7 things to do when test driving a car

قراءة المقال باللغة العربية

So you’ve done your research and you’re pretty set on what you want to purchase, but now it’s time for a test drive and you haven’t a clue what to look out for. If you can relate, then you’d be glad to learn that you aren’t alone. What follows, is a handy list to help you get the most out of your test drives.

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Acceleration

Put the pedal to the metal and don’t be fooled by the initial kick from a standing start. Instead, focus on how well the vehicle copes with acceleration once up to speed. Vehicles lacking in horsepower, will take an excruciating amount of time to accelerate from speeds of 80 to 120 km/h – the band most enter when attempting to overtake another vehicle.

Air Conditioning

In a country as warm as the UAE, highlighting the importance of a phenomenal A/C system can never be enough. In addition to seeing how loud the system is when operating at full capacity, keep an eye out to gauge just how long the A/C truly requires to cool the cabin down.

Bluetooth

In today’s day and age, several automobiles come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity straight out of the factory. But with each system comprising of its own quirks and complexities, it is advisable to take a moment and see first-hand just how effortless the process truly is.

Headlights

If possible, request for the test drive to be taken at night, so as to judge just how well the headlights illuminate the road ahead. Unfortunately, it is something that is generally overlooked until it’s much too late many a times.

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Storage Space

While it may seem insignificant at first, get phones, cords and any other loose items you’d typically keep in your car, just to ensure there’s a sufficient number of cubby holes and storage space for your needs.

Stroller / Car Seat

For parents or soon to be parents, it would advisable to carry along a stroller and/or a car seat, to see just how much room there truly is.

Sun Visors

Laugh all you want, but you won’t be laughing when dealing with the migraine-gifting rays of the stinging sun, day in and day out. Take a few minutes and study the visor, making sure to look out for a retractable extension as the visor is almost never large enough to cover the entire window.

Once you’ve completed the above checks, you’ll have a better understanding of the car and also have a basis to compare it with competing offerings. So good luck, be wary, and do let us know if you require any further assistance.

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