How to Test-Drive a Car in 2026

Test-driving a car: 25 steps to follow

Once you find a car you like, follow these steps for a successful test-drive — from scheduling to follow-up.

1. Check the CARFAX

For used vehicles, if the seller hasn’t posted the vehicle’s CARFAX or AutoCheck report, politely request it. These documents will reveal the car’s service history and accident history and otherwise unveil any potential red flags.

2. Gather a few essentials

Things to bring on a test-drive include your driver’s license, a flashlight, a tire tread depth gauge, disposable gloves, a phone cable (for testing the audio/infotainment system) and a printout of this checklist. You may also want to bring a friend or family member for a second opinion. You shouldn’t need proof of insurance because the vehicle should still be insured by the seller.

3. Schedule a time outside of rush hour

You won’t learn too much about a car while sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Thankfully, most dealers are open until 7 p.m. or later, as well as on weekends.

4. Introduce yourself and present your license

Once you arrive, thank the seller for meeting you. If you’re at a dealership, a salesperson may need to scan your driver’s license before you go on a test-drive. As they head inside, you can go ahead and start running through your predrive checklist.

5. Check for dings, dents and scratches

Even in broad daylight, running your flashlight across the car’s body can reveal nicks, dents, scratches and other imperfections that might’ve been hidden by the online photos. Light scratches that don’t catch your fingernail can usually be buffed out with some $10 car polish.

6. Check the tire brand

Ideally, you’ll have a “uniform set” where all four tires match each other (e.g., Michelin Defender, Goodyear Assurance). If the front and rear pairs match, that’s still better than a single mismatched tire, which can sometimes cause premature wear on the transmission and be a sign that the previous owner was operating on a budget — and may have cut corners elsewhere.

7. Measure the tire tread

In addition to the brand of all four tires, check to see how much tread is left using your handy $5 gauge (you may want your gloves for this one). A tire with at least 8/32 inches of tread left is essentially new, while a tire with 3/32 inches or less tread left is unsafe to drive on.

8. Pop the hood

Shine your flashlight into the engine bay. Are there signs of oil leaks? Water leaks or rust? Corrosion on the battery terminal? You may also want to take a photo to show a trusted mechanic later.

9. Check the storage

Consider the kinds of things you’ll be transporting and potentially storing in the car long term (e.g., tools). Will all of your gear, equipment and groceries fit? Is there somewhere for your purse, phone or backpack?

10. Sit in every seat

Go ahead and test every seat in the car for comfort. If you’re tall, will other tall people be able to fit behind you?

11. Adjust the driver’s seat

Find an ideal seating position and be honest with yourself — will you be comfortable sitting here for hours at a time?

12. Connect your phone

Does the car sync with your phone? If it’s equipped with Android Auto or CarPlay, is it working properly? You may also want to call someone to ensure the vehicle’s microphone is working.

13. Play with the infotainment system

Test it for responsiveness and make sure all areas of the screen still respond to touch (if applicable) because replacing one of these systems is extremely expensive.

14. Blast your favorite tune

With your phone connected, play one of your favorite songs. Do the speakers sound good? Are any of them blown or buzzy?

15. Crank the AC

This is more of a concern on older vehicles, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure the AC still blows nice and cold.

16. Check your 360-degree visibility

Be sure to adjust your mirrors before taking off. How good is the visibility? Are there any blind spots?

17. Check for bumps, rattles, vibrations and thunks

“The number one thing to check for during a test-drive is vibrations and noises at highway speeds,” according to Eric Hamilton, founder of Whyte Knyte Inspections. These could be signs that the car needs major repairs.

18. See if the steering wheel is straight

If you’re driving in a perfectly straight line but the steering wheel is off-center, that’s a sign that the car needs an alignment.

19. Test the power and acceleration

When you give it a lead foot, how fast does the car feel? Does it accelerate in a linear fashion? Or is it sluggish or chugging?

20. Check the brakes

Come to a (relatively) hard stop and check for squealing, grinding, pulsing or pulling left or right — all are signs that the brakes may need attention.

21. Find some bumps

Does the car handle rough roads well? In addition, a loud “clunk” sound over bumps could be a sign of worn suspension.

22. Perform a “silence test”

Does the car have good noise insulation? Is it quiet and soothing? Are there any mystery noises?

23. Check underneath for leaks

Now that you’ve put a few miles on the car, any major leaks will begin to present themselves. Shine your flashlight under the car and look for dripping.

24. Find things not to like

When you express your concerns out loud (“Well, it has a ding and it needs an alignment.”), it not only helps to organize your thoughts — it shows the seller you’re not desperate and primes you for negotiation.

25. Thank the seller

Emotions can run high during test-drives, so it’s best not to try negotiating or closing a sale on the spot. Simply take some final photos, thank the seller for their time and let them know you’ll be in touch.

Congrats on completing a successful test-drive! Pat yourself on the back for your thoroughness, and be sure to take some time to process how you truly feel about the car.

After the test-drive: next steps

If the test-drive goes well, your next step will depend on whether it’s a new car or a used car.

For used cars, you’ll want to schedule a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before negotiating and finalizing the purchase of the vehicle.

For new cars, if you’re sure this is the one (and you’re done test-driving other cars), it’s probably time to start negotiating.