How to kick tires like an expert
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

Please touch
Turn every knob and press every button to ensure they do what they're supposed to do. Try all the windows, repeatedly, and test the locking system. Also, give the stereo a workout. Familiarize yourself with all of these features before hitting the road. Don't waste your test drive fiddling with buttons -- it's too distracting.

Get comfy
Make sure the seat is easy to adjust and check that features, such as adjustable lumbar support, are working properly. Turn on the seat heaters to the maximum and then set them at a comfortable temperature for the duration of the test drive. Also, inspect all the seatbelts and ensure they're easy to use. 

Don't chat and drive
You don't need salespeople nattering in your ear while you're trying to focus on the drive. Politely request that they save the sales pitch until you're back at the lot. 

Sound check
Turn off the stereo and let silence guide you. The vehicle should be well insulated enough that you don't hear everything going on outside. Expect a dull hum, but you shouldn't have to speak up to be heard over the racket. Do you hear any strange chugs or rattles from the interior, engine, undercarriage or exterior of the vehicle?

Test with a friend
While you'll want to check out the backseat yourself, ask a friend to join you for the test drive and report how things feel from back there. Is there plenty of leg room? Ask him to take note of strange noises or disturbing bumps.

Everyone behind the wheel
If someone else, a child or spouse, will also regularly drive the car, make sure they test drive too. Visibility and handling have to work for everyone.

Climate control
Even if it's a hot sunny day, turn the heat up to max. Note how long it takes the heat and air conditioning to kick in.

Full throttle
Does the car have guts? There's only one way to find out. Push the vehicle to its limits by starting and braking hard (in a safe area); take corners at quick, but safe, speeds; climb a steep grade; drive the vehicle on several terrains, including highway, city streets and bumpy roadways. Test steering by swerving on an open road and quickly bringing the wheel back in line. If you're a commuter, try the vehicle in stop-and-go traffic -- is it a smooth ride?

Shifting gears
If the car is an automatic, note the shifting of gears -- it should be effortless. Ill-timed shifts, as well as jumps or lurches, are not good news. When driving a standard, ensure the clutch and stick work smoothly; you shouldn't have to wrestle to change gears.

Timing is everything
Don't go for a test drive when you, or the salesperson, is in a hurry. Book an appointment and explain that you're planning a thorough drive on a variety of terrains. Also, if you're comparing several vehicles, try to arrange back-to-back test drives, otherwise you'll forget things. If possible, avoid busy weekends -- instead, opt for a mid-week test drive, where you'll have undivided attention and fewer time restraints. Always inspect a vehicle in daylight.

When you're convinced you've done due diligence and you're sure you've found the perfect vehicle, step back and evaluate everything one more time. It never hurts to take a second test drive.

Michelle Warren is a freelance writer in Toronto.