9-Auto Terms to Know When Buying a New or Used Car

Nine Acronyms to Know If You’re Buying a New or Used Car

Many used cars in Missouri cruise with powerful equipment, (i,e: a DOHC).

What is RPM? What is the relevance of a DOHC engine? Are vehicles with ABS better than other cars.

Buying a car involves an ability to decipher eight common acronyms. “Here are the most common acronyms, used o describe and used cars for sale.

MPG
Estimated miles per gallon. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that auto sales sticker feature the city, highway and combine fuel economy on any new vehicle.

LDW
Lane departure warning systems signal whether another vehicle is too close to switch lanes.

ESC
Electronic stability control (ESC), systems detect when tires are off-kilter, stabilizing the navigation.

DOHC is the acronym for double overhead camshaft. The part of the engine which helps propel the vehicle’s speed.

GMT Auto Sales, a leading used cars Missouri define popular vehicle terms

Automated emergency brakes is technology designed to avert accidents. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends American consumers to buy automobiles with the technology announced its plans .

TCS
Traction control systems support the vehicle’s stability, and navigation.

ABS
Antilock braking system (ABS) prevents brakes from locking up. Unlike standard brakes, ABS do not require pumping and tend to provide better performance.

FWD
Four-wheel drive allows for off road driving, navigating rocky, muddy and snowy terrains.

RPM
Revolutions per minute is the number of times the motor shaft or the engine’s crankshaft rotates in one minute. RPM functions with the power supply.

HP
Horsepower
The rate at which work is done or the unit measure of power defines horsepower (hp). Horsepower encompasses various forms and standards

High horsepower is not always synonymous with a gas guzzler. For instance, the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s attains almost 22 mpg while harnessing impressive (hp).

"When you shop for a preowned vehicle, we’ll provide you with all the automotive definitions and details to make an informed car buying decision,” acknowledges a customer service representative at used cars Missouri dealership, GMT Auto Sales.

What To Look For On A Used Car Test Drive

After you’ve decided which car models interest you most, taking a test drive is one of the most important steps in the process of buying a used car. A test drive is more than just a free couple of minutes in the car of your choice. It’s the perfect time to decide whether or not the car is right for you. While test driving the car, pay attention the following five areas.

Area One: Comfort

The majority of people buying cars will end up spending a lot of time in them. Whether you’ve got a lengthy commute to and from work, or you’re chauffeuring your kids to extracurricular activities, you want a car that meets your comfort requirements. Being uncomfortable in car isn’t just annoying, but dangerous. It can distract you from where your attention is needed most when you’re driving. Make sure you play with the mirrors and seats to ensure that you can adjust them to the correct positions.

Area Two: Visibility

The more cars you test drive, the more you’ll realize that some have such terrible visibility that it could become a safety issue. Check the visibility while the car is parked and when you’re driving to determine how big blind spots are and where they’re positioned.

Area Three: Car Noise

Noise might not be a deciding factor in whether or not you buy a particular car, but it can contribute to your comfort level when you’re driving. A noisy ride can be bothersome and distracting when you should be focusing on the road.

Area Four: Size

Make sure you’re comfortable with the size of the vehicle you’re test driving. One way to test out how comfortable you are with the size of a car is to try parking it. Test out how it feels to pull into a parking spot, back out of one and how easy it is to parallel park the car. You’ll quickly get a feel for the size of the car and where your comfort level lies.

Area Five: Handling

Take note of how well the car handles as you drive it. How well does it handle turns, curves and different road surfaces? Pay attention to how quickly the car accelerates and how the brakes work, too. The best advice for understanding how the car handles is to test drive it in similar driving conditions that you typically encounter. For example, if you drive on highways daily, you should test drive cars on the highway to understand how the car accelerates.

When it comes time for you to test drive some used cars, make sure you follow these tips. Understanding what to look for when test driving cars can help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to purchase your next vehicle.