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Avoid these 8 common driving mistakes

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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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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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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