If you're a first-time car buyer, you want to get a good deal on a quality vehicle. One way to ensure a new car meets your needs is to take it for a test drive. This is an opportunity for you to see how the car handles and if it has the capabilities you require. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

Do:

Ask a family member or friend to join you.

Bringing along someone who is knowledgeable about vehicles will help you better determine if this car is the right one for you. They may be able to pick up on benefits or drawbacks of which you're not aware. They can tell you what to look for throughout the test drive and offer insights on whether the vehicle is a good investment.

Take the car on the highway.

Many vehicles handle similarly at slower rates of speed. Driving a vehicle at higher speeds can help expose red flags. If possible, take the car on the highway, and see how smoothly it accelerates, how easy it is to control, and how quiet or loud it is inside the cabin. This is also an opportunity to check the location of blind spots.

Don't:

Test drive a manual transmission if you're not experienced with a stick shift.

A test drive is not the time to try out a stick shift if you've never driven one before or have little experience with this type of transmission. There's a learning curve involved with a manual transmission, and a novice could easily make mistakes and damage the vehicle. If you're not used to a stick, only test-drive vehicles with an automatic transmission.

Get hung up on the specs.

In the rush to make sure all the mechanical elements of the car are in good working order, it can be easy to overlook comfort. But you're the one who will be driving the vehicle, so you need to feel at ease at the wheel. See how the seat feels and how accessible the controls are. Also, it's the ideal time to test out the comfort features, such as heated seats and the climate control system, to confirm they are in proper working order.

When you're in the market for a vehicle, contact Hometown Chevrolet® Buick® GMC® in Reidsville, NC. They offer a comprehensive selection of certified pre-owned vehicles and new cars to suit any budget and lifestyle. This trusted car dealership also has an onsite service center for all your routine and mechanical auto care needs. Call (877) 848-1302 or visit them online for more information about their inventory.