There are hundreds of automobile brands out there selling sedans, minivans, sports cars, SUVs, pretty much anything you may want. This has made buying vehicles convenient. However, holding on to a new car, or even a used one, can get annoyingly expensive over the years, especially if you don’t maintain it well. So, here are a few basic car maintenance tips to extend the life of your vehicle and save you money. Swap the engine oil The engine oil is essential for your car’s engine and other parts to function seamlessly. However, the oil becomes impure over time and doesn’t provide enough lubrication. So consider switching it every 5,000 miles or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This is one of the most basic car maintenance tips you don’t want to miss. Replace the brake pads Brake pads provide enhanced safety every time you head out for a drive. But sometimes, you may hear a screech-like sound when you hit the brake pedal. It means the pads are about to wear out. While they may cost a little more, it isn’t much when compared to safeguarding your life. Check the tires With time, the tires can get worn out and lose their grip.

The auto market has recently seen a sharp rise in pickup truck sales, and the newer models out in 2021 may further help this graph go higher. Automakers have continued to adapt to changing consumer demands and have designed new models that are more powerful and capable than their predecessors. This article looks at the best pickup trucks on sale this year and the next, so you can narrow down your options and bring home the right vehicle. 2021 Ram 1500 If you’re looking for a full-size pickup truck, it’s hard to go wrong with Ram 1500. Ram has garnered popularity for producing best-selling pickups, and the new models live up to that reputation. The 2021 Ram 1500 packs a powerful standard engine and has an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that offers a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds. This vehicle also comes with a best-in-class luxury interior and excellent infotainment system. 2021 Honda Ridgeline The 2021 Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup that’s designed for both on- and off-road adventures. This vehicle is equipped with an all-terrain all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Traction Management and a 280-horsepower V6 engine. Thanks to a lockable In-Bed Trunk, lay-flat truck bed, and dual-action tailgate, this Ridgeline can tow up to 5000 pounds and has ample cargo space.

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.

Buying a used automobile comes with its risks and benefits. You buy cars for a lower on-road price and have the luxury of modifying them to your liking. But also, you need to verify every purchase-related factor as this is not a factory or dealership-sold vehicle. Also, it doesn’t matter if you are buying for the first time or have bought one before. Here are 5 used car buying mistakes to avoid. Not knowing your type of vehicle Not knowing what type of vehicle you need is one of the common mistakes to absolutely avoid. Don’t just browse the market and go for the cheapest deal. You should always start with a basic budget and compare automobile brands that offer vehicles for that purchase price. Also, price should not be the only determining factor as you must find a vehicle suitable for daily driving. For example, don’t buy a sports sedan when you actually should buy a large six SUV at that same price for family use. Not taking a test drive Used vehicles should always be taken for a long test drive. Remember, this vehicle has not come fresh from the factory manufacturing unit and is transported straight into the showroom.

Beginning a new career, especially one that involves driving across the country, can be exciting. Truck drivers transport everyday essentials, whether it’s phones, clothes, or construction materials, making their job crucial for the functioning of businesses and households. However, many rookie drivers can make mistakes in their first few days on the job. Some such mistakes can cause significant damage to life and property. So, here are common lapses that rookie truck drivers should avoid: Going too fast Truck driving regulations in the country allow up to 20,000 pounds per single axle and up to 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, meaning the load can exert a lot of pressure on the wheels. Driving too fast may result in a loss of control and subsequent overturning of the vehicle or an accident. This is why it is best to practice caution while driving the truck, and remember that an accident can slow you down way more than driving at reduced speeds. Rookie drivers should be even more careful when going downhill, as downshifting and slowing down may become tougher in that stretch of road. Ignoring road signs One of the most common rookie truck driver mistakes is not paying attention to road signs.

All vehicles come with moving mechanical parts that grind against each other. Here’s where one needs to add oil to the engine and other vehicle components to ensure these parts move smoothly. However, engine oil can lose viscosity with time and must be changed regularly. But a person may make several mistakes when replacing the oil in a vehicle. Here are six errors to avoid to improve the lifespan of a vehicle. Not warming up the engine Engine oil at cooler temperatures might be sluggish when drained from the engine. This may increase the time it takes to drain the oil. What’s worse is that the liquid will not fully drain from the engine, and there will be residue still stuck in the engine parts. So before draining the engine oil, a person must start the vehicle and let it run on idle for about five to ten minutes. Idling the engine will bring the oil up to the normal operating temperature, ensuring it drains correctly. Putting back the drain plug incorrectly Most people are oblivious to how tight they should make the drain plug when they screw it back on. Some people leave it loose and end up staining the interstate and stalling halfway through their journey.

A sports utility vehicle, or SUV, has become a go-to choice for many American families. One of the main reasons people consider buying SUVs is that it feels safer than other cars, thanks to their large and sturdy build. Moreover, modern SUVs are loaded with a wide range of safety and driver assistance features, making them incredibly safe and reliable. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you must consider some latest options. 2022 Acura RDX This crossover SUV from Acura is currently one of the safest vehicles on the market. The automaker has outfitted all trim variants of the 2022 RDX with a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition system. 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge If you’re looking for a compact electric SUV with excellent safety features, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge should be your choice. It’s equipped with vital safety and driver-assistance features, like lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot detection. The vehicle also has an advanced body structure and a unique battery safety cage that can protect all passengers in a collision.

Changing the oil on your vehicle may look straightforward enough. But often, the simplest tasks are the ones that can result in unexpected problems if you are not paying attention. Just investing in premium quality oil to keep the engine running is not enough; you also need to follow the proper steps to ensure there are no engine troubles arising from poor maintenance. Here are a few simple tips to get you started right. 6 useful tips for a successful DIY oil change Buy the right oil You cannot just use one motor oil for different vehicles. Note that motor oil comes in different forms of density and viscosity, each formula unique to the engine that needs servicing. So, before comparing the best brands to buy premium motor oil, check and confirm if it matches the engine and vehicle configuration. Your vehicle manufacturer will mention the type of motor oil suggested for the current make, year, and model. Do it step by step The first thing to do is use the correct size wrench and unplug the oil filter. You need to first unlock the pan screw and allow the old engine oil to drain. It is better to use a jack to lift up the car so that you have more space to work with rather than trying to fit under the vehicle when it is sitting level.

SUVs have become a favorite among car buyers for several reasons. Plush interiors, stylish exteriors, and modern technology are just a few factors that set them apart from sedans. SUVs also have engines capable of taking on most terrains easily and sufficient cargo space for long tours. Moreover, they are available in gas, hybrid, and fully electric variants. Here are a few popular electric and luxury SUVs worth the upgrade. Kia Telluride The 2023 Kia Telluride has a refreshed interior, modernized bumpers and grille, and trendy 18- to 20-inch wheel designs, making it a worthy upgrade over last year’s model. On the performance front, you get a standard 291-horsepower V6 engine. The SUV starts at just $35,690. Volvo XC40 Recharge The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge’s electric variant has twin motors that can generate up to 402 horsepower. It can travel up to 223 miles on a full charge. The base model starts at $53,550 and has several standard driver assistance, safety, and connectivity features. Volvo XC60 Recharge The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Hybrid offers a combined power output of up to 455 horsepower for a starting price of $57,200. You can also go for the gas variant of the Volvo XC60, starting at $43,450.

Auto insurance is mandatory, and one must buy or renew policies with every vehicle they acquire. The premiums and coverage vary between states, so you must compare and purchase policies accordingly. First-time buyers tend to make some common mistakes and end up with insufficient insurance coverage. Vehicle owners need to ensure their auto insurance provides adequate protection. Here are six such mistakes to be wary of while buying auto insurance. Failing to research Don’t buy insurance only based on the cheapest quotes you can find online. Not all policies will be beneficial as they will have varying coverage and limits. Use tools available for comparing the top insurance quotes for auto insurance. For example, Gabi is a dedicated platform recently acquired by Experian, one of the three premier credit rating agencies. The service locates the best policies online based on your coverage needs and allows you to switch to the new coverage hassle-free directly from their platform. You save time, money, and effort while getting better coverage. The Zebra is an alternative platform that provides similar third-party services for comparing best quotes. Paying only the minimum coverage All states mandate a minimum policy to be taken by drivers who own a vehicle.