If the suspension and alignment is in good shape, you should be able to remove your hands from the wheel without the car darting off – do this on a deserted road at moderate speeds.

Freeplay in the steering wheel could indicate problems with parts of the steering linkage. Dering steering wheel usually indicates a serious wheel imbalance or an alignment problem. If it’s too severe, terminate the test drive and tell the seller to have the wheels balanced and/or aligned.

Take your hands off the wheel at about 35 mph. The car should still track straight and true, without veering sharply to one side. If it darts to either side, the wheels are out of alignment. Make a note of this for your mechanic.

Steering wheel freeplay (the distance the steering wheel is turned before the wheels themselves actually begin to turn) should be less than an inch; if there’s more than an inch of freeplay, it could mean that the steering linkage is worn. On straight-aways, a tendency to wander from side to side or vague, unresponsive steering suggests worn components.

Does the steering wheel clunk or bind as you turn it? It shouldn’t. Make a note of it. Is the steering wheel hard to turn? If so, the power steering pump, rack or gearbox may be wearing out. Power steering repairs – especially repairs to or replacement of a steering rack – can be fairly expensive, so make sure you have your mechanic check it out.

If the car lacks power steering, can you handle U-turns and parallel parking without it? Power steering isn’t all that necessary on subcompacts, but the heavier the vehicle, the more desirable it becomes.

Tip:

Listen to the steering as you make turns. Power steering problems are also sometimes identifiable by groaning noises as the wheel is turned. It may be as simple as low fluid level, but you’ll want to have a professional check it also.

Winnipeg Used Cars

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Derrick Dodge

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