Our showroom in Chico, CA, offers drivers a wide selection of new and used vehicles. Before you buy a vehicle from our dealership, we recommend taking a test drive. Here are seven tips to get the most from your test drive.
1. Examine the Technology
If staying connected to your cell phone is important to you, bring your device along for the ride. Determine how easy it is to pair your device and if the vehicle has voice recognition. Check the radio's sound quality and the touchscreen's response time.
2. Consider Comfort
Test the heater and air conditioner at the highest level to determine if they suit you. Are the seats comfortable with plenty of leg and head room?
3. Observe Handling
Consider if you can operate the steering wheel and blinkers smoothly. Try the brakes and listen for sounds and anything that makes you feel safe. Does the vehicle accelerate as fast as you want it to, or does it hesitate? Drive the vehicle on the highway and in stop-and-go traffic to see how it functions.
4. Bring Strollers and Car Seats
If you have young children, bring your car seat and strollers to determine if they fit securely in the vehicle. The vehicle should have a middle seat tether and outbound rear seat safety hooks.
5. Park the Vehicle
Park the vehicle to get a feel of the size and how easy it is to back up. Observe if the gears transition smoothly as you park, and note blind spots.
6. Bring Another Person
Bring another person to test how comfortable the vehicle is for passengers and for second opinions. Passengers will often have a different experience than the driver and may notice things you don't.
7. Test Safety Features
If possible, test drive your desired vehicle in the dark or through a tunnel to test the lights. Try the horn, windshield wipers, and visors, and adjust the mirrors to get a feel for them. Ask about advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning and cross-traffic alert.