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Test Drive Checklist

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In the hopes of finding the perfect used vehicle, you have researched, pulled history reports, and compared a dozen different vehicle makes and models. You have put a lot of time and effort into finding the right vehicle. Don’t let your excitement cost you down the road. A used car can save you money, but only if you buy the right one.
 
Test Drive Checklist
The right used vehicle will be one which appeals to you, has a clean history report, and doesn’t need expensive repairs. It can be difficult to tell if a vehicle is in good shape. The best thing to do, is test drive your potential new car and watch for the following signs.
 
Slow acceleration is one of the first things you might notice while test driving. This can be caused by several things. The most common cause is a clogged or faulty fuel injector. Contaminates can enter fuel injectors over time and cause blockages. This will translate into slow acceleration due to lack of fuel. If you notice slow acceleration take note of it, it might mean your new car needs repair.
 
Squealing tires are annoying and another sign of needed repair.  Most of the time this noise is due to poor wheel alignment. Alignments are a routine maintenance item and relatively simple to perform. If a vehicle is out of alignment for a significant amount of time, the tires can wear down and tire tread can become uneven. The squeal might be an easy fix for your auto mechanic but the tires might be an expensive surprise.
 
If you notice surges in power or rough idling during your test drive, the vehicle may need new spark plugs. This is another common auto repair which is often overlooked. A sluggish engine can be fixed with the installation of fresh spark plugs. Just make sure you factor this into your decision to buy and the total price you’re willing to pay.
 
One of the most noticeable problems in a vehicle is pulling or drifting. This is most noticeable when you brake and the vehicle veers to one side, or when you take your hands off the wheel and it steers off course. Poor alignment, uneven tread wear, and even brake issues can be the cause.
 
If you notice any signs of needed repairs during your test drive, have a reputable auto shop look at the vehicle. Believe me, taking a little time and money to have your future vehicle inspected will save you a lot of grief down the road. If you’re serious about your next car purchase, let your local mechanic take a look before you sign that dotted line.
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Tire installment package required for online only. Goodyear Credit Card offers are subject to credit approval. Get up to $100 back by mail-in or online on a qualifying purchase of a set of 4 select Goodyear tires with any form of payment method; plus get an added bonus of up to $100 more when the purchase is made on Goodyear Credit Card from 10/1/2024 to 12/31/2024.

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Limit one (1) rebate per qualifying tire purchase. Limit four (4) rebates per household, per promotion. Tire rebate offers are on a set of four (4) tires purchased from 10/1/2024 to 12/31/2024. If your vehicle requires six tires, rebates are available on a prorated basis for the two additional tires. The prorated rebate amount, per additional tire, is 25% of the rebate amount listed above. The minimum purchase is a set of four tires, and the maximum purchase is six tires per invoice. Complete purchase must be made on the Goodyear Credit Card to receive maximum rebate offer. Offers available only at authorized participating U.S. Goodyear retailers and websites. Offer valid only for U.S. residents who are individual consumers with mailing addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Offers valid for consumer accounts in good standing. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other Goodyear tire rebate offers. Base portion of rebate offered by Goodyear, and bonus portion of rebate offered by Citibank, N.A. The Goodyear Credit Card is issued by Citibank, N.A.

Completed rebate forms must be postmarked or submitted online no later than 1/31/2025. Invoice must have eligible tire name and proof of purchase on Goodyear Credit Card (when applicable) clearly indicated. Online purchases must include copy of the online purchase invoice and the installation invoice from authorized Goodyear retailer. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for Visa Prepaid Card/Virtual Card delivery. Goodyear reserves the right to substitute a check of equal value in lieu of a Visa Prepaid Card at its discretion. For additional questions, or to check the status of your rebate, you may visit www.Goodyear.com/rebates or call the Goodyear Rebate Customer Service at 1-888-683-8724 Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET on Saturday. Fraudulent submissions will not be honored and may be prosecuted. Sponsor is not responsible for noncomplying rebate submissions or for lost, late, illegible, postage-due or undeliverable mail. Noncomplying rebate submissions will not be honored, acknowledged or returned. Void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. All decisions made by Goodyear (or its authorized representatives) relating to the validity of any submissions are final and binding. This promotion is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Rebate paid in the form of a Goodyear Visa Prepaid Card or Virtual Card. Prepaid Card/Virtual Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Prepaid Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Virtual Card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted online or for phone/mail orders. Prepaid Card/Virtual Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Prepaid Card terms and conditions apply. Pathward does not endorse or sponsor the Goodyear Credit Card offer. Retain copies of the materials you submit. Additional terms and conditions apply. Ask participating retailer for complete details and rebate form.

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