How To Test Drive A Car Before Buying In Nigeria

A test drive for a vehicle you intend to purchase shouldn’t resemble a leisurely exercise. You must be ready for it, know what to anticipate, and understand what is right and wrong.

For instance, if a car has been in an accident, some drivetrain components may have minor damage that even a mechanic wouldn’t notice, but you would experience intense vibrations while test-driving the vehicle. This drive test helps you check the sustainability of the vehicle you wish to purchase and if the asking price meets the standard of the vehicle. Test driving is a must and cannot be done negligently unless you want to buy a badly disposed car.

Even when the car is being advertised online for sale, before the agreement is sorted and payment is given to the seller, you must test it out. If this was not done, it would be almost impossible to get your money back, and you would be left with a car you could not use.

Here are some tips that would help you carry out the process.

1. Carefully Check The Interior 

Despite the fact that this is a test drive, don’t feel as though you need to start out by operating the vehicle. Once inside, take a moment to sit comfortably, adjust the mirrors, and tilt the ventilation system to suit your preferences. Learn how to use the main controls as well.

Start the engine once you’re content, at ease, and aware of how everything works. Keep an eye out for any smoke odours in your mirrors. Next, fully turn the steering wheel to the left and right while listening for any suspension clunks.

Before you get behind the wheel, adopting this calm, courteous attitude can help you maintain your composure.  If the vehicle is still satisfying to you

2. Start The Engine Both Cold And Heated

You’ve likely heard that it’s crucial to ensure that the engine starts easily from a cold start. But it’s strongly advised to start out chilly or hot. Request permission from the seller to start the automobile on your own the following day while it is still cold.

Engines made of gasoline and diesel should start in less than two or three seconds (depending on the season). Remember that whereas gasoline engines can start instantly, diesel engines require a short period of time for the glow plugs to heat the combustion chamber. A battery, glow plugs, fuel pump, fuel lines, or a starter may need to be replaced if the engine cranks slowly, start slowly, and runs roughly afterwards.

You should turn off the engine and then attempt to start it again once it has warmed up to its normal operating temperature. It is best to start a hot engine soon. If not, there might be issues with an injector, a high-pressure fuel pump, or a number of sensors. In conclusion, you would be better off looking for something different because any issues with this component could need pricey repairs.

3. Increase Your Speed

 Don’t be afraid to have a test drive before paying for the vehicle, since it may be in your possession for at least a few years. Your car’s stability, balance, and all of its gears will be put to the test at a certain pace.

If at all possible, aim for 50-60 mph (80-100 km/h). Expect a smooth ride; you shouldn’t notice or experience any tremors, play in the steering, or strange noises. When changing gears, especially with an automatic transmission, there should be no lag time. Once you’re clear of other vehicles, test your hard brakes; you shouldn’t have any pull to the sides.

In the best-case situation, rebalancing the wheels can stop vibrations, but they can also be caused by bent axles, worn-out transmissions, or even damaged rims.

4. Take The Bumpy Road

A suspension’s main function is to stabilize, comfort, and quieten the vehicle. Modern automobiles have a wide variety of gearbox systems, but they all share one trait: if there is a problem, you will hear it. An old, uneven asphalt or gravel road is the best spot to test a car’s suspension. In these conditions, some vehicles—especially smaller ones—tend to be noisier and rougher, but clunking, rattling, and knocking noises are not permitted. If the vehicle has front-wheel drive, try turning the wheel completely to each side and accelerating slightly. If you hear crackling, a CV joint needs to be replaced as soon as feasible.

5. Examine The Electronics

Make sure you take your time inspecting the car’s technology and features. Modern in-car technology is great, but if something goes wrong, it may be very expensive to fix. Does the air conditioner have a cold breeze? Do the optional features in the car you’re considering—like heated seats, satellite navigation, or Bluetooth connectivity—function as they should? Try connecting your phone to the vehicle or taking a test drive with the navigation activated. Some systems are more user-friendly than others, and if you frequently use postcodes for navigation, a system that won’t accept them or only accepts partial postcodes could be a major hassle.

Not only are you evaluating the car’s characteristics and condition, but also how useful it will be to you. Spending more time with the car before you buy it could save you a lot of hassle after you’ve paid for it. Being stuck in the wrong car can be a daily headache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It can be worthwhile to give it some more thought, even if you’ve already determined that this is the car for you and everything functions as it should. Your ability to evaluate the vehicle in the cold light of day may be enhanced by a restful night’s sleep or the counsel of a reliable friend.

If you’re buying from a dealer, remember that they work for you and that you shouldn’t ponder your options for too long. Another sensible request is for a second test drive. In the event that you choose to buy a vehicle from the seller, they will be appreciative of your business. Although it’s frequently said that purchasing a car should be enjoyable, this is only partially true.

The process of test driving and selecting the vehicle should be impartial. The enjoyable part of buying a car is getting to drive it away, and taking it for a comprehensive test drive should help you make the right decision.