Automotive

Purchasing a Car? Here’s How to Test Drive

citreonC5 grand picasso
Cash for your car

Paying attention to detail while test driving a vehicle may save you from an expensive headache later, even if you are only looking at new cars. If you are not sure what to look out for, taking a Citroen C5 Grand Picasso for sale out for a drive can be daunting. However, the test drive is a critical component of making an informed decision.

When you are about to spend several thousand dollars, make sure you drive the car you want. Yes, a few people hand over large amounts of cash for vehicles they have not even seen! Whether you are looking to purchase used, demo, or new Citroen C3 cars for sale, make the right choice using these test drive tips.

Cold Start the Car

It is best to test drive any vehicle while it is cold. A warm engine may hide several problems, especially for diesel-powered engines. If the first time you are seeing the car, and the engine is warm to the touch and the temperature gauge has gone up a bit, be cautious.

While test driving a new or used Citroen C5 Grand Picasso for sale, pay attention to how the steering wheel feels and how going around corners feels. Remember, driving the car should be comfortable!

Check the Brakes

For cars that have been sitting for a while, the brakes may require some application to remove surface rust and ensure proper performance. Sometimes, brakes may feel weak or do not stop your car confidently, so do not fall for the old “the car has been idle” line. A vehicle with a functioning braking system should feel fine within five minutes of driving—if not, braking will not improve.

Drive on a straight road and make sure that nobody is following you and also warn passengers you are about to brake hard. Hold the steering wheel lightly and press the brake pedal firmly. You want your car to achieve a controlled stop—for new Citroen C3 cars for sale with ABS, you ought to feel a slight pulsing.

A well-maintained vehicle should brake in a straight line without drama. Pulling to the side means there is something wrong with either the brakes, tyre pressure, or the suspension.

Consider Steering

Steering should be straight when driving ahead. Be on the lookout for wobbling or vibration while accelerating and braking. Wheel wobble is pronounced while driving at high speeds, showing issues with the steering, suspension, wheels, or tyres. While the fix may be as simple as wheel rebalancing, this is something you should note.

Stop the car and leave the engine running. Turn the steering wheel from end to end—the power steering will kick in and make a slight noise as you get to each end. However, the noise should not be a racket, and the suspension should produce no noises at all, especially on new Citroen C3 cars for sale.

Drive the Car of Your Dreams Today

When buying a Citroen C5 Grand Picasso for sale, for example, you want to make sure it is the vehicle you want because it’s your money. Brisbane City Citroen has the perfect vehicle for you. Visit https://brisbanecitycitroen.com.au/ to book a test drive of your dream automobile!

Or if you’re in Los Angeles, contact Carstub if you want to sell your car; they come to you and make the whole process as easy as possible for you!

About the author

Duke James