Buying a used car is an exciting investment. Whether you’re a new driver itching to make your mark or an old soul investing in their next project, a used car (especially one with with an extended auto warranty) is one of the best buys you can make. Nowadays, dealers across the nation won’t sell you just any used car; they want to offer you the best of the best to ensure you get your money’s worth. This is even more important if you’re looking for online used car dealers in Easton PA. With so many options on the market, carshopper.com strives to stay ahead of the pack. 

When you invest in a used car, however, there are a few essential tasks you should perform before you drive. Like any new automobile, it takes time to get used to the nuances of your vehicle. Before you go on your next big road trip, don’t forget these five things: 

Update your insurance

You’ll have to update your insurance information before you take your new car on the road, even if it isn’t new to driving. If you want to drive it right off the lot, you should register your car with your insurance company before you pick it up. All you need is the VIN (vehicle identification number) to add it to your policy. 

This isn’t as hard as navigating Medicare insurance quotes -- even if you use a helpful site like Easy Medicare -- but it can still cause a headache in some cases. Save yourself the hassle of bickering with the insurance company and work with your used car salesperson to get it covered. 

Invest in a car care kit

Every car you own should have a few essential tools to ensure your safety on the road. This includes a spare tire, a pair of jumper cables, a tire iron, and a jack. And those are just the basics. Most car kits nowadays have far more than that to keep you safe. After all, you never know when a blown tire or a dead battery could leave you stranded overnight. 

While most cars can survive on the basic care kits, you’ll need to pack a few extra tools in the event you go away for the weekend. Night driving necessitates a flashlight, thermal sleeping bag, and a radio. These items can help keep you warm in the dead of winter and give you the opportunity to find help if you need it. 

Always check for leaks 

Any number of factors could cause your car to start leaking fluids. While there are a slew of culprits that could be behind the leak, you might never know until you bring it in for a proper inspection. Something as simple as running over a rock on the ride home might damage an essential component of your car. Before you start the car -- and go on a long drive -- be sure to check for leaking fluids. Speaking of which…

Get it checked out by a professional

It doesn’t matter if your best friend knows a lot about cars; unless you invest in a professional, you might never know your car’s bill of health. Before you take it on a long drive, be sure to get it looked at by a licensed, reputable shop. Even though buying a used car from a dealer is a safe bet, you never know when something might have slipped under the radar. 

Review the vehicle history report 

Many used cars will come with a vehicle history report. Even if these issues are dealt with, there’s a good chance old issues might come back again. By knowing the issues that have plagued your car in the past, you’ll be better equipped for handling these problems in the future. Be sure to ask your dealer about its owner history and if there are any future concerns that you should watch out for, especially before a long drive. 

Buying a used car is a great investment, but only if you’re willing to put your safety first. Before you go on a road trip, follow these tips to stay safe and have fun.