Here at Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, we understand that buying a car can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! We are here to help you find the perfect vehicle – and test driving is a great way to narrow your search.
The Hoover Team in Summerville has compiled some helpful test drive tips to ensure you make the most of every mile. Check them out, then come see us at your trusted car dealership in Summerville!
Examine the Exterior.
Before getting behind the wheel, thoroughly examine the vehicle’s exterior. Keep in mind that a vehicle you loved online may look different in person. Ask yourself the following:
- Do I like the exterior design and paint color?
- Is there any noticeable damage to the body – like dents, scratches or rust?
- Is the windshield in good condition? Does it have cracks or chips?
- Is there uneven or excessive wear to the tire tread?
- Do the turn signals, brake lights and headlights work properly?
Take a Look Inside.
If the vehicle’s exterior is satisfactory, it is time to get behind the wheel. Before heading out onto the open road, though, be sure to inspect the following:
- Comfort: Is the driver’s seat comfortable? Do I have good visibility?
- Passenger space: Is there adequate space for every member of the family? Be sure to consider car seats and pets.
- Entry & exit: Can I get in and out of the vehicle easily?
- Design: Do I like the interior design and dashboard configuration?
- Interior gauges/controls: Are the gauges simple to read? Are the controls easy to operate?
- Cargo space: Is there enough room to transport large items if necessary, like sporting gear, luggage or work equipment? Do the rear seats fold down?
- Climate control: Do the AC and heat work correctly?
Test Out the Driver Assistance Features.
Our knowledgeable team knows our inventory inside and out and will be able to tell you more about the driver assistance features available. When test driving a vehicle in Summerville, pay attention to the functionality of the safety and tech systems – including these features:
- Backup camera: Put the vehicle in reverse and put the backup camera to the test! Try backing out of a parking space or parallel parking.
- Display: Consider the size of the screen and the ease of reading it.
- Navigation: Practice entering a destination to make sure the navigation system is simple to use.
- Safety features: Be sure to ask if the vehicle is equipped with popular driver assist features like blind spot warning, lane departure alerts and automatic braking.
Get Out on the Road.
To get a real feel for the new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM vehicle, we recommend test driving your normal daily commute. We all know that Charleston area traffic can mean spending long stretches of time in your vehicle, so it is important that you are comfortable and safe in the driver’s seat! Getting out on the highway enables you to see how the steering feels at higher speeds. Navigating stop-and-go traffic, on the other hand, lets you see what the brakes feel like.
While test driving a vehicle in Summerville, note the following:
- Ignition: Did the car start smoothly? Does it make any strange sounds while shifting gears?
- Acceleration and handling: Does the car accelerate smoothly? Does it feel responsive? Does the steering wheel shake or vibrate at all?
- Braking: Do the brakes feel responsive? Do I hear any abnormal noises or squeaking while test driving the car?
- Infotainment and connectivity: Are infotainment controls easy to use? Does the vehicle come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity – or any other must-have features? Does it pair easily with your mobile device??
- Cruise control: Does the cruise control work properly?
Take a Test Drive Today at Hoover in Summerville!
Ready to test drive? Get to Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, your Jeep dealership in Charleston! Our team is here to help you find the right ride at the right final price.
We are conveniently located in Summerville, just a short drive from North Charleston, SC and the surrounding areas. Come see us today to experience better car buying!