Test driving is one of the critical steps in buying a used car. After you’ve inspected the exterior of the vehicle and looked under the hood, actually driving it before completing a car sale allows you to check for any issues that might not be apparent when the car is standing still. Simply driving the car for a few minutes without direction won’t give you the full picture, so follow these tips.

How to Test Drive a Used Car

1. Take a Long Drive

If the used car you’re considering has engine problems, it may not be noticeable until the engine is up to its running temperature. Make sure your test drive is at least half an hour long to give the engine time to warm up.

Pay attention to any changes in the sound or handling the longer you drive. Avoid the temptation to turn on the radio; this can mask sounds that could tell you something is wrong.

2. Test a Range of Conditions

Don’t just drive a loop down smooth roads. To see how it will perform under other driving conditions, your route should include hills and bumpy roads. This will help you check the suspension and the sturdiness of the engine under strain.

Ideally, you should also get up to highway speeds to make sure the car runs just as smoothly in its top gear. Find a parking lot to try narrow turns, both right and left, to see if steering issues become apparent when you push the wheel all the way.

3. Have a Physical List

When you’re in the driver’s seat, you may forget items that you wanted to test or pay attention to. Write down a full list of potential problem areas, and stop the car to refer to your list during the test drive. You can also bring someone with you to read the list and take notes for you.

It should include whether the car drifts to the side, any unusual noise or vibration, the car’s handling, the responsiveness of the brakes, the smoothness of the gear shift, and whether the seat is comfortable. Also, include any specific details that you want in a car—for instance, an especially quiet engine.

For used cars that will impress you on your test drive, visit Cornerstone Motors of Alliance. Serving Stark County, OH, this new and used car dealership offers a wide selection from Dodge®, Chevy®, GMC®, Ford®, and more. They specialize in rust-free, hard-to-find car and truck models. Call (330) 680-9066 for any questions or view their inventory on their website.