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5 common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of

5 common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of

A car is a significant investment, so you must pay attention to its maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly for years. Moreover, the older a car gets, the more upkeep, care, and maintenance it requires. Otherwise, you may have to shell out more for repairs and damages. So, one must ensure they regularly get their car checked by a professional and know these common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of.

Forgetting to check the tire pressure
Most car owners think the purpose of checking tire pressure is to avoid flat tires. While this is a reason enough, looking at the fuel economy is also essential. When the tires lack air, the car will consume far more gas than necessary. So avoid this maintenance mistake, and check whether the tires’ air pressure is optimal with a fuel gauge. The pressure should be as indicated in the owner’s manual. Another common mistake is forgetting to do tire rotation regularly. This will help the tires last longer.

Forgetting to do oil changes
In the case of a new car, there is minimal need for oil changes. So most new car owners ignore this aspect during regular car maintenance. However, even a new car requires engine oil changes every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Changing the engine oil every 3,000 miles is recommended for older cars. Not doing so will cause damage to the engine, and you may end up paying more.

Neglecting to change or inspect the brakes
Changing the brake pads of your car can get expensive. So most people end up avoiding this. However, leaving them on longer can cause the brakes to wear down. As a result, the rotators may also get damaged. Repairing the rotators will cost more than you must pay for changing the brake pads. So don’t forget to get the brakes checked by a professional mechanic whenever there is a significant squeaking noise coming from the brakes.

Neglecting the check engine light
The common mistake most car owners commit is ignoring the check engine light. This is because the car works fine even if the light comes on. So, checking why the light is on gets delayed until a significant problem occurs out of the blue. The car will break down at the most inconvenient time. Furthermore, you may have to end up paying more to get your car running than you would have to when the check engine light came on the first time around.

Ignoring the car wash
Neglecting to do a regular car wash is a common car maintenance mistake that can be easily avoided. Make sure to schedule the clean-up of your car every week or even in a couple of weeks. This is important not only to make your car look its best but also to prevent damage to your car’s body, tires, mirrors, and interiors. This way, you will protect it from the damage caused by rain, mud, dirt, salt sprinkled on ice, and pollution.

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5 great benefits of buying an extended vehicle warranty

Modern cars come with all the luxuries and advancements one can expect. They also offer longevity, which is a blessing, as you surely want to drive your car for as many years as possible. However, the one thing that you must keep in mind is that the tenure of your car warranty is generally three years. You will need to buy an extended vehicle warranty after that, which can offer many benefits as listed below. They can be personalizedIn general, the car warranty covers the repairing of your car for a certain amount of time and mileage. However, when you are purchasing an extended warranty, it can be tailor-made as per your needs. This way, you can include coverages that your car previously did not have, such as roadside assistance or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. Buying a comprehensive warranty will ensure that you do not have to worry about your car in any scenario. Another great thing about the extended warranty is that you can actually decide its tenure. Hence, you can drive your car stress-free for a long time. Costly repairs are coveredThe extended vehicle warranty will help you save money in the long run, as it covers expensive repairs too. Modern cars are technologically advanced. While they make your life easier on the road, these cars are more prone to malfunctioning. What can be more worrying is the fact that some of the car technologies can be rather expensive to repair. That is where the extended warranty will be your savior. It will cover the expenses whenever your car needs fixing. Greater value for your carWhen you drive your car on the road for many years, it will surely suffer some damages. Apart from natural aging of its machinery, it will also have scratches, bumps, and breakdowns. After the factory warranty for your car is over, it becomes very expensive to maintain the condition of your car. However, if you buy an extended warranty for the car, then it will remain protected for a longer time. As the maintenance of your car will become more affordable with the warranty, you will be able to maintain the condition of your car for a long period of time. This will effectively improve the resale value of your car. Hence, if you ever decide to sell it, you will get a good price. You will save moreWith an extended vehicle warranty, regular maintenance of your car will not cost you anything. This will effectively lower the chances of any major breakdown of the vehicle. Even if the car is seriously damaged due to any accident, you can repair it for no cost. This will allow you to save more in the long run. The cost depends on youThe cost of the extended warranty depends on the coverages you choose. The base price is decided as per the car you have and its overall condition, but you can add only the covers you require to control the cost. Before buying extended vehicle warranty, take some time to research and compare different providers to find the best one you can afford.

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7 signs that it’s time to replace an old car

Parting ways with anything you have owned for a long time can be devastating, including your car. But there comes a time when the car is no longer working, and you may have to consider replacing it. However, the common problem is determining if buying a new car is needed or if it only needs repairs. Therefore, here are seven signs to tell you if it's time for a new car. Constant overheating A vehicle's engine will overheat when it is pushed to the limit or when the automobile is on the road for a long time. However, if it heats up without you doing these two things, it might need an expert's insight. An overheating vehicle may lead to severe damage, including fires, if it is not fixed in time. Sometimes the problem may not even be solvable, in which case, you ought to consider upgrading to a new car. Higher repair costs As a car gets old, the cost of repairs also starts to rise. Spending on tires, brake pads, and other elements like oil replacements after a certain amount of miles is normal. However, a problem may persist no matter how much you spend on a repair. In such situations, you should invest your money in a new automobile rather than spend on something that will only add more stress to your bank account. Crossing the 100,000-mile mark Odometers help identify the number of miles covered by the vehicle. If your vehicle is able to cross the 100,000-mile mark, it means that it has been maintained well over the years. But since not all parts are eternal, flying past the mark means that you should prepare for exorbitant repair costs if the damages haven't shown themselves yet. The more miles on a vehicle, the higher the chances for irreparable damages, which is reason enough to buy a new car. Excess rusting Since cars are usually made of metal, the chassis and other parts are prone to rust from oxidation. While you might not be bothered by the aesthetic disruption, rust could eat up essential elements of the vehicle. This could result in portions below the seat and other areas cracking and collapsing. Furthermore, excessive rusting could also result in a price depreciation when you decide to sell the vehicle. So it's better to exchange it for an upgrade in the initial stages of rusting. Remember that not all rusting requires getting a new car. Some might be repairable by replacing the part or visiting an expert to get it polished or painted. Primitive safety features Safety features in a vehicle are upgraded with each new model. So if you have a relatively older trim, you might not benefit from the protective elements in cars today. If you want these features in your vehicle, you should consider visiting a dealership to look at your next automobile. Having the latest safety features like blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and superior airbags is essential to avoid mishaps on the road. Similarly, you should consider upgrading to a new vehicle if you want the latest infotainment technology. Higher gas fees While older vehicles may have a throatier engine, it may come at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Therefore, you should consider getting a new vehicle to save on expenses. Automobiles today can save hundreds of dollars because of their fuel efficiency. While options like electric, plug-in hybrids, and clean diesel cars come at a higher price tag, they will cost you less to recharge or refuel in the long run. Moreover, electric automobiles and hybrids may save you time on commutes because you get access to the carpool lane. Space issues When you bought your first car, you may have done so without a family plan in mind. But as your family grows, you might need more space in the backseats and the trunk for luggage. And this is a clear sign that you may need a vehicle upgrade. One of the best choices in this regard is to upgrade to a midsize or full-sized SUV, depending on the number of people that will travel in the car. On the contrary, if you have a bigger car and never use the space, you ought to consider downsizing to a smaller option. This could save you loads of money where maintenance, insurance, repair, and gas fees are concerned.

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