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.

Purchasing a car is a long-term investment that profoundly impacts one’s daily life and financial outlook. Therefore, to make the most of this investment, individuals should tread carefully and avoid mistakes while buying an automobile, as such pitfalls can result in financial loss and disappointment if the car does not align with the owner’s lifestyle and routine. Continue reading to find out some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a car. Lack of research Before purchasing a car, one must carefully research the model they plan to purchase rather than relying on its popularity or a low price tag. Thorough research can determine if a particular car aligns with one’s lifestyle and needs. Therefore, this research should encompass aspects such as the operational and future costs of the car, including insurance, fuel economy, and maintenance expenses. Furthermore, it is important to explore different car models within one’s budget and evaluate them based on one’s needs to make an informed decision. Not shopping around Rather than selecting the nearest dealership or making a purchase at the first one visited, one should explore multiple options. It is also advisable to get quotes from various dealerships, assess their customer service, and look into a dealer’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score.

The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with consumers drawn to the versatility, spacious interiors, and rugged appeal of SUVs. But amidst the excitement of purchasing a new SUV, many buyers tend to overlook certain crucial factors, leading to common mistakes that can impact their overall car-buying experience. To make a well-informed decision, one should avoid these mistakes when buying an SUV. Not researching Before visiting a dealership, it’s crucial to narrow down preferred SUVs, research essential features that one needs, and obtain basic quotes online. Going into the showroom unprepared may expose one to sales pressure and the risk of paying a higher price. Overlooking size The SUV market offers a variety of options, including compact crossovers, mid-size, full-size, and electric or hybrid models, each with its advantages and disadvantages. For example, crossovers are suitable for urban commuting, full-sized SUVs for adventures and towing, subcompact SUVs combine agility and versatility, while hybrid SUVs enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. So, one should carefully consider one’s routine and requirements to get the SUV that best suits their lifestyle. Choosing the closest dealership Car prices vary depending on the dealership’s location and local demand.

Who isn’t excited at the prospect of buying a new vehicle, especially one as powerful and multi-faceted as a pickup truck? With so many types, brands, and configurations available on the market, choosing the right pickup truck can feel overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers. To simplify this experience, here is a list of four common mistakes people make when buying a pickup truck and how to steer clear of them. Failing to understand what one needs Don’t be in a hurry to run to the dealership to finalize that purchase. Instead, take time to outline some requirements, such as a list of key features, capabilities, and highlights that the truck must have. Also, when looking for the ideal truck, consider its size, engine, payload capacity, and towing abilities to suit one’s needs. For example, those planning to use the truck for business may want to look for an option with a higher towing or hauling capacity, while families may want one with comfortable interiors, a longer bed for camping and adventures, and a plethora of safety features. Forgetting the total cost of ownership The base MSRP is only the starting point when it comes to buying a pickup truck. To get a better idea of the overall cost of ownership, there are many other factors to consider when buying a new truck, such as insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.