Essential test drive advice

Taking a car for a test drive is ideal to find out how it performs.

We take you through the do's and don'ts of test driving a car.

Before you view the car, make sure you're fully insured, and take proof with you - most sellers will want to know you're covered in the event of an accident.

Starting up

Start the car – preferably when the engine is cold.

1. The car should start up straight away. If it takes too long, there may be a problem
2. Check the exhaust for excessive noise. If there are holes in it, there will be lots of noise - this is known as a 'blow'
3. Have a look at the exhaust smoke – a small amount of white, steam-like smoke is OK. Blue smoke can indicate an internal oil leak, and black, sooty smoke indicate a bad fuel mixture
4. Once the engine has been running for a while, the temperature gauge should sit around the halfway mark
5. Turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other. There should be no screeching, banging or knocking, but it should be smooth.

Driving

Throughout your test drive, listen out for unusual noises and don't let the seller distract you by talking or turning up the radio.

The seller will usually suggest a route, but if it's not long enough, say so. Take care of the car while driving – the seller may get upset if you push it too hard.

1. Test the handbrake by pulling it on and trying to drive off gently. If it fails to hold the car back, it will need attention - although most handbrakes will still lose the battle with an engine eventually
2. Drive on as many different kinds of roads and surfaces as possible. Use all the gears, including reverse
3. On manual cars, the gear change should be slick and smooth, and the clutch pedal should 'bite' between the top and middle of the pedal's travel. If the clutch doesn't disengage until the pedal is on or near the floor, it may need adjusting or replacing
4. If you're driving an automatic car, there shouldn't be any slurring, whining or banging.
5. Accelerate hard, and watch for smoke from the exhaust
6. After checking no one is behind you, brake sharply. If you feel the car pulling to one side or hear strange noises, the brakes and tyre tread may need examining