Introduction
There is something about winter that makes us want to stay indoors, the idea of heading out for a test drive might not sound all that appealing when the roads are wet and it’s freezing cold. Here’s a little secret, this time of year can actually be one of the best times to book a test drive.
While most people wait until spring or summer to start car shopping, clever buyers know that winter test drives offer a few surprising benefits, from quieter showrooms to a better feel for how a car handles the realities of everyday British weather.
Real Life Driving, in Real Life Conditions
When the sun’s shining and the roads are dry, just about any car can feel like a dream to drive, but winter puts vehicles to the test and that’s exactly what you want when you’re making an investment. Booking a test drive on a chilly day gives you the perfect chance to see how your potential new car copes with the elements. You’ll get a sense of how the tyres grip in wet or icy conditions, how quickly the heaters and demisters work, and how well the visibility holds up in low light.
It’s also a great opportunity to test out those comfort features that make winter driving that bit nicer, heated seats, heated steering wheels, climate control, or even adaptive headlights that automatically adjust in poor visibility. These aren’t just luxuries, they’re the features that make early morning commutes and frosty school runs much easier.
A Calmer & Personalised Experience
Here’s another big reason to consider booking a test drive now - it’s quieter. Winter tends to be a slower season for car showrooms, which means you’ll often have more time to explore at your own pace. At dealerships across the North West and the Midlands our teams are always happy to give you the time and space you need to really get to know your next car.
If you’re browsing for used cars, at our Motor Match sites, you’ll find an impressive choice of high quality, carefully inspected vehicles, and our friendly teams are always on hand to help you find the right match for your lifestyle. By booking in quieter months, you will not only enjoy a more relaxed experience, but you might also find more availability on popular models and the chance to take advantage of exclusive seasonal offers.
How to make the most of your winter test drive
A test drive isn’t just about how the car looks, or how fast it accelerates, it’s about how it feels to live with. Here are a few tips to get the most value from your time behind the wheel:
Plan your route - Try to include a mix of town, motorway and country roads to see how the car performs in different settings.
Arrive early - Give yourself time to look around the car in daylight, check boot space, and test how easy it is to get comfortable.
Test the technology - Try the infotainment system, driver assistance features and safety technology in real conditions, it’s the best way to see if it fits your lifestyle.
Think about practicality - Bring your usual passengers or car seats if you can, it’s much easier to make a confident decision when you’ve tested how it works for you.
Book your Test Drive Today
Whether you’re after a brand new Audi, Volkswagen, or Honda from Swansway Motor Group, or a quality used car from Motor Match, there’s no better time to book your test drive than this winter. With fewer people on the forecourt, more time to explore, and the chance to see how your next car performs in real British weather, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smarter, more confident purchase.