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Guide to a Test drive

Ford Test Drive

Your Guide to a Successful Test Drive: What to Look for at Fritts Ford

At Fritts Ford, we understand that the test drive is a pivotal moment in your car-buying journey. It's an exciting experience as you envision driving your potential new car. However, it's crucial not to get carried away by the initial excitement. Instead, take a methodical approach to ensure that you make an informed decision about your next vehicle. After all, buying a car is a significant investment that will impact your daily life. Let's explore the 12 essential things to look for during your test drive, so you can drive away with confidence and peace of mind.

Before the Test Drive

  • Inspect for Potential Issues: Before hopping into the driver's seat, take a moment to thoroughly examine the car's exterior. Look for any signs of oil leaks in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle, as this could be indicative of future problems. Check the tires for signs of wear and tear; balding tires will require replacement sooner, adding to your expenses down the road. Additionally, inspect moving parts like the suspension and belts to ensure they are in good condition.

  • Check for Smooth Operation: Test all doors, the hood, and trunk to ensure they open and close smoothly. Sometimes, assuming that the front doors work well means the rest will too. Don't forget to test the windows, power door locks, and key fobs to ensure they function correctly.

  • Look for Water or Rust Damage: Lift the floor mats to check for any water or rust damage in the floorboards. This is crucial as water damage can lead to significant issues in the future.

During the Test Drive

  • Listen to the Engine: Pay close attention to the engine's sound. Listen for any unusual ticking or idling at high RPM, which may indicate engine problems.

  • Brake Check: Press the brakes to see if they feel spongy or solid. Engage the emergency brake to check for resistance and whether it holds the vehicle securely.

  • Transmission Performance: Shift the car into different gears while listening for any strange noises coming from the transmission.

  • Smooth Acceleration: Test the car's acceleration at both low and high speeds. Smooth pickup is essential to identify any front-end problems that might not be apparent at lower speeds.

  • Steering and Suspension: Head down a dead-end road to perform a tight U-turn. Listen for squealing and pay attention to how the vehicle turns. Odd noises or a thumping feeling could indicate issues with the power steering or suspension.

  • Testing Alignment: Drive the car in an empty area such as a parking lot to test for any pulling to one side or the other. Accelerate to 15-20 mph and keep your hands off the wheel momentarily. Pulling during acceleration could be due to alignment or tire pressure issues, while pulling during braking might indicate a brake caliper or suspension problem.

After the Test Drive

  • Take Notes: After the test drive, take a moment to jot down your observations in a notebook. Record any potential issues, performance concerns, or positive aspects of the car.

  • Compare and Reflect: Don't rush into making a decision. If you've test-driven multiple cars, create a comparison sheet to help you objectively evaluate each vehicle's pros and cons. Take the time to think about what you saw and how the car fits into your lifestyle.

  • Drive Until You Find the Perfect Match: Test-drive as many cars as necessary until you find your perfect match. Avoid succumbing to any sales pressure and take your time in making the right decision.

At Fritts Ford, we want your test-driving experience to be informative and enjoyable. Our team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that you find the ideal vehicle that aligns with your needs and preferences. Remember, a thoughtful and thorough test drive will lead you to your dream car, making your investment at Fritts Ford a rewarding and satisfying one. Take the wheel and embark on your exciting journey to find the perfect car that suits your lifestyle and preferences flawlessly.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable government fees and taxes, finance charges, electronic filing charges, and emission testing charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.