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.

With the rising price of hire-cab services, car renting has become the easiest and most economical way to get around, especially on vacation. Despite the obvious benefits of car rentals, many people continue to avoid hiring a car due to the fear of being fleeced by a disreputable company. This confusion can easily be prevented by steering clear of certain simple mistakes people make when renting a car. 1. Hiring from the very first company One of the biggest mistakes people make when renting a car is not doing enough research and going with the first option they find. This could result in huge losses! Always verify the car rental company before hiring them. Check their online ratings and reviews, and speak to loved ones for recommendations. Before signing the contract, pay attention to the fine print so one does not end up stuck in any sort of shady business. 2. Not covering toll costs No car rental company offers free toll payments. While some of them may have a car pass or a transponder, these services often come with an added surcharge. It is always better for customers to cover them to avoid paying this extra cost at tolls.