Check these while testing your vehicle.

Assuming you are a qualified driver, or you are able to tell a driver what you want, then a road test is an excellent way of checking the operation of a vehicle.

A checklist is again a useful reminder of what should be done. A typical road test following a service or inspection would be much as follows (but remember to check specific manufacturers’ requirements):

 

Ø Fit trade plates to vehicle if necessary.

    Check operation of starter and inhibitor switch (automatic).

Ø  Check operation of lights, horn(s), indicators, wipers and washers.

Ø  Check indicators self-cancel.

Ø  Check operation of all warning indicators.

Ø  Check footbrake and handbrake.

Ø  Check engine noise levels, performance and throttle operation.

Ø  Check clutch for free play, slipping and judder.

Ø  Check gear selection and noise levels in all gears.

Ø  Check steering for noise, effort required, free play, wander and self-centering.

Ø  Check suspension for noise, irregularity in ride and wheel imbalance.

Ø  Check footbrake pedal effort, travel, braking efficiency, pulling and binding.

Ø  Check speedometer for steady operation, noise and operation of mileage recorder.

Ø  Check operation of all instruments.

Ø  Check for abnormal body noises.