Your best test: Make the most of your test-drive by taking it for a full spin

Illustration by Boo Davis

While you probably don't spend much time under the hood (or under the car), one thing you likely do a lot is drive. So when shopping for a new car, give it a good test-drive. But don't just drive around the block -- put it through all the paces you'd put your own car through.

Here are several things to look for when you take that prospective new car out for a spin:

• Parallel park a few times and back out of a driveway or two. How's the visibility?

• Get on the highway and accelerate into traffic. Does the car have enough power to get you into traffic safely? Does the transmission shift smoothly or jerk and whine? Pay attention to the road, engine and wind noise. Do any of these sound wrong or just too loud?

• Does the car drift to the left or right when you take your hands off the steering wheel? Drift could mean an alignment is needed.

• How's the ride? Find some rough road and see how the car handles it. Does it bounce you around too much? Do you feel that you're still in control of the car? Drive over some bumps and dips. Does the car continue bouncing after the disturbance has passed? If so, new shock absorbers or other suspension work may be in order. Excessive leaning during sharp turns may reflect the same problem.

• How well do the brakes work? Are they firm or spongy? Does the car pull to one side or the other during hard braking (a sign of trouble)? Do the brakes squeak? Brakes are designed to squeak when the pads need to be replaced, and that's a costly repair. Does the vehicle pitch forward dramatically when you brake hard? This, too, could reflect worn suspension components.

• Test the cruise control, if the car is so equipped.

• Before you end your drive, pay attention to the seat. Is it comfortable? Does it seem like it would be for a long trip? Does the seat give you enough thigh support? Does it hold you in place during sharp turns? What may seem minor now could become a major -- and irreparable -- annoyance if the car becomes yours.

• As you get out of the car, note the headroom. Make sure there's enough room in there for you and that it's easy to get in and out of the car. Likewise, you don't want to own a car that's too big for you to drive comfortably and safely.