truck, or SUV that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Call (608) 786-1212 for more details, or browse their inventory online.