Test Drive Tips

Are you planning to buy a car? This can be exciting and puzzling, especially if it’s your first time. Cars nowadays can be bought just about anywhere. You can see them by the road, next door, online, or by the local dealerships. There are a great deal of sources to consider and a test drive is the best way to start. Here are some tips to help choose your perfect match wisely.

1. Bring a Friend.
- You’ll need a clear, objective perspective from a friend or relative who knows more about cars and your needs well. Their insights could help a lot especially if they have tried driving a similar model.

2. Take your time.
- It’s better to borrow the car for the day or evening. But if they refuse, make sure to spend a few hours with the vehicle alone. If you have enough flexibility to decide, use all the time you need. Don’t be in a hurry to buy without rethinking the pros and cons.

3. Familiarize yourself with the car’s controls before setting off.
- Once you’re doing the test drive, it’s recommended to maintain concentration and focus. Ask the dealer or sales person about the unusual symbols and buttons. Avoid switching and searching for buttons when driving; this can be very dangerous.

4. Get curious and keep asking questions.
- If you still need some clarification on the vehicle, don’t hesitate to ask. Face it, if this is the first time for you
to buy a car, you’d want to clear all the doubt and questions in your mind. It’s understandable to slightly annoy the dealer with questions about their merchandise; it’s really their job to satisfy you and customers are always right. Ask about the safety features, the mpg, after sales services and other important questions.

5. Choose a different driving route.
- Try the unfamiliar route or road less traveled. Through a different driving route you’ll get more clues and indications on the versatility and performance of the car.

6. Try sitting on the front and back seat.
- Let your relative or friend drive as well. You’ll discover some things from the passenger seat that you couldn’t see from the driver’s seat. That way, you’ll check the car from different perspectives.

7. Test and compare different makes.
- Test two similar models from similar makes or brands. If the dealer permits, you should take the time to try several models for comparison. Just like buying the perfect pair of shoes, look for the perfect fit.

8. Don’t be obliged to buy from the first dealer.
- The car might fit your needs and specifications, but that doesn’t mean you must buy it right away. Don’t let the dealer guilt you into buying it. Remember to check the credentials of the dealer and weigh your options as well.

by: Amalia Aviles
AutoTerminal.com

How to prepare your vehicle for cross-country road trips

John and Helen Taylor, the famous Aussie couple who broke the Guinness World Record in 2006 for fuel efficiency successfully circled the globe using only 24 tanks of gasoline while averaging an amazing 52.3 mpg.

Similarly, there has been a trend of cross-country road trips among the young and old.

Call it challenge or madness; more people know how to have a great sense of thrill and adventure.

Are you planning to go on a cross-country road trip yourself?
Before you to take part in that daring quest, while increasing your “cool factor” enormously, you will need to follow these essential tips:

At least three weeks before you go:

1. Plan Your Journey.
Plan your route, keeping in mind rush hour situations where possible. Check the map before leaving or make sure the portable GPS navigator (if you have one) works so you can be more fluid on your trip. Avoid getting lost and unnecessary stops as it burns a lot of fuel.

2. Have your car checked for repairs/maintenance.

3. Tune in your engine.
This will improve fuel economy on your vehicle by about 4%.

4. Check vehicle fluids.
Coolant – flush the cooling system and replace coolant.
Oil – use the recommended motor oil to improve fuel efficiency.
Break fluid – Make sure the fluid reaches the full line of the master cylinder.

5. Look for any leaks.

6. Check the battery.
Clean the top surface with a rag or fresh water before you remove the vent caps. The fluid level should be just below the bottom of the vent hole, level with the filler ring, for each cell.

7. Check the belts.
Replace belt if it is cracked or can be easily pushed more than 1 inch.

8. Check the AC and heater.
Check if all heater fans turn on. If moist air is coming from the vents with antifreeze smell, while the windows become foggy when the heater is turned on, there may be a leak. If your vehicle has rear air-conditioning unit, test it as well.

9. Check the tires.
Are they inflated enough? Tires with pressure too low can cause heat buildup which leads to a blowout at high speeds. To check the tire pressure, use a tire gauge. The tires may become low as the temperature drops because air contracts with cold. It is also best to make sure you have a spare tire that has been fully-inflated with the appropriate tools needed. Don’t risk driving without the jack, tire wrench and lock-nut adapter (if your vehicle has wheel locks); you never know what could happen.

10. Check the glove box / glove compartment.
Make sure you have your owner’s manual and vehicle registration. If your manual is missing, search the internet for automakers with pdf manuals in their sites. If you are travelling in the US and have a roadside assistance program such as AAA, make sure to bring the card (or your member number) along.


At least 5 days before you go, you must do the following checks:

1. Recheck for any scheduled maintenance.

2. Recheck the tires.

3. Wash and clean your vehicle.
Get rid of useless equipment; you don’t need to bring the whole apartment/house with you. Useless objects mean more fuel to burn and more money wasted on the junk you don’t need. Vacuum, wash and scrub your vehicle like there’s no tomorrow. Nobody wants to travel long in a smelly, crappy and filthy car. Every extra 100 lbs (45 kg) you carry can drop fuel efficiency by 1-2%. So keep your boot or back seat clear of unnecessary items.

4. Check air filter.
Clogged air filter? This can affect the fuel economy and performance of your vehicle at high altitudes. An air filter that’s been in your vehicle for more than 10,000 miles needs to be cleaned or replaced.

5. Prepare an emergency winter kit.
At the trunk of your car put the following: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction incase you get stuck in snow).

1 day before you go:

1. Gas up.
Fill the tank. It is more expensive to keep refilling on the road.

2. Recheck your gear.
Write a checklist to make sure you already have the complete necessary gadgets, documents, identifications and kits which you prepared before hand.

Preparing your vehicle is key and as long as you’ve followed these guidelines carefully, major problems could be avoided. Lastly, enjoy the ride!

AutoTerminal.com