Going for a test drive? Here’s what you need to know
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January 11, 2022Since many of us are still working from home, you would expect to see empty streets and roads. But that is not the case here—the demand for cars in Singapore is still as high as it was before COVID-19. According to a news report by Channel News Asia (CNA), car dealers have seen an increase in car sales throughout the pandemic.
So, if you, like many others, are also planning to get a hold of a brand new car, here’s what you need to know…
Are you about to go on a test drive?
Test drives are great if you want to make an informed decision before you decide on a car. You get to test drive several cars and compare them in terms of comfort, features, pros and cons, and many more. But before you jump into a test drive, these are the things that you need to know:
What to do during test drives
1) Understand the test-driving policy
First things first, you must understand the dealership’s test-driving policy. For example, should a salesperson or dealership employee ride with you during the test drive? If you are allowed to drive without supervision, does the dealership’s insurance cover accidents that happen during test drives?
2) Study how the car operates
Next, before you get behind the wheel, be sure to have the salesperson explain how the car operates. To ensure that you are well-informed about the car, have the salesperson demonstrate how to use the car’s navigation system, turn signals, open the convertible top, and many more. Because your main goal is to see the full potential of the vehicle.
3) Inspect the car
When you are driving the car, be sure to check how easy it is to steer the car, how smoothly the car accelerates and brakes, how the car handles bumps in the road, how comfortable the car is, and many other things.
4) Practise parking
If you are planning to buy a car, other than making sure the car drives well, you must ensure that it parks well too. When you manoeuvre the car, make sure that the steering does not feel stiff and that it moves smoothly from driving to reversing. If the car jolts when you shift gears, that could be a sign of a bad transmission.
What not to do during test drives
1) Drive through unfamiliar areas alone
If you are not familiar with the area, it is recommended to have a salesperson tag along with you. The last thing you would want to happen during a test drive is to get caught in an unwanted situation alone.
2) Eat or drink inside the car
Even if you are used to it, do not eat and drink inside the car and while you are driving to avoid distractions. If you have just eaten something before your test drive, be sure to keep your hands clean before you put your hands behind the steering wheel!
3) Ignore dealer’s instructions
When test-driving a car with a salesperson or someone from the dealership, always listen to what they have to say regarding where they want you to go. Most likely, they already have a specific route in mind.
4) Overlook on space
If you need to have prams or a wheelchair in your car, be mindful of the space available. Consider the rest of the family members or frequent users of the car—is there enough legroom for them? You want to make sure that you have catered for such considerations.
Test drives are necessary if you want to make an informed decision about which car to bring home to. It helps you understand how the car works, discover if the price is reasonable, and experience what it’s like to own that car (even if it’s just for a few minutes). So, if you are about to go on a test drive soon, be sure to follow this list and drive safely!
And if your car is due for a service, book an appointment with us now.