How to take your used car for the road test

How to take your used car for the road test


 
Mechachic checking on a car engine and taking notes



Many times you have heard about the importance of having a full mechanical checkup before buying a used car. It is equally important to take a test drive. Because even if the car is in good condition, it may not suit your body type or simply not meet your expectations. You love a vehicle (or hate it) while driving, but you have to give it a try. This test should take at least 30 minutes and include both city and highway driving to best simulate all of your daily driving conditions. Here is what you should check out.

THE GEARBOX
After starting the engine, check if the gears are working properly. Bring the selector to positions D and R. successively. It is normal to feel a slight hesitation when leaving position P (parking) or N (neutral); but a strong shake when changing gears indicates that the gearbox is worn and in need of overhaul (which can easily cost over $ 1,500). If the selection is easy, accelerate slowly. Normally the gears should shift smoothly and the last gear should be around 50 km / h. Reduce your speed, then accelerate vigorously. The transmission should downshift and maintain revs up to the red line before shifting up a gear. Then keep your speed around 70 km / h before accelerating again; the lower gear should kick in quickly. Take the time to check that positions D3, D2 D1 or L, depending on the model, also work well. In addition to serving as an engine brake, these positions are useful if you are towing a load.

 

If your car has a manual transmission, perform gear changes quickly: gears should shift smoothly (even when cold), without sticking. If a problem persists when hot, the synchronizers are most likely worn (again the bill can be very steep). Push the accelerator fully in each gear, then take your foot off the accelerator briskly. If the gear lever returns to neutral on its own, it is a sign that the gearbox is badly worn. If all is well with the shifting, check the clutch. Resume first gear and, successively, shift up gears, noting when the clutch kicks in. Normally, it is when the pedal is lifted about a third that the clutch kicks in. If the service is done when you are almost touching the floor, it is a sign of a worn clutch or it needs adjustment.

ROAD HOLDING
Once the gearbox has been put to the test, it is time to check the handling or, more specifically, the steering. First step: find a straight and smooth stretch of road. The car must keep its course and not be influenced by irregularities in the road. If you have to continually correct the direction to stay on course, there is a problem. If you pass this first test, then let go of the steering wheel for a few seconds. The car should continue to drive in a straight line. If it deviates, it could simply be an improperly inflated tire or improper alignment. Both of these problems are easy to fix and inexpensive. But it can also be excessive wear and tear, and this will cost you much more.

THE BRAKES
On a straight stretch of road with little traffic, accelerate to 50 km / h. Then shift to neutral and brake fully. The vehicle should come to a stop without gradually deviating from its path. You can then do the same test with the handbrake. By tightening it, it should cause the vehicle to slow down significantly.

ENGINE
Don't shy away from testing the mechanics (I don't mean beating the car). But we have to go with a few frank acceleration. These should be done smoothly and smoothly. If you feel hesitation or hear the engine coughing or hesitating, it is a sign of an injection or ignition problem. Also check the lung health of the mechanics. Find a good drop and, leaving the car in second gear, go between 40 and 50 km / h. Pull your ears out and listen to the song of the engine for a piston snap or other weird noises. Finally, during your mechanical inspection, you should always ask to have the compression ratio of each of the cylinders measured. A simple operation that says a lot about the condition of the engine.

With a good test drive, you greatly reduce your chances of buying a lemon. A little twenty minutes well invested