Top 10 Tips on How to Test Drive Used Cars

August 09, 2022 · 6 min read

About 40 million people around the world are buying a used car every year and for good reason – used cars are a great investment! You save money when you purchase a used car, and when you find the right one it’s well worth the search.

Test driving cars is an essential part of the process. Do you know the difference between test driving used cars versus new vehicles?

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to look for when test driving a used car! At Red McCombs, we are passionate about providing superior customer service and giving our customers the best vehicle options.

Read on to learn our best tips to test drive a car.

1. Size It Up

It might sound basic, but the first thing you should consider when test driving a used car is how big the vehicle is.

If you park in a garage or have a parking space, you should know how big that space is and make sure the car can fit in that area. If you want your car to transport large or heavy items, make sure it’s big enough for your needs. Don’t be afraid to use measuring tape!

2. Check Out the Exterior

Make sure to look over every part of the car’s exterior before you step inside to start your test drive.

Walk around the vehicle and look for any scratches, dents, peeling paint, or any other signs of wear and tear.

Run your fingers along the gaps between the body panels to make sure the gaps are even, especially around the bumper and hood. Uneven gaps could imply previous damage from an accident.

Make sure to look at the tires and take note if the tires are from different brands or don’t pass the penny-tread test. Simply place a penny, with Lincoln’s head facing down, into the tire tread. If you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tires need to be replaced.

Move each mirror and make sure those work correctly. Press down on each corner of the car to make sure it doesn’t bounce.

3. Feel Out the Interior

Part of the importance of test driving a car is making sure you’re comfortable. The vehicle needs to be in good condition, but taking into account that you will be sitting in your car very often, it needs to be comfortable!

Make sure to sit in every seat, not just the driver’s seat. Check the front, back seat, and trunk for odd smells.

Lower each window and open the sunroof to make sure the windows work properly. Lift any carpets and check for rust or smells underneath layers of carpet. Check for tears or stains inside as well.

4. Notice the View

Once you’re settled into the driver’s seat, take notice of what your view of the road looks like.

Are there blind spots? If so, can you adjust your seat or yourself enough to work around them?

Make sure you like the view from your seat and that you’re comfortable with the placement of each window and mirror.

5. Drive Various Speeds in Different Places

Used car test driving comes down to finding out how the car performs on the road. This is the real test of whether or not you will want to buy the car.

Once you hit the pavement, make sure to drive the car at different speeds and take it on the freeway. If you get the opportunity, drive it over train tracks and gravel paths or other surfaces that will test the quality of the car.

6. Get Very Comfortable

Once you figure out how to test drive a car to check for quality, make sure you test out how useable and comfortable it is as well.

Adjust your seat, turn on the radio, test the speakers, and press all the radio buttons. Try to pair your smartphone with the car to make sure it’s possible. Test out any USB port and auxiliary inputs.

Use every warning light and turn on every light in the car. Press the horn and also try out the windshield wipers.

7. Look Under the Hood

If you’re not sure what to look for under the hood, make sure to take someone with you who does know about cars.

Generally, you want to check and make sure the various belts and hoses aren’t cracked or have holes. Check the color of the antifreeze to make sure it isn’t milky or rusty.

If possible, check the fluids as well. Check the oil, transmission fluid, and brake and power stealing fluids.

8. Listen and Feel

Make sure to listen when you test drive used cars. Listen to the sounds it makes while you drive and if it makes any sounds when you’re at a stop.

Listen for any sound the car makes when you’re in the process of braking and when you turn on the air conditioner.

Also, make sure to feel how the car drives as you steer it over different surfaces. If something feels off, it’s worth checking out or asking about.

9. Ask About Paperwork

Don’t be shy to ask about the vehicle’s history. That may mean asking to see reconditioning paperwork or the vehicle history report.

Reconditioning paperwork will show you what the dealership has done to the car since they purchased it. This will give you a better idea of what to look for when testing it out.

A vehicle history report will tell you if the car has been in any major or minor accidents.

10. Ask to Have the Vehicle Inspected

You can also ask to have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. It’s great to test out a used car, but it’s even better to have a professional give it a once-over before you make a purchase.

This way you will have an outside opinion to consider and feel better about your used car purchase.

Use These Tips to Test Drive a Car Today

Now you know all the best tips for test driving cars so you know what to look for and can make the most informed decision when buying a used car. When it comes to used cars, Red McCombs has all the best options, no matter what you’re looking for.

Check out all our available used vehicles before coming down to test drive one for yourself today.

Red McCombs Hyundai NorthWest

13663 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

Sales: 844-218-7288

Service: 844-218-7288

Parts: 844-218-7288

McCombs Ford West

7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA

Sales: 833-711-9378

Service: 855-370-3663

Parts: 844-385-7247

Red McCombs Genesis NorthWest

25766 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006

Sales: 726-207-3479

Service: 726-207-3479

Parts: 726-207-3479

Red McCombs Collision Center

2235 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA

Sales: 210-256-5350

Service: 210-256-5350

Parts: 210-256-5350

Red McCombs Toyota

13526 W I-10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249

Sales: 866-783-9870

Service: 866-789-4627

Parts: 888-355-3918

Red McCombs Hyundai

4800 NW I-410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA

Sales: 844-452-3877

Service: 844-452-3877

Parts: 844-452-3877

Red McCombs Body Shop

4800 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA

Sales: 210-377-3864

Service: 210-377-3864

Parts: 210-377-3864

Universal Toyota

12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA

Sales: 210-944-4768

Service: 210-944-4768

Parts: 210-944-4768

Red McCombs Ford

8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA

Sales: 833-504-1993

Service: 833-491-0790

Parts: 877-738-2159

Drive Away Motors CENTRAL

8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA

Sales: 833-504-1993

Service: 833-491-0790

Parts: 877-738-2159

Drive Away Motors WEST

7111 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA

Sales: 833-711-9378

Service: 855-370-3663

Parts: 844-385-7247

Drive Away Motors SOUTH

12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA

Sales: 210-757-4632

Service: 210-757-4632

Parts: 210-757-4632

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Apr 25, 2023

5 Benefits of Investing in Airless Tires

There have been plenty of rumblings about what’s coming soon for cars; airless tires are just one example. The global tire market reached a whopping $122 billion as of 2021, and it’s only expected to grow. If you’re looking for new developments in auto industry news, puncture-proof tires are an excellent example. Read on for a list of five benefits of investing in airless tires to help you decide whether they’re right for you and your car. 1. No Flat Tire, No Worries If you’re thinking of upgrading your tires, these are a good option once they’re ready for consumers to purchase. Since they don’t require air to keep them “inflated,” you’ll no longer need to worry about an unexpected flat. Airless tires provide peace of mind knowing you won’t get stranded due to a flat tire. Not only will this keep the worry of a breakdown low, but it also prevents you from having to replace it with a temporary “donut” until the tire is replaced. 2. Airless Tires Mean Less Maintenance One of the biggest pieces of auto industry news for airless tires is the reduction of maintenance and downtime. You’ll no longer need to head to the gas station to fill your tire with air and worry about PSI levels. This is especially beneficial to fleet managers who deal with multiple vehicles at once. Not only do these new tires reduce the need for upkeep, but they also reduce fleet downtime, too. It also reduces the cost to replace traditional rubber tires. 3. Better for the Environment You’ve heard plenty of automotive news about electric vehicles, but airless tires are also eco-friendly. Countless tons of scrapped rubber tires end up in landfills every year. With these types of tires, there will be fewer punctured rubber tires sitting around in garbage dumps all over the world. Not only that, but this design uses a much more sustainable process in terms of manufacturing and materials as well. 4. Better Traction These quality tires are actually heavier than radial tires and they have a much more evenly distributed tread surface. This results in better traction when turning and when you’re driving at low speeds. Not only do airless tires work on standard vehicles, but they’re also great for forklifts and other industrial vehicles as well as ATVs. You’ll immediately notice an improvement in your vehicle’s performance overall with these tires on. 5. Great Fuel Efficiency Airless tires are stiffer than rubber, so they tend to maintain their shape for longer. One of the main factors in the reduction of fuel efficiency is tire deformation. With these puncture-proof tires, your vehicle should have the same or even better fuel efficiency than it would with traditional tires. This will save you money on fuel as well as the cost of worrying about replacing worn-out rubber tires. Exciting Automotive News While airless tires aren’t quite ready for the public yet, you can already see the benefits. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-saving tire, then these quality tires could be the perfect solution. At Red McCombs, our goal is to help you find your next favorite automobile, so be sure to visit our wide selection of new vehicles today! Red McCombs Hyundai NorthWest 13663 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA Sales: 844-218-7288 Service: 844-218-7288 Parts: 844-218-7288 McCombs Ford West 7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Red McCombs Genesis NorthWest 25766 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006 Sales: 726-207-3479 Service: 726-207-3479 Parts: 726-207-3479 Red McCombs Collision Center 2235 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 210-256-5350 Service: 210-256-5350 Parts: 210-256-5350 Red McCombs Toyota 13526 W I-10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 Sales: 866-783-9870 Service: 866-789-4627 Parts: 888-355-3918 Red McCombs Hyundai 4800 NW I-410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 844-452-3877 Service: 844-452-3877 Parts: 844-452-3877 Red McCombs Body Shop 4800 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 210-377-3864 Service: 210-377-3864 Parts: 210-377-3864 Universal Toyota 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-944-4768 Service: 210-944-4768 Parts: 210-944-4768 Red McCombs Ford 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors CENTRAL 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors WEST 7111 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Drive Away Motors SOUTH 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-757-4632 Service: 210-757-4632 Parts: 210-757-4632

May 22, 2023

Can You Trust Used Cars? Choosing Trusted Used Vehicles

American drivers are holding onto their cars, trucks, and SUVs longer than ever, with the average amount of time hitting a record of 12.5 years. The primary cause of this is the global automotive chip shortage. Due to lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, facilities manufacturing chips had to shut down. And that shortage has driven up the cost of new and used cars. While you can still get a good deal if you buy a used vehicle over a new one, can you get a reliable used car? Read this used car guide to learn why you can trust used vehicles. Why You Can Trust Used Vehicles A new car loses up to 11% of its worth the moment it’s driven off the lot. It’ll lose around 20% of its value after one year, and a new car will depreciate between 15% and 25% annually until it’s five years old. So, buying a new car means shouldering high depreciation. Considering that new cars cost more, you might balk at sinking a lot of money into buying one. Buying a quality used vehicle from a trusted used car dealership means you can take advantage of a great price. Buying used means using depreciation to your benefit and getting a great car for much less. You can trust pre-owned vehicles sold by a reputable automotive company. Consider, as well, that vehicles these days can be more reliable than vehicles from the past. So, you can easily find used cars made to last. Buying from a trusted used car dealership like Red McCombs Automotive means you can access a wide range of quality used vehicles. You’ll see that used cars can be a good buy in today’s market. How to Choose Them Do you want to know the best strategies to find trusted used vehicles? The good news is that it’s not a matter of luck. You can trust pre-owned vehicles on the lots of reputable car dealers with a track record of providing good service. You won’t have to worry about getting a lemon when you buy a certified pre-owned car from a used car dealer like Red McCombs Automotive. Our certified pre-owned vehicles undergo rigorous inspections, maintenance, and repairs. So, buying such a vehicle is like getting a reconditioned car that’s practically as good as new. And it’ll be a fraction of the cost of a new one. If you want to test drive used cars made to last before buying one, visit one of our dealerships. It’s worth the drive to any of our Texas locations. Used This Used Car Guide to Find Your Used Car Are you looking for a vehicle? At Red McCombs Automotive, we sell quality new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles. If you need a car but don’t have the budget for a brand-new vehicle, there’s no need to despair. Our used cars won’t leave you stranded. After reviewing this used car guide, check out our selection of certified pre-owned vehicles. With our wide selection of used vehicles, you’ll find the perfect car for your needs. Stop by for a test drive. Red McCombs Hyundai NorthWest 13663 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA Sales: 844-218-7288 Service: 844-218-7288 Parts: 844-218-7288 McCombs Ford West 7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Red McCombs Genesis NorthWest 25766 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006 Sales: 726-207-3479 Service: 726-207-3479 Parts: 726-207-3479 Red McCombs Collision Center 2235 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 210-256-5350 Service: 210-256-5350 Parts: 210-256-5350 Red McCombs Toyota 13526 W I-10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 Sales: 866-783-9870 Service: 866-789-4627 Parts: 888-355-3918 Red McCombs Hyundai 4800 NW I-410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 844-452-3877 Service: 844-452-3877 Parts: 844-452-3877 Red McCombs Body Shop 4800 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 210-377-3864 Service: 210-377-3864 Parts: 210-377-3864 Universal Toyota 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-944-4768 Service: 210-944-4768 Parts: 210-944-4768 Red McCombs Ford 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors CENTRAL 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors WEST 7111 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Drive Away Motors SOUTH 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-757-4632 Service: 210-757-4632 Parts: 210-757-4632

Mar 22, 2023

Holographic Dash Displays Are Coming to Your Next Car

Do you want to purchase a vehicle with the best safety features and excellent technological advancements? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will delve into a new car guide and exactly what’s coming for new cars. Our automotive predictions include the advancement of holographic dash displays that drivers can view when operating their cars and moving down the street. So, what are these displays and how do they work? Are top car brands adding such technology? Find out the answers in our new car guide below. What Are Automotive Holographic Dash Displays? The automotive holographic dash display is a type of dash screen technology that will provide the driver with a new type of experience. The drivers will view a three-dimensional, transparent display that provides a distraction-free operation. Essentially, the holographic displays offer key information and data that ensures greater safety and provides the user with key details to avoid accidents and other errors. Drivers today prefer more safety systems and features while ensuring overall comfort when operating the vehicle. The latest auto industry news involves car trends delving into augmented reality (AR) technology. The Latest Automotive Trends Involve Augmented Reality Today, automotive tech tools and augmented reality (AR) technology are coming together to impact car design. The company Envisics creates holographic head-up displays and supplied as many as 1.6 million AR displays in 2022. The company further predicts that 19.1 million units will get sold by 2032. The AR technology involves a variety of features like speed information and showcases landmarks as well as possible collision points. For example, the impressive AR holographic technology will better display whether any cyclists or pedestrians are nearby. That is especially useful when driving in the dark. The Brands Embracing the Latest Car Trends Numerous car brands are taking on this latest automotive trend, which includes Hyundai, General Motors, Stellantis, and Jaguar Land Rover. These particular automotive brands have become significant shareholders in Envisics, a producer of holographic displays. BMW, Delphi, and Winstar Display are also key players in the AR technology market. The Jaguar Land Rover was one of the first vehicles to incorporate a holographic head-up display in 2015. Since then, such technology has been expanding with more automotive manufacturers embracing the features. Where You Should Go For the Most Advanced Cars When searching for a quality vehicle and the latest technology, you should consider contacting Red McCombs Automotive from San Antonio, Texas. Here, you’ll find a great team of specialists who will provide you with all the information you need to pick the right automobile for you. Give us a call today! Red McCombs Hyundai NorthWest 13663 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA Sales: 844-218-7288 Service: 844-218-7288 Parts: 844-218-7288 McCombs Ford West 7111 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Red McCombs Genesis NorthWest 25766 IH 10 West Boerne, TX 78006 Sales: 726-207-3479 Service: 726-207-3479 Parts: 726-207-3479 Red McCombs Collision Center 2235 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 210-256-5350 Service: 210-256-5350 Parts: 210-256-5350 Red McCombs Toyota 13526 W I-10 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 Sales: 866-783-9870 Service: 866-789-4627 Parts: 888-355-3918 Red McCombs Hyundai 4800 NW I-410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 844-452-3877 Service: 844-452-3877 Parts: 844-452-3877 Red McCombs Body Shop 4800 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA Sales: 210-377-3864 Service: 210-377-3864 Parts: 210-377-3864 Universal Toyota 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-944-4768 Service: 210-944-4768 Parts: 210-944-4768 Red McCombs Ford 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors CENTRAL 8333 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230, USA Sales: 833-504-1993 Service: 833-491-0790 Parts: 877-738-2159 Drive Away Motors WEST 7111 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA Sales: 833-711-9378 Service: 855-370-3663 Parts: 844-385-7247 Drive Away Motors SOUTH 12102 I-35, San Antonio, TX 78233, USA Sales: 210-757-4632 Service: 210-757-4632 Parts: 210-757-4632

Red McCombs Automotive Group