Tips for How to Test Drive a Car 

A regular part of a vehicle purchase is the test drive. It’s exciting to get into your potential new ride and hit the streets. While you want to have a good time and fall in love with your vehicle of choice, you also need to use the test drive to make sure it’s the right car for you. We’ve written before about what you should consider during your test drive, but there are some additional tips we want to share.  

Test Driving Tips 

Bring your license and proof of insurance

If you’re driving to the dealership it should go without saying that you’d have your license and proof of insurance with you. However, if you get a ride or take public transportation, you might need to remember to grab these things on your way out the door. 

Bring all your stuff

You want to make sure your vehicle fits your lifestyle, and that means bringing all your stuff. Are you a parent? Bring your car seat, stroller, booster seat, sports bag and all of your other kid gear. Are you an avid road tripper or outdoorsperson? Make sure your luggage, cooler and camping equipment fit. Do you use your vehicle for work? Bring all your work stuff. We’re talking tools, open house signs, computer or tech items, whatever you need to get your job done. Got a pet crate? Bring it! You get the idea. 

Check your comfort level

Make yourself at home. Adjust the seat and lumbar support. Tilt the steering wheel. Adjust the mirrors. Check out the passenger space and make sure you and your family or friends will be comfortable there as well. Do you have a favorite travel mug? See how it fits in the cupholder and take it in and out of that space while you’re driving. Make sure everything is to your liking.   

Try out the features

Today’s vehicles come with a plethora of fun tech features. Don’t be shy—try them out! If you are a music lover, give the audio system a whirl. Are you most interested in the driver assist capabilities? Evaluate all the cameras and other indicators. Give the parallel parking assist a chance to impress you.  

Be present when driving

It can be easy to get caught up in the thrill of a potential new car. Take a breath and be present during your test drive. Assess the vehicle’s acceleration, braking, steering and handling, the overall feel of the ride and any noticeable noises. Go over a speedbump and try out the suspension.    

Set your eyes on the styling

Seeing a vehicle in person is different than seeing it in marketing materials. Step back and check out the lines. Do you like the way the vehicle looks? How about the exterior color, interior color and finishings?  

Park it at home

If you’re able (this might not always be possible), swing by your home and see how the vehicle fits in what will become its regular parking spot. This could be a garage, carport, lot or structure space, or street parking. No matter where it will end up, make sure it’s easy to get the vehicle in and out of its future space.  

Test Drive Your New Vehicle

There’s a lot to consider when making a new (or new to you) car purchase. These tips can help you make the right decision and make sure that you’ll love your vehicle—even after the test drive! 

Schedule your test drive

Contact the dealerships at Ontario Auto Center to learn about current inventory and to schedule your test drive.