An oil change is a necessary maintenance task that should be done within a specified time limit to ensure the engine does not cease to work. Skipping this step only further increases the risk of engine problems that might cost thousands of dollars in repairs simply because of a lack of proper lubrication. If you prefer to change engine oil on your own, here are five critical mistakes to avoid next time. Not using the right type of oil Motor oils are classified into different blends depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions in which they are used. Synthetic oil is more suitable for extreme weather changes. It has better viscosity and resistance to oxidation. High-mileage oils help improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions, whereas conventional oil is the cheapest of all variants used in most motor vehicles. Not maintaining proper oil levels Underfilling or completely topping up the engine oil will only hamper engine performance. Learn to use an oil dipstick before running the engine. Overfilling can force the engine oil to fill up the gasket, leading to leaks. Not filling enough increases friction and can stall the pistons completely. Not replacing oil when its recommended If you drive an older model vehicle, it is recommended that you change the engine oil once every 3,000 miles.

Planning to sell your truck but are confused about the asking price? Well, that is just one of the many factors that you need to consider before listing the vehicle for sale. With the auto market being saturated with preowned and unsold vehicles, paying attention to details can make all the difference if getting a good price for your truck. Here are a few ways to get the highest price for selling your truck: Negotiate with the buyer Don’t say yes to the first deal or offer by the buyer. Always wait and compare the market rates to find the best price for your truck. Being impatient will only make it more difficult to get a decent profit on the deal. Consider a private sale Dealerships can haggle aggressively, so you won’t get the best trade-in value for your truck. So, it is better to compare private-party deals as you will find a significant difference in the trade-in value and the private offer. Why should you miss out on that extra cash simply because you want to avoid the hassle of paperwork and documentation? So, consider organizing a private sale. Determine the true value Before you decide on a price point and sell your truck, you should get a professional appraisal to determine the value of the truck in its present working condition.

Cars, being made up of mechanical parts, have a limited lifespan. They undergo wear and tear over the years and display specific signs when nearing their end. These signs may develop gradually over several weeks and months and become more evident as time passes. From excess emissions to inadequate safety systems, here are some of the key signs that indicate your car has run its course and you need to get a new one. The car emits plenty of fumes High emissions can result from several factors, such as a malfunctioning filtration system, oil-burning problems, cracks in the engine block, or leaks in the engine gasket. The fumes could appear gray, black, or white when such issues exist. Black fumes indicate problems with the filtration system, while gray emissions indicate the car burns excessive amounts of oil and fuel every time it hits the road. If your car emits too much gasses, you may have to find and address the problem. But if the issue reoccurs, it is time to get a new car. The car’s interiors start crumbling Aging car interiors tend to come apart pretty easily. If the carpets creak every time you place your feet on them, the seats become borderline unusable, or the door handles loosen, it is most likely the end of the road for the vehicle.

Buying an SUV is about driving around a vehicle that offers comfortable and modern interiors, a rugged exterior, and performance tailored to navigate the city, highway, and other terrains. These vehicles are also a significant investment one usually makes for themselves and their family. Therefore, one of the key elements that everyone desires in this vehicle is safety. So if you’re searching for the safest SUVs this year, here are six options. Acura MDX The Acura MDX is one of the safest SUVs, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. It has a standard set of active safety technology, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The three-row crossover can be built starting at $49,000 on Acura’s website. Honda CR-V You could build the crossover SUV on Honda’s website for about $28,000. The CR-V packs a standard set of safety features, such as a road departure mitigation system (RDM) – which helps drivers stay on the road and follow lane lines. It also boasts a collision mitigation braking system™ (CBMS™) to alert the driver of a potential collision. Kia Telluride Kia makes some of the safest vehicles in the market, and the Telluride is one of them.

When you want the convenience of a sedan with the utility and ruggedness of a pickup truck, SUVs are the ideal vehicles that offer the best of both worlds. With extra legroom, passenger seating, and enhanced cargo space, these vehicles are built for city and cross-country driving. SUVs also offer many safety features, making them highly reliable for solo and family driving. Here are the top five picks for the safest SUVs of 2023 compared. Ford Explorer The all-new 2023 Ford Explorer midsize SUV checks across the board with innovative safety features. You get an integrated blind spot monitoring system with dedicated cross-traffic alerts to switch lanes safely. A special rearview camera and auto high beam sensors monitor the back and also illuminate the way ahead in dim lighting conditions. And let’s not forget the lane-keeping assists and adaptive cruise control functions that come in real handy when driving at high speeds. Tesla Model Y Tesla is the industry standard for electric vehicles featuring innovative safety technologies, albeit at a hefty price tag. The Model Y is this year’s proud recipient of IIHS’s Top Safety Pick + award. Key features like a low center of gravity, rigid structure, and impact protection are why this premium vehicle also receives a 5-star rating from NHA.

Resale value is one of the most important aspects to consider while buying a vehicle. Generally, dealers and buyers take into account the 5-year resale value of automobiles. Studies suggest that, on average, a vehicle typically retains about 45% of its original value after 5 years of ownership. However, models from reputed and reliable brands have low depreciation rates. Here are a few such vehicles with the best 5-year resale values: Jeep Wrangler SUVs tend to have higher resale values due to their durability and endurance. One such model is the Jeep Wrangler—a compact SUV with good off-roading abilities and a butch, indestructible build quality. It can seat five people. On the depreciation front, the Wrangler loses only 8.9% of its original value after 5 years of on-road usage, making this gas-powered (also available as a hybrid off-road SUV) vehicle one of the best long-term utility assets for buyers across the country. Subaru Crosstrek The Subaru Crosstrek is more urban in its style compared to the gigantic Wrangler. One similarity, though, is the SUV’s excellent 5-year resale value. One can get up to 61% of the original value on selling their Subaru Crosstrek after five years of use. That value, combined with the SUV’s sleek design, powerful engine, and assured driving dynamics, makes this vehicle a sought-after option.

If you manage a fleet of cars, you’re well aware that fuel is one of the biggest expenses. Tracking and managing fuel costs is vital to operations, and fuel cards can help you achieve this. These cards are an easier way to purchase fuel and store information like miles per gallon, cost per unit, and odometer readings to avoid fraud or misuse. Avoid these five mistakes when choosing a fuel card for your business: Choosing the cheapest program Although an important factor, money is not the only determining force when it comes to choosing the right fuel card program. Be sure to check your fleet’s requirements and budget before choosing one. Skipping research Before finalizing your purchase, shop around and look into several different fuel card programs. Compare their pricing, terms, discount programs, and other benefits to find your ideal fit. Overlooking associated costs In addition to the cost of the program, it is important to read the finer terms of the contract. This includes any additional fees, benefits, and even customer care. Looking into these details beforehand can help you ensure a smoother experience for you and your fleet drivers. Choosing a card that doesn’t include a line of credit Always opt for a card that offers a weekly line of credit, as this can help you generate cash flow during times of low demand and address any unforeseen circumstances on the road.

Learning to drive can be a fulfilling experience. It helps one become self-reliant to commute to different places. However, since a driver is single-handedly in control of the vehicle, driving requires utmost alertness and quick reaction time to avoid accidents. Thus, in addition to mastering the technicalities of driving, new drivers should devote time to understand road safety and traffic rules. Here are some common mistakes new drivers should avoid to ensure road safety: Ignoring speed limits Reports suggest that out of a cumulative 38,824 fatalities in 2020, 11,258 were caused by vehicle speeding. Statutory speed limits have been established by individual state legislatures for specific types of roads, based on factors like pedestrian movement, traffic flow, and roadway design. Hence, new drivers should cultivate the habit of always looking for sign boards with specified speed limits and following them diligently. Speaking on the phone while driving A common misconception of drivers is that speaking over the phone through a hands-free medium while driving is safe. Although using the medium may be a better alternative to holding the device, a phone conversation can divert one’s attention from auditory cues by other drivers. Moreover, studies have shown that low-level electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones can affect brain activity.

Road trips can be an excellent way to explore new places while traveling solo or with friends and family. Here, the last thing you want is your vehicle breaking down in the middle of the freeway. You can prevent this from happening by performing a few safety checks before getting on the road. What’s more? You do not have to spend a lot of time and money to perform the following safety checks: Check the tire pressure Driving interstate nonstop is a true test of endurance both for you and your vehicle. So, the first thing to check for such a trip is the tire pressure and the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system. Also, look for any cuts or bulges in the sidewall to avoid dealing with a flat tire on the journey. Test the brakes and lights The vehicle’s hydraulic and electrical systems are critical components that control your brakes, handling, and real-time vehicle feedback. Check for hydraulic fluid leaks, worn-out brake pads, and rotor wear. If the brakes feel sluggish or there is excessive vibration, you should get it checked by an expert. Also, have a technician run checks to test the car battery, lighting systems, and all components that need electricity to function.

Whether it’s commuting to school or work, buying groceries, or heading out for a road trip, driving is an essential part of most of our daily lives. Being a good driver isn’t about making high-speed turns or drifts, as may be shown in movies. Instead, it is all about ensuring a safe experience and reducing the risk of any last-minute maneuvers. Here are six ways in which you can become a better and safer driver: Maintain adequate space with the vehicle in front of you Maintain a gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you. In case you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, this gap may help reduce the risk of a collision. Adjust your mirrors properly Align your mirrors in the optimal position. Get into the driver’s seat and adjust your side mirrors such that you maximize the field of vision and reduce blind spots. To adjust your rearview mirror, sit up straight in the driver’s seat and use the rear window as a guide to center it. Once your mirrors are adjusted, make it a habit to glance at them every 5-10 seconds. Check your mirrors before changing lanes Before changing lanes, put on your turn signal.