Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

Advanced driver-assistance systems are being integrated into new car models every year. And while they are designed to take some of the stress out of driving and improve driver safety, AAA warns against getting too dependent on them.

Marketing language may lead to overconfidence and misunderstanding of ADAS capabilities, potentially causing drivers to pay less attention to the road, according to data collected by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. ADAS tech is designed to work with an engaged driver, not replace the driver. The foundation advises drivers to treat the technology as a backup to their own senses and reactions and always be prepared to take control. 

These are some of the ADAS safety features you can expect to see in new car models. 

Antilock Brakes

Antilock brakes prevent wheel lockup and skidding that can occur with conventional brakes. It keeps more of the tire surface in contact with the road, giving the driver greater ability to steer to safety.

Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Braking

Rear-end crashes are the most common type of crashes in the U.S. Using front-facing sensors, this system is designed to scan the road ahead and alert drivers of an imminent crash. However, while the forward collision system can sense danger, it won’t help you avoid it, which is why it is often paired with automatic braking.

While some crash prevention systems will only provide a warning and prepare the brakes for full stopping power, others apply the brakes automatically to prevent a crash. This safety feature combination just might be the reason your next zone-out moment isn’t fatal. 

Advanced Cruise Control

While typical cruise control holds vehicle speed as set by the driver, advanced cruise control varies the speed based on traffic. For example, if the driver sets cruise control at 65 mph but traffic slows to 55 mph, advanced cruise control automatically reduces the speed until traffic clears. In some cases, these systems can control speed down to a complete stop. It also calculates following distance to keep the car safely behind others.

Traction Control and Stability Control Systems

Many vehicles combine these features. Traction control systems use brakes to stop a wheel that is spinning and force the opposite wheel to turn. This may provide the necessary traction to get a stuck car moving again. Stability control also uses the brakes to help steer the car when it is skidding. Stability control doesn’t necessarily improve handling, but it does reduce the chance of getting into a skid.

Integrated Steering Wheel

To keep drivers hands-free, steering wheels have been redesigned with control shortcuts to some of the most widely used car systems. Most drivers can control the radio station, volume, cruise control, phone and more from the buttons on their steering wheel. 

Voice Controlled Systems

While operating in-car systems without taking your hands off the wheel has become much easier, there are still times when a driver has to reach over and fiddle with controls. But some car manufacturers have taken the hands-free mantra one step further, testing voice-activated controls for the radio, climate and even navigation systems. While this isn’t a standard (yet), consumers should expect to talk to their cars a lot more in the future. 

Lane-Keeping Assist

The lane-monitoring safety feature has been popping up on more car models each year. Best used on highways, this technology uses road markings to detect if a driver is drifting into a new lane without a turn signal. Then, depending on the car make and model, the driver will be alerted with a chime, flashing light or vibration. Some systems will even step in with corrective steering or braking. More complex systems use a hands-free lane-keeping system that can even slow and stop with the flow of traffic.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Paired with lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring can make traveling traffic-heavy highways and major roads much safer. The systems use sensors to detect when there is a car in your blind spot and then alert you with a visual or audible warning. Some more advanced systems take it even further, showing what’s in your blind spot using camera footage. 

Pedestrian Detection

This system uses a camera and radar to “see” pedestrians a driver may miss. More advanced systems use infrared technology to detect the heat produced by humans and animals to prevent collisions.

Backup Camera

Rearview cameras are now standard on all American market vehicles. This feature allows drivers to see live footage on the dashboard of what’s behind their car, making it easier to navigate parking lots, pulling out of driveways and other situations where it’s easy to accidentally hit something (or someone). 

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert/Warning

Supplementing the backup camera, this system uses radar to look to the left, right and behind the vehicle as it backs out of a parking space. This is especially handy when you find yourself sandwiched between two large SUVs in a parking lot. 

Headlight Improvements

Even this basic component has become more sophisticated. Manufacturers are adding features that turn the lights slightly when taking a turn or stay level when driving up and down a hill. Some cars even have headlights that automatically shut off or dim to prevent blinding oncoming drivers.

There are exciting developments in car technology afoot. And though it may seem impossible to keep up with the rapid pace at which the latest advances are moving, you’ll want to keep an eye on these.

Self-Driving Cars

Driverless vehicles are being perfected as we speak. Like cruise control and self-parking, it is only a matter of time before this new autonomous technology becomes more commonplace. However, it may take some time to gain drivers’ confidence. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey shows high votes of little to no confidence in self-driving vehicles year after year.

The challenge of developing a driverless car is ensuring that it can navigate the hazards we encounter every day, such as traffic circles, oncoming cars, congested streets and pedestrian traffic. With advances in machine learning, computers are now able to learn without being expressly programmed to respond, which is essential as driverless cars will encounter situations they may not have been exposed to during simulation or testing. The intricate process of developing computers that guide driverless cars involves massive amounts of data, simulation and testing. 

One of the goals of having self-driving cars is to ultimately make roads safer. With the element of human distraction and decision-making out of the way, some anticipate an overall decrease in accidents in the long term. 

Biometrics

If you ever used a fingerprint scan to access your smartphone, you have relied on biometric data. Broadly, biometrics refers to the data about your human characteristics and includes things like face recognition and retina detection. For many years, it has been used for security purposes, but it also has applications in your vehicle.

Unlocking your car with a fingerprint can help guard against auto theft. If your car is equipped with biometric features, your vehicle may also adjust to your preferences (seat location, dashboard display, etc.), which is particularly useful if you share a car. 

Beyond identification, biometrics can be used to monitor drivers. Cars are being developed that can detect your heart rate, breathing and movement patterns to indicate when you may be too drowsy to drive. Traditionally, vehicles that detect drowsiness rely on information about the car’s own movements – such as lane deviation to indicate a driver may be too tired to operate it safely.

With features becoming more advanced, insurance companies may give discounts for safety features based on biometric data. Insurance is based on assigned risk, and any step you can take to protect your vehicle decreases the likelihood it will be stolen.

As technology continues to improve, and the need for cleaner energy keeps growing, electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more sought after and more accessible. These cars are not one size fits all. From the way they are powered to how far they can travel and how much they cost, there are some important aspects to sort through.

Hybrids 

There are two types of hybrids on the market: Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Both HEVs and PHEVs have a gas engine, an electric motor and a battery, but they are powered a little differently.  

HEVs do not require an external charging source to charge. The gas engine generates enough electricity to charge the battery while driving, which also gets a boost from regenerative braking, a process in which the brakes use momentum to create electricity when the car coasts or decelerates. 

PHEVs get some of their charge from regenerative braking, too, but as the name suggests, can also be plugged into a power source. PHEVs can travel as far as 40 miles on electricity alone.  

Battery Electric Vehicles

Battery EVs are cars powered by internal batteries charged by plugging into an outlet. Unlike hybrids, BEVs do not have a gas engine and rely exclusively on electricity to run. The lack of an engine means that BEVs do not produce the emissions that traditional gas-powered vehicles do. (There are some emissions created by charging these cars.)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles  

The least common type of EV, fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by electricity – but not from a battery. Instead, they are equipped with tanks filled with hydrogen. The car’s fuel cell combines this hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity to power the motor. 

Hydrogen-powered cars are still an emerging technology, but their potential – 400-plus miles of range and a refueling time of less than five minutes – means you’re likely to see them become more available as the refueling infrastructure grows.

The Cost of Electric Vehicles

EVs are generally more expensive than similar, gas-powered cars, especially fully electric models. However, the average price is dropping as more are manufactured. Other savings brought in from electric vehicles offset the purchase price. The most notable savings come at the pump. The cost of charging is generally less than gas. And because certain regular maintenance tasks like oil changes aren’t needed, you also save on upkeep and repair. Electric vehicles are also eligible for tax incentives. 

Charging EVS 

Conventional hybrids do not need any external charging; they are powered by converting the vehicle’s own energy. Plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles need to be connected to an outside power source. Most owners will charge their cars at home. 

There are 3 levels of charging: 

Level 1 – Charge via standard outlet. This slow charging method usually delivers about 4 to 5 miles of charge per hour. No special installation needed. Do not use with an extension cord. 

Level 2 – Most common at public charging stations but can also be installed at home by a licensed electrician. This level delivers twice the voltage and cuts charging time in half.

Level 3 – The fastest EV charging available, it can fully charge a car in about 20 minutes to an hour. Only available in public charging stations. 

While the number of charging locations continues to grow, it’s always a good idea to plan out your route when traveling long distances according to where you know you can get a charge.

Find out more about EVs and access helpful tools, including an EV cost calculator, emissions calculator, incentives finder and charger map. AAA.com/EV

Insurance policies can feel like they are written in a foreign language. While your insurance agent can help you cut through the jargon, familiarizing yourself with these essentials can ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

THE BASICS

Every car insurance policy includes limits and deductibles.

Limits are the extent to which a policy protects a driver. Limits are often expressed in the following manner: A/B/C. “A” is the limit of what an insurance company will pay for bodily injury to a single person if the insured driver is at fault in a traffic incident. “B” equals the total amount an insurance company will pay per incident for bodily injury if an insured driver is at fault. “C” is the total amount an insurance company will pay for property damage, such as damage to another motorist’s vehicle, if the insured driver is at fault. Some drivers will purchase umbrella coverage to safeguard themselves against claims that exceed basic auto insurance limits.

Deductibles are amounts drivers must pay out of pocket before their insurance companies step in. Accepting a policy with a higher deductible can often lower premiums as it decreases what an insurance company may have to pay following an accident.

The term is the period your car insurance policy is in effect.

A claim is a request for an insurance company to issue payment per the terms of your car insurance policy.

TYPES OF COVERAGE

Liability protection is the foundation of an auto insurance policy. It protects drivers against damage they inflict upon other people or property. Nearly every state mandates drivers have a minimum level of liability protection.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you from drivers who don’t have insurance or when the damages to you or your property exceed the limits of their insurance. This coverage is optional coverage in some states and mandatory in others.

Personal injury protection is a requirement in some states. It covers medical bills and may cover other costs for drivers and their passengers after an accident regardless of whether they were at fault.

Collision coverage protects your vehicle should it strike another object, like a wall, tree or vehicle. It’s optional under state law but is often a requirement for anyone financing a vehicle purchase. Lenders require coverage as a way of protecting their investment. If a borrower defaults on an auto loan, the lender needs the vehicle to recoup its investment and a vehicle in bad shape isn’t worth as much. Some drivers who carry collision coverage consider dropping it when the cost of the protection exceeds the value of their vehicles.

Comprehensive coverage is optional under state law but is often a requirement for drivers who’ve financed vehicle purchases. This covers just about any other damage to vehicles, such as fire, hail, vandalism, flood and theft.

Premiums

Premiums are what drivers pay for a car insurance policy. A variety of factors affect premiums, including the following.

Your car: The more expensive your car, the more expensive your repairs and insurance rates may be.

Your driving habits: The more you drive, the higher your chance of being in a crash, and greater risk typically means higher premiums.

Where you live: People who live in urban areas usually have higher premiums because of the higher risk of accidents, theft and vandalism.

Your driving record: Someone who has been in multiple incidents or has multiple moving violations is a statistically greater risk than someone with a clean driving record. Premiums follow accordingly.

Your coverage: Accepting a higher deductible can lower your premium because it decreases what your insurance company could be forced to pay. Having higher limits or optional coverage, like collision, on the other hand, can increase what an insurance company may have to pay, which can mean higher premiums.

Credit rating: California, Hawaii and Massachusetts are the only states where insurance companies cannot use drivers’ credit ratings to influence auto insurance premiums.

Insurance Discounts

Always ask your agent if there are any discounts available to you. Depending on the state where you live and your insurance carrier, you may be eligible for savings, such as: 

• Discount for bundling home and auto insurance policies. 
• Payment plan discounts for paying in full or switching to automatic monthly deductions.
• Multi-vehicle discount.  
• Veteran discount. 
• Auto club discount. 
• Good driver discount. 
• Good student discount. 
• Rate reductions for safety features on your car. 

In some states, completing a defensive driving course could also help lower your rate and/or reduce points from your driving record.

When you request a car insurance quote, the insurance agent will ask you many questions. Some questions can seem invasive, but they are a normal part of the process and are needed to provide you with the best coverage and rate. Make things easier by preparing to provide the following details.

Where do you live? When insurance companies determine the cost to insure a particular vehicle, they consider the state in which it is registered as well as the ZIP code. City residents generally pay more for their insurance than those who live in rural areas, and suburban residents fall somewhere in between. This is because you are more likely to be involved in a collision in high traffic areas and are at an increased risk for theft and vandalism.

Instead of simply assigning greater risk to residents of metropolitan areas, auto insurers look at the car insurance claims in your ZIP code and surrounding areas. The claims rates can vary greatly in neighboring towns, which means you could pay more for your insurance than someone who lives right down the road.

Do you own your home? Homeownership may seem completely unrelated to auto insurance, but you will be asked if you rent or own the place where you live. Viewed as an indicator of stability, ownership may mean that you will pay less than a renter. If you currently rent, make sure to notify your insurance company if you eventually purchase a home.

Are you interested in bundling your home and auto insurance? Companies that offer home and auto insurance will usually offer you a discounted rate when you bundle policies. If you own a home, this is a great way to save additional money.

What vehicle are you insuring? Provide details about the make, model and year of the car you are insuring. If you proceed with securing coverage, you will need to provide the vehicle identification number as well. Insurance companies will factor in the cost of the vehicle and its parts, safety ratings and price when determining your premium. Cars that have safety features such as parking assistance, rearview cameras and stability control reduce the chance of accidents.

Does your car have GPS or other location-tracking technology? Vehicles that have GPS or other location-tracking technology are less expensive to insure, as there is a greater chance that they will be recovered if stolen. Tracking systems can pinpoint your vehicle and often track it in real time, providing valuable information that can be used by police to retrieve it. If you have signed up for a vehicle tracking service, make sure to inform your auto insurance provider.

Do you own or finance your car? Drivers who own their car outright have the option to purchase more coverage but are not required to do anything more than state law mandates.

What is the car’s primary use? Certain types of driving such as daily commutes to work or school put your car at greater risk for accidents. Explain whether you will be using your car primarily for getting to and from work and business or for recreation, such as weekend drives and trips to the beach.

Who lives in your household? Auto insurance policies typically cover individuals who live in the same household with permission to drive the insured car. If you live with teen drivers, this will also be factored into your premium, as they are considered riskier to insure.

How is your driving record? Your past driving activity is a good predictor of the risk you pose as a driver.

The more instances of accidents and violations you have, the more you can expect to pay for future insurance. Depending on the state where you live, you can take the AAA Defensive Driving Course to reduce points from your license and possibly qualify for an auto insurance discount.

What coverage are you seeking? This question is likely one of the most important for you as a driver. Discuss liability, collision and comprehensive coverage as well as any specific needs you may have so that you secure the best protection for you and your vehicle. Find out about roadside assistance as well, so you are prepared during an emergency.

Whether you’ve negotiated successfully in the past or never mastered the process, these tips can help you to avoid the sinking feeling that you overpaid.

Research New Car Prices to Determine a Fair Opening Bid

Most car shoppers dread haggling with a salesperson, but the negotiation process is less stressful when you begin on solid footing, which is an informed idea of what you can expect to pay. Research prices before you speak with a dealer so that you can arrive at a fair value for your preferred vehicle. Brand websites allow you to build the exact model you want and see the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. 

Also known as the sticker price, the MSRP will be displayed on the dealer lot or advertised. The dealer will try to stay close to this price. Watch out for additional dealer markups. Due to the demand of popular vehicles, some dealers tack on thousands of extra dollars. 

Car buyers should have a lower opening bid informed by online tools – like the AAA Auto Buying Program website – that show the average range of what other buyers have paid for a specific model. The ideal opening bid is on the low end of that spectrum. Due to the way manufacturers structure dealer discounts and incentives, it’s difficult to determine the exact invoice price, but the rough figure helps you to understand how much a dealer will profit from your purchase. Let the salesperson know that you have arrived at a fair price after thorough research, and always steer the conversation away from the MSRP.

Even if you plan to lease a new car, begin with this step. The full price of a leased car is known as cap cost, short for capitalized cost, and it will appear on your contract. Dealers often try to steer discussions toward monthly lease payments, often lowering them by extending the length of the lease, but a low cap cost is a better way to lower your monthly payment.

Request Multiple Quotes

Gathering competitive bids also gives you some leverage. For those who are particularly stressed about how to negotiate a new car price, a car buying service will do the legwork in exchange for a flat fee or percentage of your purchase or lease. Otherwise, contact multiple dealers so that you can compare quotes and use these to possibly secure an even lower price.

Most manufacturer websites incorporate tools that allow you to compare prices within a certain geographic radius. Depending on how far you are willing to travel, or how much delivery will cost, extend your search beyond the local area. Take your lowest quote to other dealers and see if they will beat it, shopping around until you feel comfortable with the deal.

Take Advantage of Manufacturer Incentives

While you want to avoid paying the retail price listed on manufacturer websites, look there for any incentives that can be applied to your new car deal. Since special offers are determined by location, you will need to provide your ZIP code to see a list of incentives that apply to purchases and leases. The most common incentives are rebates, finance offers and special programs that often are available for recent graduates and veterans.

Discuss Trade-In Value and Monthly Payments Later in the Process  

Have you ever tried to negotiate a new car price only to be asked what your ideal monthly payment would be? Perhaps the most challenging part of negotiations is keeping the conversation on track. Dealers want to stay as close to the MSRP as possible, so salespeople will often steer the discussion away from price toward monthly payments and trade-in values. They can meet your ideal payment in several ways that won’t benefit you including extending the length of a loan or lease. Since cars depreciate quickly and interest adds up, you’ll wind up owing quite a lot more than the car is worth.

The time to discuss trade-in value and monthly payments is after you’ve agreed to the price. As with the fair price you researched for your new car, come prepared with the value of your trade-in. Use a reputable online tool to determine the amount you can expect to receive based on the make, model, age and condition of your car.

Even after following these tips, it can be hard to know when to accept a deal. Certainly, if a dealer can’t come reasonably near your price, it’s time to move on. The same holds true for pressuring tactics. However, if you receive a good offer from a reputable dealer, have the confidence to stop negotiating and move on to the enjoyment of your new vehicle.

What does it mean to prequalify for an auto loan?  

The process of getting an auto loan starts by proving to a lender that you’re a good candidate. When you prequalify, the lender looks at basic information on your financial profile and uses that to determine whether to grant you a loan. It’s the first step in the process of securing a loan and driving away in a new car.

Why prequalify for an auto loan before you shop?

When you prequalify for an auto loan it gives you the assurance that you’ll be able to get the loan you need when you find the perfect car. This makes budgeting easier and avoids disappointment.

Prequalifying also lets the dealership know you’re serious about buying a car. They want to work with people who are planning on going home with a new car, not with people who can’t get a loan or who have no real intention of buying. Walking in prequalified gives you credibility with the dealership, so you can be assured of their attention.

Lastly, you’ll often get a better deal when you prequalify for an auto loan on your own rather than working through the dealership. Spending the time to research the terms at various lenders gives you the best chance for getting a lower interest rate, which will save you money over the life of the loan.

Check Your Credit Report

You should check your credit report annually, but this is especially important when it comes time to prequalify for an auto loan. Your credit report will show any loans you have, from a mortgage to a credit card, and includes information on current balances and your payment histories. It also shows loans you have paid in full. If anything is incorrect, you should get the information corrected before you attempt to prequalify. You don’t want incorrect negative information hurting your chances.

If someone is cosigning your auto loan, have them check their credit information as well. You both need accurate credit reports to ensure you get the best terms possible.

Auto Loan Payment Calculator

Whether you are a first-time loan shopper or looking to refinance, use an auto loan payment calculator like this one to get an estimate of what your monthly loan payments will be. Simply plug in the amount of the loan you’re looking for, interest rate and term length. 

ASK YOURSELF

It’s not often that you buy a new car, and with hundreds of models to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you end up with a sedan, SUV or electric car, the process starts with how you answer these questions.

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What’s it for?

Is your car for simply getting back and forth to work? Leisure? A mix of both? If you’re buying a fun car for cruising on the weekends, sharp handling might be more important than a commuter vehicle that takes you to your 9-to-5.

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What kind of passenger and cargo capacity do I need?

A two-seat sports car for a married couple without children might be fine, but it won’t do the trick for a family of five that travels regularly for weekend hockey tournaments. Think carefully about everything that goes in and out of your car.

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What kind of passenger and cargo capacity do I need?

If you want a car that’s good for the environment and good on gas mileage, you may want to consider going electric or hybrid. The future is electric. Several states have announced plans to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and brands, including General Motors and Jaguar Land Rover have followed suit with commitments to go all-electric.

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Do I need an all-weather vehicle?

If you’re planning to venture out onto snow-covered streets, you might consider an all-wheel drive sedan or sport-utility vehicle. Anyone considering an electric vehicle should also think about whether it’ll be out during winter, since extreme temperatures can impact the range of electric vehicles.

ASK THE DEALER

Once you’ve established the type of car you want, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty with the dealer.

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Are there any rebates or incentives?

Some dealers may have better prices for recent college grads or repeat customers.

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What is your best price?

Salespeople may drop the listed price to help close deals with hesitant buyers.

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What’s the warranty?

New vehicles come with a warranty. Find out exactly what it covers. A plan providing all routine maintenance for two years, for example, can represent a significant cost savings.

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What is the lifetime upkeep?

Understand how much you can expect in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle, what types of maintenance apply to your warranty and what could void it.

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Has this car been in a crash, flood or fire?

This is more of a question for used vehicles. Ask whether the service history is available, too. A proper maintenance record can give you an idea of what it will cost to own the vehicle. the AAA Auto Buying Program allows you to run a vehicle report to see the car’s history.

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Can I have both keys?

Every car comes off the assembly line with two keys, but some used vehicles are sold with only one. Getting new keys made can be expensive, so ask upfront if the dealer has both.

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Do I have to finance with the dealer to get the listed price?

Read the fine print on offers. The price you see sometimes may hinge upon financing the vehicle through the dealership at a higher-than-necessary rate.

Safety First

Safety is a top priority, especially for new drivers. Teenagers are three times as likely as adults to get into a deadly crash while driving, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Taking over granddad’s car may seem like a good idea, but if it is older, it may lack some of the newer safety systems, such as advanced airbags and backup cameras. 

A good place to start your research is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, where you can view crash test ratings, learn about safety features and more.

Size Matters

There are cars with room for anywhere from two people all the way up to a small army of teenagers. Think like Goldilocks and avoid those two extremes. Instead, go for the just-right option in the middle – you want plenty of protection in case of a fender bender.

Say No to Performance

There isn’t a teenager out there who hasn’t dreamed of having a shiny red sports car in their driveway on the day they turn 16. Let your kids keep dreaming about that fancy sports car and buy them something they can easily handle instead.

Think Long Term

Although you may be buying your child’s first car in high school, there’s a good chance it won’t be replaced until after college. It’s important to get a car that will last through all those years. Consider a car with extra room for hauling stuff back and forth to college and apartments. Hatchbacks are great at doing double duty, with plenty of seating for passengers and a versatile cargo area.

Go With Good Fuel Economy

Your child will likely go from broke high schooler to broke college student, so every penny matters. Buying a first car with good fuel economy ensures they’ll be able to keep if fueled up and ready to go throughout their college years.

Don’t Forget Tech

Technology is generally a good thing, but it’s also a major cause of distracted driving. As a parent, how do you make sure your child is using in-car technology safely?

Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seamlessly integrate smartphones with in-dash systems and reduce the temptation to pick up the phone, but have also proved to be distracting. Automakers are helping by adding teen driver systems that keep the radio’s noise level down, encourage seat belt fastening and more. The systems also provide parenting-assistance options, so parents can coach their kids toward better driving habits. 

If you are in the market for a new car, keep in mind that it may be your kid’s car in a few years. Spring for the extra tech; however, when teaching your teen to drive, turn off some of the advanced driver assistance systems, so they can learn without becoming too reliant on them.

If you plan to buy a vehicle, a proper test drive is important. The typical 20- to 30-minute test drive doesn’t offer a ton of opportunity to gauge if a vehicle is right for you, but you can use it wisely. Here’s what AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul recommends.

Successful test drives start at home. Identify what you want in a vehicle vs. what you need. A Ferrari might look fantastic, but it’s probably not the best choice for a family of four with two dogs.

A salesperson may recommend a route aimed at keeping you on freshly paved roads or in low-traffic areas. Ask to chart your own course that suits your driving habits. Drivers who merge into heavy highway traffic every morning probably should know how it would feel to do that.

Most drivers develop go-to spots for wallets, cellphones and sunglasses. Reenact your routine to see if a vehicle has good spots for your stuff. See if you’re comfortable with the controls. All new cars come with a learning curve, but being intimidated by a large touch screen might be a sign the fully loaded model isn’t a good fit.

Pay attention to how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. Minor difficulties on a test drive could become serious nuisances over time, especially if you’re in and out of your car a lot.

Speaking of touch screens, test drive the tech as much as the car. Try out the backup camera, see how responsive the lane-assist technology is and play with all the other buttons, gadgets and features your new car may come with. Are you impressed that your car has the potential to park itself? Try it out.

Adjust the driver’s seat as if you had backseat passengers, then judge if it’s comfortable. This is also a good way to see if a vehicle has any blind spots or may be difficult to drive in reverse.

If you have children, think about how difficult it might be to install their car seats and how challenging it might be to get them in and out of the vehicle.

Don’t fixate on cup holders. You may like to have your morning coffee within reach, but a conveniently located receptacle doesn’t make up for other shortfalls.

Drive the car at night, if possible. Some headlights are better than others.