Online shopping is an attractive practice, but photos can only tell you so much. The test drive process allows you to employ more of your senses to get a better idea of the actual condition of a vehicle.

Test driving a vehicle before buying it is an extremely important part of the vehicle purchasing decision and something that every motorist should take their time to do.

While the majority of motorists are not experts on the mechanical components or the inner workings of a car, paying attention and employing your basic senses can reveal clues that point towards potential issues lurking beneath.

Look

The test drive allows you to visually inspect the vehicle from top to bottom. On the outside, look for dings, scrapes and scratches, which can be par for the course depending on the vehicles age. However, mismatched paint, overspray, misaligned panels and missing components could point to poorly repaired accident damage.

Take time to inspect the interior of the vehicle and its control surfaces. Are the seats, carpets and interior surfaces in a good condition? Is there visible damage or missing components? Do all the lights, gauges and infotainment systems work as they should. Also keep an eye out for any warning lights on the dashboard, some of which might only appear after a period of driving.

Listen

While driving, listen out for any strange or obviously loud sounds. The drivetrain should be free of whines or humming and the gearshift should be free of scrapes. Any rattling sounds could point to loose components in the engine or drivetrain. A knocking noise under acceleration or braking could mean worn suspension or braking components.

Touch and feel

The test drive process is a great way to feel if the car is right for you. Take your time to adjust the seat, steering and mirrors and to figure out if you can get to the right positioning. During the drive, take time to feel if the car fits your body ergonomically and if all controls are within reach and easy to operate.

As you will be spending many hours in your car over its lifetime, it is important to ensure that you are comfortable behind the wheel. Is it a car that you can manoeuvre and park easily or will you be more comfortable in a more compact model?

The test drive is also an ideal opportunity to feel for any issues such as movement through the steering wheel, a car that is pulling to one side under braking or vibrations at speed. These things could all point to previous damage or worn-out components.

The test drive allows you to get a feel for the vehicle’s performance including its acceleration, gear shifting and braking performance and decide if they are satisfactory for your needs and requirements.

Motorists should also take time to understand how the car makes them feel, is this a car that you will be proud of or will it have you parking in the furthest space in the parking lot in fear of being spotted by someone you know.

Smell

Does the interior still smell good or has it been subjected to junk food or cigarette smoke in its previous life. Any whiffs of oil, fuel or radiator fluid could hint at engine leaks and issues, which could mean substantial maintenance might be required. A damp or mouldy smell could mean water is leaking in somehow and is often a sign of bodged repairs.

Taste

While taste is the one sense that is not of much use when test driving a vehicle, the test drive process is a great way to do your due diligence and help prevent the purchase of your next car from leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

Book a test drive of your next vehicle on Motus Select today

https://www.motusselect.co.za/buy-cars