customerdataplus.com

Choosing a car is a difficult decision as you’ll be stuck with it for the next few years if you don’t like it. Many women still shy away from doing a proper test-drive. They either go by the recommendation of friends or listen to their husbands or brothers. Alternatively it might be how the car looks that decides it for them. But only by doing a proper test-drive can you determine if it fulfills all your lifestyle needs. Here’s how to get the most out of your test-drive:
- Instead of the car salesman driving the car, insist on taking the wheel to get the feel of the vehicle. You may also want to bring along a friend who’s car savvy.

- Drive through both light and heavy traffic, smooth and rough roads, and go on the highway. How smoothly does the car drive? How responsive is the steering and acceleration? How well does it handle, even during high speeds? Do you feel comfortable while driving?

- Keep your ears open. A well-built car is a quiet car. You should be able to drive without the sound of the engine, wind or road noise distracting you. Perform safety checks.How well can you see the road? Do the windshield and all the windows give you an adequate view of your surroundings without you straining too much to see?

- Park the car in a few tight and open spots, and perform a U- turn Is it difficult to manoeuvre? Does the steering wheel turn easily when in tight spots, or are you getting an upper-body workout? Does it reverse easily without jerking?

- Drive along a deserted street and try out the brakes several times. Brake hard and perform an emergency stop. How well does the car respond in such situations? It shouldn’t swerve or feel out of control, if you’re not going too fast.

- Does, the interior of the car make sense to you?
Can you easily find the controls for the wipers, indicators, lights, windows, locks, stereo and air-conditioning? Are the controls intuitive in the way that they function, or are they placed in an awkward location and difficult to manage while driving?