4 common car maintenance mistakes to avoid

4 common car maintenance mistakes to avoid

Your vehicle has several components that must be kept in good working condition to ensure a smooth and safe drive. Everything right from the windshield wipers to the brake calipers, checks should be done regularly to ensure repairs and replacements are done on time. However, there are certain vehicle maintenance tasks that are often overlooked unintentionally. To help you avoid critical mistakes, here are four essential car maintenance tasks you should never neglect.  Ignoring warning lights Hove you ever noticed those tiny colorful icons blinking on the dashboard? Those are warning lights that you should not ignore. They indicate potential battery issues, engine failures, and electrical component shorts. You should always get it checked at the earliest as delaying maintenance can result in hefty repair costs or even the replacement of parts that are not covered under warranty. Skipping fluid checks The engine and other moving parts installed in any vehicle require lubrication to perform smoothly. You should never ignore the oil levels, as leaks can cause a complete component breakdown due to friction. It’s also crucial to monitor brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant levels to prevent overheating and potential leaks. Don’t neglect these important maintenance tasks for your vehicle’s longevity and safety.
Read More
Top 4 car maintenance mistakes to avoid

Top 4 car maintenance mistakes to avoid

Taking care of a car may feel like caring for a pet. Just like one would want the best food, health care, and products for their pet, car owners must use the best products and most reliable services to extend the life of their vehicles. However, missing key steps while maintaining a car can undo all the work carried out to keep the automobile running. So, here are a few car maintenance mistakes to avoid: Not checking the tire pressure One may overlook the importance of checking the tire pressure of their cars periodically. While one may check for deflation, even inflated tires may have low pressure. So, a cursory glance might not be enough. In most cases, issues with tire pressure will not be visible to the naked eye. Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel efficiency. One needs to keep an eye on the tire pressure, as it tends to decrease quickly, especially when the car is driven on a pothole-ridden road. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can also affect the tire pressure. Not replacing old air filters Air and fuel filters help the engine function smoothly. However, old and worn-out filters can contribute to poor performance. Filters are relatively inexpensive to change.
Read More
Top 6 pre-owned truck financing options

Top 6 pre-owned truck financing options

For individuals planning to buy a pre-owned truck, figuring out a financing option might seem like a daunting task. However, it is important to understand the array of financing options to make a well-informed decision that aligns with their budget and financial objectives. This comprehensive guide aims to lead them through the diverse pre-owned truck financing avenues, providing valuable insights to help secure the most suitable deal. 1. Traditional auto loans Potential buyers often turn to traditional auto loans, which involve borrowing a lump sum from a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, and repaying it with interest over a specified term. These loans usually offer competitive interest rates, especially for borrowers with favorable credit scores. However, they may necessitate a down payment and a comprehensive credit evaluation. 2. Dealership financing Many dealerships extend in-house financing options for pre-owned vehicles, permitting buyers to secure a loan directly from the dealership. While this is convenient, it’s important to know that dealership financing might come with higher interest rates than loans from traditional lenders. It’s imperative to meticulously scrutinize the terms and conditions, including any hidden fees or additional costs. 3. Online lenders Online lenders have gained popularity due to their convenience and competitive rates.
Read More
5 ways to find cheap used cars for sale nearby

5 ways to find cheap used cars for sale nearby

Owning a secondhand car can be a practical financial move, especially if one could get it for less than $1,000. A pre-owned high-performance car at that price and in good condition is a steal deal. Here, one can use a variety of strategies to find cheap used cars nearby and score great deals on their purchase. To help one get started, here are five ways to find pre-owned, affordable, and reliable vehicles near them: Check classified ads One of the best ways to find cheap used cars nearby is through online classified ads on dedicated websites posting local listings. Here, one can find specific vehicles in their area using filters to narrow down options based on make, model, price range, and distance. For instance, one could easily utilize the “price filter” to show results for cars selling for under $1,000 in their area. Online classifieds provide a wide range of choices, helping buyers quickly identify affordable options without leaving the comfort of their homes. Visit local dealerships While local dealerships often feature newer models, many also have used cars available. Further, some dealers may offer certified pre-owned vehicles or older models at competitive prices. So, one could check dealership websites or visit in person to explore these options and even take advantage of financing options if needed.
Read More
Avoid these 4 mistakes when changing a flat tire

Avoid these 4 mistakes when changing a flat tire

Knowing how to change a car’s tire is an important life skill. One may never know when it may prove helpful in an emergency. Although one may dial for assistance, cellular services are not always reliable where one may be or what the weather is—so knowing how to fix a flat tire may help significantly. However, it is essential to be aware of some common mistakes to avoid when changing a flat tire, such as: Not placing the jack in a safe spot It’s essential to keep the car jack in a safe place and not put it anywhere in the vehicle. Most cars have a specific spot underneath where the jack should be positioned, such as a hole near the wheel, a groove, or a depression. If the car doesn’t have a designated spot, the jack must be placed within the car’s frame. To locate the designated spot, lie on the ground and look at the car’s underside. Once you find the spot, place the jack there and slowly raise it until it can safely bear the entire weight of the car. Leaving the lugs loose Once the tire is changed and the lugs are replaced, lower down the car using the jack.
Read More
6 rookie mistakes pickup truck drivers must avoid

6 rookie mistakes pickup truck drivers must avoid

Pickup trucks are known for their durability and robust design. They offer ample cargo space and can tow trailers and heavy loads easily. One can purchase them for both work and leisure. While pickup trucks have unique advantages, drivers often make errors that compromise safety and vehicle performance. Here are a few common rookie mistakes drivers should avoid to prolong the life of their truck and stay protected on the road. Overloading the truck This is among the most common mistakes rookie drivers should avoid. Overestimating the truck’s payload capacity and transporting too much weight can result in several problems. For instance, an overloaded cargo bed can affect the vehicle’s stability and compromise braking efficiency. It can also accelerate the wear and tear of the automobile’s critical components, including the suspension system and tires. Ignoring the towing capacity Although pickup trucks are known for superior towing capabilities, one must adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when towing. Ignoring their recommendations can put one in risky situations, like losing load control, potentially causing accidents and leading to expensive repairs. Securing the cargo poorly If loose or improperly secured, items in the truck bed can shift during sudden stops or sharp turns. This can pose significant dangers not only to one’s pickup truck but also to nearby vehicles and bystanders on the road.
Read More
7 popular used cars to buy right now

7 popular used cars to buy right now

The pre-owned car market in our country is growing with time. People can choose from endless models and get the features they want without paying much. The best-sellers discussed below offer reliable performance and retain their value remarkably well. We added a mix of SUVs, compact cars, and sedans from different brands to the list. Buyers must research well and choose the right one depending on their needs and preferences. Toyota Camry This hybrid electric vehicle is reliable and has a high resale value. It is easy to maintain and durable and can be considered for city roads and short road trips. Honda Civic The Civic pops up frequently when talking about best-sellers among used cars. It is known for its longevity and fuel efficiency. While the newer models cost slightly more than their competitors, their resale value and reliability make them a popular choice among buyers. Ford Fusion The Ford Fusion is a popular sedan choice among buyers looking for used cars because it offers a comfortable ride and many customizable elements. It has five trim models with handy features. Chevrolet Equinox This compact SUV, with four trim models, is another best-seller in the used cars category. People love the Equinox for its smooth driving, spacious interior, and customizable nature.  Ford Escape The Ford Escape is another standout SUV in the used segment.
Read More
3 common mistakes to avoid when buying an electric vehicle

3 common mistakes to avoid when buying an electric vehicle

Purchasing an electric vehicle is a responsible decision, as they are much more environmentally friendly than vehicles that run on gas. Studies show that those who drive electric cars have considerably reduced CO2 emissions. So those who want to buy one may need to do a bit of research and understand the kind of incentives they may or may not get. They should also avoid making a few common mistakes, such as the ones mentioned below: 1. Buying new EVs The high price is one of the biggest reasons people usually do not purchase electric vehicles. Electric cars and SUVs are several times more expensive than their standard counterparts. These vehicles have powerful and pricey batteries, a drivetrain, and other incredibly expensive components. Due to this, the starting price of electric vehicles is already high, and after including various warranties and insurance into the mix, the price rises even further. This is why purchasing a new EV at this price point is not the wisest thing to do. One can consider buying a used EV in good condition, a solution that is just as good, if not better, than buying a brand-new EV.   2. Expecting a full range Usually, an electric vehicle’s marketing team presents its range as a specific number.
Read More