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.

Replacing the engine oil in your car yourself can be cheaper and more convenient than getting it done at a repair shop. However, a DIY oil change requires considerable caution to prevent missing key steps. But if you have some experience with car maintenance, replacing the engine oil can be a simple procedure, not taking longer than 30 minutes. Nevertheless, make sure that you steer clear of the following mistakes when replacing the engine oil: Not setting up the work area Changing the engine oil of your car is an essential service, and you have to prepare before you get down to work. You have to be ready with the tools—ramp, jack stand, wrench, and oil drain pan—and other equipment. Looking for a tool you need in the middle of changing the oil is not an ideal situation. So, before you start, read through your car’s manual and learn about the oil type, capacity, and frequency of replacing oil and get the required tools for the job. Not warming up the engine Old oil can flow from the engine easily when it is warm enough. Cold oil can stick to the surface and take a while to drain, leaving behind a residue.

You may want to hold on to your car for a lifetime. While taking good care of the vehicle can extend its life, some issues can cost a lot of money to fix. Further, even the most durable car can become impractical over time. Newer cars may have better technology and safety features, helping you save money in the long run. So, here are a few telltale signs that you need a new car: Frequent breakdowns and repairs Most vehicles need repairs from time to time and regular maintenance. However, if the car begins to break down often, it is a clear sign that you may need to get a new one. As a rule, you must make sure that your car does not break down more than twice a year. So, if you are experiencing such issues every couple of months, you must start looking for a replacement. Relatively poor mileage Typically, newly launched car models provide better gas mileage than their older counterparts. While this may not seem like an issue at first, poor gas mileage would mean you are spending excessive money on gas. Here, it can prove beneficial to buy a new car that provides better gas mileage, helping you save money over time.

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.

An oil change is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. You can either get it done at the garage for a premium or change the oil yourself with the right set of tools. Although the process seems straightforward, there is room for errors here that can affect vehicle performance. From missing key steps to using the wrong type of oil, here are a few common oil change mistakes to avoid: Overfilling or underfilling the engine You should pay attention to the oil levels and the recommended amount of oil the engine needs. If you fill it up to the brim, the fluid will leak into the gaskets and pistons, stalling the engine. If you add too little oil, excessive friction will damage the engine. You need to add just the right amount as per the user manual. Choosing the wrong type of oil The right oil type can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions. Premium synthetic motor oil is built to survive weather changes due to its high viscosity and resistance to oxidation. Some owners may prefer high-mileage oils that improve engine performance and boost mileage. Generic or conventional motor oils, the cheapest option, are ideal for simple engine designs and regular driving conditions.

Learning to drive can help one commute to different locations independently. For many, driving changes from a necessary skill to a passion. However, since drivers are single-handedly in charge of their vehicles, they must always be vigilant to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, the country witnesses approximately six million car accidents each year. Hence, in addition to understanding the technicalities of driving, new drivers should avoid certain common mistakes to ensure safety: Refusing to wear a seatbelt Seatbelts are meant to ensure that drivers and passengers are safe inside their vehicles, even in the event of a car crash. Thus, drivers should request that all passengers, particularly those in the passenger seats, fasten their seatbelts to prevent the risk of injuries during car accidents or sudden jerks. Speeding As per statistical reports, speeding accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Individual state legislatures have established specific speed limits for different types of roads. Drivers should look for signs bearing speed limits and follow them to avoid speeding. Texting or speaking on the phone while driving According to data from the American Automobile Association, texting is the cause of 12% of vehicle crashes in the country. Texting typically involves using both hands; moreover, it requires one to comprehend the messages and actively develop suitable responses.

Frequent motor servicing is expensive, but a Ford engine needs regular oil changes to keep it functioning optimally. Luckily, many dealerships offer coupons for a discounted oil change. Depending on your car model, your engine will require either synthetic, semi-synthetic, regular, or premium oil. Once you know the type of oil that needs to be replaced, look for a service center that has it, and check out these coupons for your Ford motor. These will make an oil change a lot more affordable. The Works® Package coupon Almost every Ford dealership is familiar with the popular Works® package coupon. With this deal, you get six quarts of Motorcraft® oil, which is a high-quality synthetic blend. The costs differ depending on if the vehicle needs premium oil; it will cost something around an additional $30 dollars. If you want to avail of this offer, get in touch with a local dealership and ask them if they accept this particular Ford Motors coupon for oil change. The Works® Package also includes brake inspection, battery test, and filter check, along with oil replacement. Santa Margarita Ford Express Service Santa Margarita Ford, based in California, is an automotive venture that specializes in Ford motor servicing.

If you’re planning on visiting your grandmother in Orlando or have simply decided to take a trip to Vegas, you will be needing a rental car. However, there are a million different options out there making it difficult to trust a service. Fortunately, some websites help you find a trustworthy rental company, compare rates, and book directly. Let’s take a look at where to find affordable and reliable rental cars. Rentalcars.com If you’re looking for cheap and trustworthy rental cars, this is the site to visit. After filling in details like pick up and drop location and time, you will be presented with a list of rental car services across different platforms. From car rental compare rates to a wide selection ranging from basic cars to fancy ones, rentalcars.com will help you find the best ride. CarRentals.com CarRentals.com helps you select from different cars such as sedans, convertible, and even sports cars. You can easily compare rates, filter your options, and book the perfect car for you in three easy steps. You can also add rental protection for around $10/day at the checkout. Unfortunately, drivers under the age of 25 and over 70 may have to pay a surcharge. KAYAK You can rent everything from hatchbacks and SUVs to luxury models and pick-up trucks at KAYAK.