Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle.

Planning to sell your truck but are confused about the asking price? Well, that is just one of the many factors that you need to consider before listing the vehicle for sale. With the auto market being saturated with preowned and unsold vehicles, paying attention to details can make all the difference if getting a good price for your truck. Here are a few ways to get the highest price for selling your truck: Negotiate with the buyer Don’t say yes to the first deal or offer by the buyer. Always wait and compare the market rates to find the best price for your truck. Being impatient will only make it more difficult to get a decent profit on the deal. Consider a private sale Dealerships can haggle aggressively, so you won’t get the best trade-in value for your truck. So, it is better to compare private-party deals as you will find a significant difference in the trade-in value and the private offer. Why should you miss out on that extra cash simply because you want to avoid the hassle of paperwork and documentation? So, consider organizing a private sale. Determine the true value Before you decide on a price point and sell your truck, you should get a professional appraisal to determine the value of the truck in its present working condition.

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. Holes in the floor, worn-out switchgear, and air conditioning that does not cool the interior quickly are other signs to replace your car.

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.

Learning how to change a flat tire is an important skill on the road. While the basics of driving and dealing with such emergencies are often covered at driving school or by an instructor, there are several things one may not know about changing a flat tire. So, here are a few mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire and how to avoid them for a quick, hassle-free tire change: 1. Being unprepared This is one of the most common mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire. As it is impossible to predict when a tire may go out, drivers must ensure that their cars are always equipped with the following tools: – The owner’s manual, as a guide for finding the jacking points –  A heavy-duty torch – A warning triangle – A high-visibility jacket – The wheel nut key (for locking wheel nuts) – A pump and pressure gauge – Wheel chocks (to prevent vehicle movement) – A jack and wheel wrench – A healthy spare tire 2. Changing tires on an uneven road One must always change the tire on an even surface, as the car may not sit right on the jack on gravel, grass, and slopes, potentially sliding off or shifting.

Tires are among the most essential components of any vehicle. Therefore, tire quality and reliability are two of the most critical aspects of vehicular maintenance. Most people usually purchase tires without considering a range of factors, including speed ratings, load ratings, and size. Doing so can be a major mistake that can affect their vehicles’ overall performance and longevity. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when purchasing tires: 1. Compromising quality for price It is essential to avoid purchasing the cheapest tires available in the market. The quality of such tires can be poor. It is not a given that only the most expensive tires perform well and are reliable. Nevertheless, the best quality tires tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Also, one must purchase tires manufactured by reputed, renowned, and experienced brands to ensure that the tires will last as long as possible. All in all, one must find the right balance between quality and cost-efficiency when buying tires in the market. 2. Buying tires of the wrong size Tires that are incompatible or barely compatible with vehicles in size must be avoided as they can wear out quickly. As a result, if an individual purchases tires of the wrong size, they will have to make frequent replacements.

Buying an SUV is a whole different experience. It is not just about getting a vehicle to travel from one place to another. SUV enthusiasts look for options that offer comfort in daily city driving while being rugged enough to take on adventurous terrain. One renowned brand in this segment is Jeep, which curates impressive compact and full-size SUVs of high quality. Below are some of the best Jeep cars to consider buying. Jeep Grand Cherokee Despite being a rugged SUV, the Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s luxurious options. The base variant is a standard two-row mid-size SUV powered by a V-6 engine that can churn out about 293 hp. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available at a starting price of $36,000, for which one could get infotainment features like an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a standard six-speaker stereo. The car is also ideal for those who want to haul loads such as trailers or boats. Jeep Wrangler The Wrangler starts at $32,000, which is admirable compared to other vehicles in the segment. Under the hood on the base trim, one could get a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, one could opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Ram 1500 Limited is one of the most popular full-size pickup trucks one can find today. The pickup is the perfect blend of luxury and performance because of its powerful engine, stellar design, and modern features. Nevertheless, it is important to know what makes the truck stand out from other pickups in the segment before making a purchase decision. So, here are some of the key features of the RAM 1500 Limited: 1. Good performance The 2024 RAM Limited 1500 comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is capable of generating about 395 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, an eTorque system adds up to 130 lb-ft of supplemental launch torque. 2. Top-notch infotainment The pickup comes with a 12-inch touchscreen to display music information and climate controls. It also offers AM/FM radio and navigation via TomTom—a system that delivers accurate ETAs and instant reroutes based on real-time traffic. One also has the option of adding a head-up display to the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited. 3. Smooth ride The vehicle comes with a four-corner air suspension with an automatic load-leveling feature. The system ensures the 2024 RAM 1500 Limited is balanced and maintains optimal ride height levels on most terrains.