Changing your vehicle’s engine oil sounds straightforward enough. You can either replace it professionally at the local garage or DIY the entire task at home. Nevertheless, it is a necessary step that should not be skipped to improve engine performance and efficiency. Timely engine maintenance will save you thousands of dollars in repair ahead. So, if you decide to change the engine oil at home, avoid making these common mistakes. Using the wrong type of oil Not all vehicle engines run on the same oil type for lubrication. It varies depending on the type of car and driving conditions. You can either use conventional motor oil, the cheapest of all variants or switch to a synthetic blend that provides better viscosity and resistance to drastic oxidation caused by changing weather conditions. Alternatively, consider using high-mileage oils that are both pocket and environment-friendly. Not checking the proper oil levels You need to fill in the right amount of oil that needs to be used for optimal engine function. Overfilling the engine causes the lubricating oil to leak inside the gaskets and stall the engine. And using very little oil increases friction and causes premature wear of the components that make up the engine.

Your vehicle has several components that must be kept in good working condition to ensure a smooth and safe drive. Everything right from the windshield wipers to the brake calipers, checks should be done regularly to ensure repairs and replacements are done on time. However, there are certain vehicle maintenance tasks that are often overlooked unintentionally. To help you avoid critical mistakes, here are four essential car maintenance tasks you should never neglect.  Ignoring warning lights Hove you ever noticed those tiny colorful icons blinking on the dashboard? Those are warning lights that you should not ignore. They indicate potential battery issues, engine failures, and electrical component shorts. You should always get it checked at the earliest as delaying maintenance can result in hefty repair costs or even the replacement of parts that are not covered under warranty. Skipping fluid checks The engine and other moving parts installed in any vehicle require lubrication to perform smoothly. You should never ignore the oil levels, as leaks can cause a complete component breakdown due to friction. It’s also crucial to monitor brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant levels to prevent overheating and potential leaks. Don’t neglect these important maintenance tasks for your vehicle’s longevity and safety.

Taking care of a car may feel like caring for a pet. Just like one would want the best food, health care, and products for their pet, car owners must use the best products and most reliable services to extend the life of their vehicles. However, missing key steps while maintaining a car can undo all the work carried out to keep the automobile running. So, here are a few car maintenance mistakes to avoid: Not checking the tire pressure One may overlook the importance of checking the tire pressure of their cars periodically. While one may check for deflation, even inflated tires may have low pressure. So, a cursory glance might not be enough. In most cases, issues with tire pressure will not be visible to the naked eye. Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel efficiency. One needs to keep an eye on the tire pressure, as it tends to decrease quickly, especially when the car is driven on a pothole-ridden road. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can also affect the tire pressure. Not replacing old air filters Air and fuel filters help the engine function smoothly. However, old and worn-out filters can contribute to poor performance. Filters are relatively inexpensive to change.

If you want to purchase a used car, you are not alone since it is a booming market with hugely advantageous deals. Getting a pre-owned vehicle is not only more economical, you can save on registration fees, taxes, and depreciation. That said, it is high on maintenance and can put you in a debt cycle if you select the wrong one. So, here is a list of things to check before buying a used car. Key factors to check when buying a used car Get the vehicle’s history The foremost step is to check the history report of the used car. You will need the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number for this. A vehicle history report helps you understand its collision history, flood or fire damage, clear title status, ownership details, odometer readings, maintenance and service history, sales information, and recalls. Conduct an interior and exterior inspection Once you are satisfied with the vehicle history, you need to conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection. Check the wheel rims and hubcaps for curb rash and inspect the paint color for scratches. You also need to inspect the condition of the lights, steering wheel, brake, accelerator, upholstery, windows, and driver controls, among other things.

Crossover SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their exceptional performance, superior comfort, modern interiors and exteriors, and stellar entertainment features. However, the best benefit is unparalleled safety because of increased weight and a larger body. If you’re looking to bring home a safe crossover SUV, this is the right page. Below, we’ve listed four crossover SUVs acclaimed for their safety standards by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 2022 Cadillac XT6 The 2022 Cadillac XT6 is priced at around $54,000 for the AWD Premium Luxury trim. The safety features include an HD rear vision camera, vehicle diagnostics, and rear parking assistance. 2022 Acura RDX Cross-traffic alerts, dedicated blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors are some of the safety features available with the Acura RDX. The SUV’s price starts at around $41,000. 2022 Volvo XC90 The Volvo XC90 is known for collision alerts, driver assistance, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and monitoring. The XC90 is available starting at about $50,000. 2022 Ford Explorer Starting at about $33,000, the 2022 Ford Explorer is spacious and comfortable. The standard Terrain Management System™ and Intelligent 4WD with seven selectable driving modes make the driver feel confident on most terrains. Servicing the SUV Servicing the vehicle is necessary for the best performance over the years.

In the past few years, there has been a huge wave of crossover SUV releases in the auto market. Vehicles of this segment have become hugely popular thanks to their compact style and spacious interiors. The crossover segment attracts both first-time buyers as well as people looking to upscale their driving experience. Those in search of a combination of rugged styling and top-notch safety features must have a look at these four crossover SUVs. Hyundai Kona This subcompact crossover generated quite a bit of buzz when it was launched. Hyundai’s Kona is a perfect blend of bold styling, superior on-road presence, and an elevated driving position. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers a powerful punch that lets it zip effortlessly on city streets and cruise smoothly on freeways. The Hyundai Kona has some of the best safety features, including Electronic Stability Control, Cruise-control Steering Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Side Impact Beams, and Dual Stage Driver and Seat-Mounted Passenger Side Airbags. Nissan Rogue® Nissan has been one of the top performers in the automobile sector. The 2022 Rogue is one of the most stylish crossover SUVs that comes with modern interior tech. Apart from the rugged design and a comfortable ride, the Rogue is packed with advanced safety features.

Auto insurance or better known as vehicle insurance/car insurance, seems like a hassle until you need it. It might not seem very important to you, but it protects you and your car against a variety of factors. As you begin to look for the best auto insurance, you begin to realize it is no easy task. But don’t you worry. If done right, you can find the right one easily. 6 mistakes to avoid while buying auto insurance You pay auto insurance hoping that you don’t have to end up using it. In cases like these, you obviously don’t want to end up paying a lot of money. But while trying to save money there, you do not want to make mistakes that might cost you more. Here are some mistakes to avoid while buying auto insurance: Not looking around Choosing the right auto insurance is not a walk in the park. It is undoubtedly as important as choosing the right car. So, if you want to save money and also choose the right auto insurance, you should ideally start your research much before you have to buy it so that you have the time to sit down and go through multiple options to choose the right one for you.

Getting the right auto insurance is as important as finding the right car. But there are many pitfalls when buying auto insurance that can prevent you from getting the best coverage and cost you hundreds of dollars a year. To avoid getting stuck with paying high insurance bills over the years, here at the mistakes below and be sure to avoid these when buying auto insurance. Buying the minimum liability coverage Although every state has its minimum coverage requirements, this does not include the full cost of a crash. Purchasing the minimum legal protection implies that you are willing to pay for the remaining difference between your total liability and coverage. Getting more protection to help you relieve any liabilities is always a better idea. Buying too much coverage Like buying too little coverage is a mistake, getting over-insured also does not make sense and is a waste of money. For example, an older vehicle will not require a collision and comprehensive coverage. Also, beware of policy add-ons as well. If you are already a member of an automobile club, you do not need roadside assistance and towing. Pay attention to what you have and what is covered in the insurance policy to avoid paying extra.

Driving a truck is no simple business as it involves many risks. Nearly all goods shipped across the country from major ports make their way inland after being brought in by a network of heavy-duty vehicles. It is a reason why truckers get paid big for long-haul cargo. The freight’s value also determines how much money can be made in a single trip. However, first-time drivers should be wary of some rookie mistakes during trips. Misgauging distance Big rigs take more time to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. Not gauging the distance properly could lead truckers to careen into the vehicle in front. This could even happen while changing lanes without leaving space for the trailer in the back, as it will swerve sharply at high speeds. Breaching speed limits Driving fast is necessary to maintain the highway speed limit. But that does not mean one should drive rashly. It is also not very cool to tailgate other vehicles and prompt them to speed. If the driver ahead loses control, this could result in a catastrophic accident. Sleep deprived driving When it comes to truck driving, deadlines are a crucial factor. But truckers are more likely to make silly driving mistakes that could result in a major accident if they don’t take adequate time to relax and cool down.

SUVs, also known as sports utility vehicles, are large, family-sized vehicles frequently seen on the road. They are among the safest and most spacious cars on the market, and because of their excellent fuel economy, they are also suitable for daily use. There are too many factors to consider when selecting the right type of car, which can make the process tedious. Here are the top features to look for when purchasing an SUV. Size requirement The majority of SUVs can seat at least five people. Many mid-sized and full-sized models come with a third-row seat option, bringing the total number of seats up to six or eight. However, cargo space in three-row SUVs is limited when the third-row seats are upright. Knowing what size you need before going to the dealer will make the process much easier. Type of SUV There are two types of SUVs: crossovers and conventional. Crossovers are often smaller and have better handling like a car, whereas conventional vehicles drive more like trucks and frequently have more power or towing capacity. Consider either, depending on your driving style and whether your new vehicle will be hauling trailers or heavy loads. Safety options Another important factor to consider when buying an SUV is its overall safety.

The first thing people tend to look for when buying an SUV is the list of its safety features. Safety is key in determining whether a car will make the cut. Luckily, you don’t have to be the sole judge of whether or not the functions provided are good enough. Organizations like IIHS and NHTSA do the hard lifting and test these cars for us. And their ratings help determine which are the safest rides. 2022 Tesla Model Y Like the other SUVs on this list, the Tesla Model Y has a high rating from both IIHS and the NHTSA. The base models come with the standard safety features you expect from a modern-day SUV. However, if you wish to experience the car’s self-driving capability, it would require shelling out an extra $10,000 or more. The package unlocks parking assistance, autonomous lane changing, traffic light assistance, and other similar features. 2022 Mazda CX-5 The 2022 Mazda CX-5 was awarded a five-star safety rating by the NHTSA. Digging deeper, we found that car got five stars for the rollover test and four for the side and front crash tests. It was also named in the top safest SUVs list by the IIHS.