5 Tips When Taking a New Car for a Test Drive in Dubai

Reading reviews and studying specs are important when researching new cars in Dubai. However, there is one step of the entire vehicle buying process that you should never skip or take lightly: taking the car for a test drive.

Test driving a vehicle is a vital part of the car-buying process because it lets you get behind the wheel and take your dream ride for a spin. It gives you a real feel for how the car handles, accelerates, and brakes on the open road.

As you drive, you can check if the seats are comfortable, gauge if the dashboard is easy to navigate, and evaluate the vehicle’s safety features. These are things you can’t do by just looking at pictures or watching videos of your preferred cars.

By taking the vehicles you’re interested in for a test drive, you can smartly whittle down your options and know if you’re a step closer to getting your dream car.

Making the Most Out of a Test Drive

There’s more to test drives than getting behind the wheel and driving out the dealership. If you want to get the most benefits from a test drive, follow these tips:

1. Select the right day and time for your test drive.

The best time to take a car for a test drive is during off-peak hours, such as weekday mornings and early afternoons when dealerships are less busy and there’s less traffic.

During these times, the sales staff won’t feel rushed to speak with you. They can spend more time explaining the car’s features and answering your questions. You also don’t have to contend with traffic as you take the vehicle for a spin.

Check the weather for the date you want to go for a test drive as well. Scheduling it on a clear day lets you check the car’s handling and visibility without extra distractions.

Once you’ve chosen a good date and time, call the dealership or schedule your test drive online as soon as possible. Doing so ensures the vehicle is ready and available when you arrive.

2. Prepare for the test drive.

Although you may have already read about the car’s specs, go over it again before your scheduled test drive. This step ensures you can focus on the key details and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the experience.

As you go over the vehicle’s specs, make a list of questions you want the test drive to answer, such as its performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety features, and possible upgrades.

You can ask the salesperson these questions if you think you need more information to make a decision.

On the day of the test drive, dress comfortably and wear shoes that let you feel the pedals easily. Little things like this can make a big difference in how well you assess the car.

3. Bring essential documents and requirements.

Before heading to the dealership, make sure you have everything you need for the test drive. This includes your UAE driver’s license, Emirates ID, and proof of insurance since many dealerships require drivers to have active coverage.

Make sure you bring your phone or a notebook and a pen to record your observations.

Some dealerships may ask for a refundable security deposit. Don’t forget to bring your wallet and ensure you have your credit or debit card and some cash in case you need to pay for this.

Additionally, find out if the dealership requires pre-approval or specific documentation to sign a waiver or liability agreement for the test drive. Ask if you can get a copy of it before your test drive so you have time to read and understand it.

4. Check the vehicle's exterior, interior, and features.

Before getting into the driver’s seat, take a few minutes to inspect the car thoroughly. Walk around it to examine the paint, tires, and lights.

Once you've done this, sit in the driver’s seat. It should be ergonomically designed, comfortable, and easy to adjust.

Test the windshield visibility, the steering wheel, and the mirrors. Don’t forget to explore the car’s features, including its safety and infotainment systems and climate controls, to ensure they are intuitive and functional.

Also, check the backseat and cargo space to ensure they meet your and your passengers’ needs. Open and close the doors to determine how wide they open and how firmly they close.

5. Drive in different conditions.

A proper test drive involves driving the car in various situations to see how it handles.

Follow the route recommended by the sales staff. If you’re driving in areas with heavy traffic, evaluate the car's maneuverability, braking responsiveness, and handling during stop-and-go situations.

Also, pay attention to how the vehicle handles speed bumps, tight turns, and frequent stops.

Ask the sales staff if you can take the car onto one of Dubai’s highways, such as Sheikh Zayed Road. Driving on these thoroughfares lets you test the vehicle’s acceleration, engine power, stability at higher speeds, and the effectiveness of cruise control systems.

Park the car in a lot or parallel spot to check the mirrors’ clarity and the car’s steering precision and parking assistance features.

Whether you’re test-driving one of the latest Chinese SUVs, sedans, coupes, or minivans, go through the process correctly to ensure you buy the right vehicle that meets your expectations.