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Before you buy a car, any car, you should always take it for a spin. A test drive can answer nearly any question you might have about a vehicle in a few short miles. But when it comes to used cars and trucks, there are a few things you need to know before you hit the open road. Here are 10 test drive tips that will help you find a great ride. 1. Check the mirrors. Just like on your driving test, you should adjust the mirrors before you pull into traffic. If the side mirrors on the automobile you are driving are electronic, run them through their full range of motion to make certain that they are in perfect working order. 2. Take your time. Instead of only going around the block, take the vehicle on a longer test drive that includes a variety of road types and surfaces. At the very least, you want ensure that the automobile can handle the type of driving you do on a regular basis. 3. Go over 55 mph. No, we're not instructing you to break the speed limit... Well, not by much. But the reason you should take the vehicle over 55 miles per hour is that many front-end automotive issues are not noticeable at lower speeds. It is only when they exceed 55 or 60 MPH that some used cars will start to shimmy and shake. 4. Feel the wheel. Whether you are travelling at a high, low, or medium speed, mechanical issues often cause vibrations in the steering wheel. No matter how slight these vibrations may be, they could indicate a serious, expensive problem. 5. Listen when you are at the stoplight. Engine noises are often easiest to detect when a motor vehicle is running or idling in place. As such, it is important to listen for them when stopped at a red light. 6. Don't listen to music. Because you should be keeping an ear out for odd sounds on the entire test drive, the radio should be off after you've checked to make sure it works and the speakers are in good shape if that is important to you. 7. Drive in a straight line. On a flat, smooth road, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and feel if it pulls to one side. If it does, there may be a problem with the wheel alignment or the tires could be bad. 8. Shift Away. Transmission problems are the number one reason drivers worry about buying used cars. To ensure that there are no major transmission issues, it is important to shift the vehicle into different gears frequently on your test drive. 9. Step on the brakes. Another common problem with pre-owned autos is bad brakes. In addition to listening for brake sounds when you stop, it is imperative that you feel the wheel for vibration and pull. If it pulls to one side or shimmies violently, there could be a serious issue with the brake pads, discs, or rotors. 10. Add everything up. While it is uncommon to find a secondhand automobile that has absolutely no issues, the aforementioned problems should definitely be considered deal-breakers. These test drive tips should help you find a reliable ride on your next trip to the dealership. To learn more about their options for used cars, Harrisburg, PA residents should visit http://www.certifiedpreownedofhershey.com/.
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