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8 ways to care for one’s car or truck

8 ways to care for one’s car or truck

Buying and maintaining a car is a huge responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. In addition to obtaining insurance and proper documentation, there are simple tips and tricks to ensure your vehicle remains well-maintained. This includes driving it properly, keeping the interior clean, maintaining engine efficiency, and more. Here are some ways to take care of your car or truck, ensuring it stays in good condition for a prolonged period.

Drive with care
Driving carefully means driving safely on the road and taking care of your car while driving. Do not overburden the engine by racing it during the start-up, even if it is cold outside. Always be gentle and follow the correct instructions. Make sure to accelerate slowly when starting the drive, which helps keep the engine less worn out. Also, when stopping at signals, keep the car gear neutral.

Buy gas from a trusted source
It is important to be cautious when choosing a gas station to fill up your car. There are some stations that do not regularly change their pump filters, which can lead to dirty gasoline that can harm your car’s engine. To avoid this, it is recommended to inquire with the gas station employee about their filter maintenance. It is also important to know that some stations may water down the product. It is always best to find a gas station that you can trust and rely on for clean and high-quality fuel.

Choose a good insurer
When it comes to driving, safety should always be a top priority. However, even the most cautious drivers can still find themselves in accidents. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable insurance provider that will cover the cost of repairs after an accident. Look for an insurer that offers coverage for original manufacturer parts and guarantees authorized repairs. This way, you can be confident that your car will be taken care of properly.

Park in the shade
Parking the car in the garage is ideal, of course; however, if there is no garage available, you must always pick a spot that is shaded. This protects the car from any damage that is usually caused by the damaging UV lights that not only destroy the paint job but also the interiors of the car. Parking under a tree is usually not advised because it can result in coming back to a car with bird droppings which damage the paint again. It’s best to use a car shade, whether it’s the foldable type that can be placed on your windshield and rear window or the pleated kind that attaches to your windshield posts, window frames, or windows.

Clean the inside of the car
Washing the car from the outside does not keep the vehicle completely clean. Spend some time vacuuming and sponging the interior as well. This will clean up any spilled drinks, dirt particles, and such. Use the right machine to keep the car clean because using harsh chemicals may spoil the seat color and even the exterior of the car. It’s best to use a mild detergent and water mix for surface cleaning. Always be mindful of the products you use to keep your car looking its best.

Use floor mats
To protect your floor carpet from excessive wear and tear over time, it’s recommended to use floor mats. These mats prevent mud, spilled drinks, and other debris from reaching the carpet. These floor mats can easily be removed from the floors and cleaned thoroughly with a detergent and water hose. If the mats wear out, they can be easily replaced. Invest in these accessories to keep your carpets looking like new for years to come.

Dash gauge cleaning
This can often go unnoticed, so it is important to pay extra attention to this small unit inside the car. Use a soft damp cloth to clean out the surface, and make sure you do not put too much pressure when cleaning this. The small dust particles can easily scratch the surface, making reading information under it difficult. So be gentle with this cleaning and detail.

Keep an auto log
One habit that car owners often overlook is keeping an auto log. This log should include a record of all the times the car has been serviced and washed and details about gas mileage and fill-ups. It’s important to pay attention to any signs that your car may need additional maintenance, as this could indicate a potential problem. By taking your car for a quick maintenance check, you can prevent further damage from occurring.

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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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6 best small and efficient pickup trucks to consider

In recent years, small pickup trucks have gained much attention in the automotive market for their versatility, practicality, utility, maneuverability, and style. These go-to vehicles are compact yet mighty. They offer a compelling range of features that cater to the needs and preferences of many people in the country. Here are some of the best small pickup trucks from different brands that have stood the test of time and can be considered. Ford Maverick The Ford Maverick is a great pickup truck known for its affordability and everyday use. A key selling point of this five-seater cargo hauler is its compact size, which makes it easier to maneuver in urban environments and park in tight spaces. It offers a spacious and functional interior with practical storage solutions. The truck boasts fuel-efficient powertrains, achieving impressive city mileage between 22-40 MPG and highway figures of 28-33 MPG. With a starting price just over $22,000 and five available trims, it caters to various budgets and preferences. The Maverick's composed handling makes it suitable for urban driving. It's available in an optional 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine and AWD. Toyota Tacoma The Toyota Tacoma is a well-regarded small pickup truck known for its rugged reliability. It offers a choice of engines, including a potent V6 and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, catering to various customers. The TRD Pro model boasts exceptional off-road prowess, making it a favorite among adventurous drivers. All models feature Toyota's Entune™ infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, providing a user-friendly interface for connectivity and entertainment. The Tacoma's fuel efficiency stands at 18/22 MPG. Additionally, it prioritizes safety with rear parking distance sensors, a collision warning system, and automatic braking—common features across various models. The Tacoma starts at an accessible $27,250 for the base SR model. Ford Ranger After an eight-year sabbatical, the Ford Ranger has made a solid comeback into the small pickup truck segment. The truck is mainly known for its impressive towing and hauling capabilities, making it a reliable choice for those with demanding workloads. Powered by a robust 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, it churns out a formidable 270 horsepower. This machine is paired with a smooth-shifting transmission. Inside, the Ranger offers comfortable cloth upholstery, a modern touchscreen infotainment system, and practical features like spacious under-seat storage. With three trims to choose from (XL, XLT, and LARIAT), there's a Ranger to suit various preferences. Affordability is also a talking point, with the base XL SuperCab starting at just $27,400 for the RWD variant. Chevrolet Colorado The Chevrolet Colorado is distinguished for its safety and driver-assistance technology. Some standard features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, all part of Chevy Safety Assist. Stepping inside, one can find a spacious, comfortable cabin with user-friendly technology. The Chevrolet Colorado provides versatility with multiple engine choices, including a diesel option for improved fuel efficiency. It also offers customizable settings, allowing parents to set speed and sound limits for younger drivers. The pickup comes in seven trims and four drive modes, with the base model priced at $29,200. The highest ZR2 trim caters to off-road enthusiasts. GMC Canyon The GMC Canyon is mainly known for its controlled handling and smooth, safe, and comfortable driving experience. Its turbo-four engine packs a punch with 310 horsepower. And with a mileage of 19/25 mpg, the truck strikes a balance between power and efficiency. The Canyon is not just about on-road comfort; it can also efficiently handle towing and off-roading adventures. The five-seater interior is spacious and user-friendly, featuring an intuitive infotainment system. With five trim models to choose from, it caters to diverse preferences. The Canyon starts at an approachable $36,900 for the 2WD Elevation variant and $40,200 for the 4ED Elevation model. Honda Ridgeline All Honda Ridgeline models have a robust V6 engine and AWD, providing a reliable 280 horsepower. With four trim models to choose from, there's an option for everyone. However, the truck starts at a slightly higher price point, with the base model beginning around $39,000. The Ridgeline maintains a respectable fuel efficiency of 18 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway. All models have certain standard features, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and road-departure mitigation systems. Those seeking extra luxury and convenience can add Honda's optional features like leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a moonroof to enhance their overall driving experience.

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