It's a good idea to become comfortable with the new features of your car before you drive away. Driving an unfamiliar vehicle or a brand new car greatly increase your chances of a crash. Do not rush or push yourself, take your time. This document is here to guide you through the process of picking up your new car.

Plan Ahead

Pick up your new car on a sunny and clear day. After dark is not the right time, even if the dealership is well lighted. Avoid picking it up in the rain or snow. Also, make certain you allow yourself plenty of time for the pickup. It is your responsibility to be certain your options are correct and acceptable. First start by examining, then by driving your new car. Don't sign paperwork until after you have looked over the car (see below for more on paperwork).

Read

If you abuse your new car by using the controls and features improperly you may become dissatisfied at a later time when a malfunction occurs. Be responsible in the operation of your complicated and dangerous machine. Read part of your owner's manual NOW and the rest within the next few days.

There are four areas which should be read prior to driving. Sit in the driver's seat with the owner's manual open to the dashboard schematic. These pages will explain each switch and dial and how they function properly. The section should take under 17 minutes to study and read. The other sections to read include proper starting procedure, transmission and proper wearing in of your car. These three sections should each take about seven minutes to read.

Check Fluids

Before starting your engine it is important to check all fluids so that you won't have sudden major engine failure. The fluids you should check include the coolant, engine oil, transmission (where a dipstick is available), brake, power steering, battery, clutch and windshield washer.

Look for Shipping Damage

Check for shipping damage during the initial examination of your new car. Damage from shipping is common. The damage can be minor or severe enough to ruin your car. Slowly walk around your car and pay specific attention to the area below the belt line. The belt line starts at the bottom of the door windows and theoretically extends to the full length of the car.

Pay particular attention to the very front and the back of the car looking for broken lights, lenses and chipped or broken plastic. Closely examine the four corners. Stand at each corner and sight down the side of the car. Do the body panels fit flush? Is the spacing around the panels even? Examine the painted surfaces: is the color uniform? Is the gloss even? Look for any scratches, dents or chips.

Look carefully at the part of the car that rolls under, specifically the area around the "running board." This area is prone to strike low objects during shipping. Again, look for dents and chips.

If you find any physical damage to your car during inspection be sure to show it to your salesperson so it is noted and can be repaired by the dealership under warranty. Warning: if you drive off the dealer lot and later spot damage it's likely the dealer won't fix it under the warranty. There's no way to determine when (or by who) the damage occurred.

Testing the System

Now, start-up your car properly and test all aspects of each mechanical option feature in your car. Make sure that they all function properly to the best of your knowledge. With the engine idling also make sure your lights and gauges are working.

Today's new cars average well over eleven defects. Be aware of the fact that your tire pressure is likely to be inaccurate. In all the years AutoAdvisor has been in business we have never seen a new car with all four tires properly inflated.

Paperwork

In closing, there are three important rules to follow concerning your paperwork. First, read the paperwork thoroughly before you sign. Second, get a copy of everything you sign. The third rule is; without fail, abide by the first two rules.

Drive Away!

Happy Motoring! Remember to always wear your seatbelt. Drive aware. While driving, please be sensitive and considerate to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists.