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Sep 21, 2021

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Fall is the perfect time to say hello to a new vehicle, with the winter months ahead, you want to be sure that your vehicle can get you and your passengers from point A to point B without any issue. Peace of mind is important, but your comfort and convenience are too and that’s why we have an impressive lineup of new and used Kia vehicles that have features and functions you are looking for. But before you say yes to a brand new Kia from Destination Kia, there is an important thing you must do, and that’s a test drive!

Many people don’t realize how important a test drive really is. We all love test driving vehicles, it’s a new vehicle, it’s fun, it still has that new car smell, but what many of us know is your test drive is more about your opportunity to try EVERYTHING out, not play with the new functions that your old vehicle didn’t have. So, what should you be looking for? Great question! Below you find our guide to test driving. We know your next vehicle purchase is a big investment and we want to help prevent the stress of choosing the wrong vehicle. So take a peek below and be sure to browse our inventory to find the perfect new Kia for you! Once you find it, schedule a test drive and start your next adventure with us!

Before You Go To The Dealership: 

  • Do your research. Find a handful of vehicles that you are interested in, match your budget, and meet your criteria
  • Remember to bring in your driver’s license and proof of insurance so that you don’t need to come back another day 
  • Research financing options or get pre-approved using our easy to use the online application 

How To Test Drive A Car: 

  • The test drive starts before you take the car out on the road, keep an eye out for dents, cracks, rust, nicks, cracks, etc. especially when test driving a used vehicle 
  • Check the tires for remaining tread and signs of uneven wear  (checking for poor alignment) 
  • Tryout the turning signals and brake lights 

Once You Start The Car: 

  • Don’t hit the gas just yet! Idle for a minute or two to listen to the engine. Be sure to listen for troubling noises like rattling, clicking, whining 
  • Turn the radio on and play around with the volume, buttons, and don’t be afraid to as for assistance with setup. Or have them walk through all the functions with you. 
  • Check other features like the heat and A/C
  • Keep an eye on the dashboard to ensure all the gauges are working properly as the car warms up
  • Also, pay attention to your comfort. Are the seats comfortable for long drives? Do you like the material?

Once You Hit The Gas: 

  • Pay attention to how the vehicle drives in stop and go traffic
  • Be sure to ask about the MPG and other driving features 
  • Don’t be afraid to handle rough roads to see how the vehicle handles
  • Ask to hit the highway to see if the vehicle slows and speeds up smoothly 
  • Listen carefully when you’re driving on the highway. Hear any squeaks, whines, or rattles behind the sound of the engine?
  • If possible, drive up and down a hill to verify that the car upshifts and downshifts appropriately

Schedule A Test Drive Here: https://www.destinationkia.com/testdrive.aspx