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

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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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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Avoid these 8 common driving mistakes

Driving is an activity that you get better at by doing it regularly. And it’s quite common to make small mistakes during the learning phase. But once you receive the driver’s license, it’s also up to you to ensure proper driving etiquette for city and highway conditions by following the rules. One small mistake or lapse of attention can result in devastating consequences. So, pay attention to these common mistakes to avoid any mishaps.  Not wearing a seatbelt Seatbelts save lives! No matter how uncomfortable or tight the belt feels, it is absolutely necessary to wear it for both passenger and driver. All states mandate it by law and impose hefty fines for drivers caught without a belt. Ignoring speed limits Speeding is one of the most common reasons new drivers get a ticket. Speed zones change when you drive on different roads, and it is important to pay attention to the signs. It is enough to get a ticket even if you are going just a few miles over the limit. It’s important to also pay attention to the speedometer while adjusting the speed unless your vehicle has an auto cruise mode that adjusts the throttle and braking response accordingly. Not ensuring proper space between vehicles One of the critical mistakes a driver makes is not gauging the distance between two vehicles. This applies to both the front and back of the car. Keeping a safe distance between your car and the one ahead can help buy time to recognize a hazard and respond safely. Also, you need to pay attention to the rearview to understand how quickly you can make the stop and avoid the vehicle at the back careening into your car. So always pay attention to how much space is available between cars based on the length of your vehicle. Driving with distractions Listening to music or the morning broadcast on the radio is fine as long as you also pay attention to the road ahead. Also, avoid talking too much when driving at high speeds on the freeway. Reaction time is critical to ensure the safety of all passengers, so you must be aware of the distractions in the vehicle. Remember, you are not the only one traveling on the freeway or stuck in a busy road. Even if you are paying attention, it’s necessary to account for sudden vehicular movement by traffic in the adjacent or parallel lanes. One small slip-up can cause expensive damage to the vehicle. Not using indicators and blinkers Indicators are installed for a reason. But rookie or overconfident drivers may neglect the feature to signal before switching lanes or making a turn. It’s necessary to ensure the vehicle following behind you has time to react and adjust to your change in speed and direction. When it comes to turn signals, there are unspoken rules that apply to all drivers. Neglecting the proper use of signals increases the risk of accidents. Also, if your vehicle is damaged and not running smoothly, put on the alert blinkers to notify fellow drivers. Not giving proper way to emergency vehicles Emergency vehicles like ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks need a clear route to attend to critical situations immediately. Sometimes new drivers may not be used to such situations and may get themselves into a panic state. Mostly sirens can be heard from a distance, so one has plenty of time to change tracks or come to a complete stop accordingly. Never drive in a way that you find yourself obstructing the path of any passing emergency vehicle. Failing to check the blind spot Navigating tight corners or cramped parking spaces can be a hassle, even for the most experienced drivers. However, modern-day vehicles come with sensors that indicate proximity to another vehicle or object. Even so, you must use the side view and rearview mirrors to check for blind spots while switching lanes at high speeds. Check in all directions and your blind spot to make sure you are not coming in the way of another vehicle or around pedestrians at the junction while merging or pulling out into traffic. Not getting the vehicle serviced Getting the vehicle serviced from time to time is a critical part of the maintenance. A proper service entails checking the brakes, electrical systems, lubricants, and engine oil fluid to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle. But many drivers fail to do so and only get it done when it becomes absolutely necessary. Delaying proper maintenance and service only puts the driver at risk and makes the vehicle unfit for travel. 

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