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.

Changing the oil on your vehicle may look straightforward enough. But often, the simplest tasks are the ones that can result in unexpected problems if you are not paying attention. Just investing in premium quality oil to keep the engine running is not enough; you also need to follow the proper steps to ensure there are no engine troubles arising from poor maintenance. Here are a few simple tips to get you started right. 6 useful tips for a successful DIY oil change Buy the right oil You cannot just use one motor oil for different vehicles. Note that motor oil comes in different forms of density and viscosity, each formula unique to the engine that needs servicing. So, before comparing the best brands to buy premium motor oil, check and confirm if it matches the engine and vehicle configuration. Your vehicle manufacturer will mention the type of motor oil suggested for the current make, year, and model. Do it step by step The first thing to do is use the correct size wrench and unplug the oil filter. You need to first unlock the pan screw and allow the old engine oil to drain. It is better to use a jack to lift up the car so that you have more space to work with rather than trying to fit under the vehicle when it is sitting level.

Pickup drivers, typically beginners, often find themselves navigating a learning curve filled with trials and errors. While owning a pickup truck can be exhilarating and practical, it comes with its set of challenges. This article explores some rookie mistakes pickup truck drivers should be mindful of to ensure road safety and their vehicles’ durability. By steering clear of these errors, novice drivers can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable journey with their pickup trucks. Overloading the truck bed One of the most common mistakes new pickup truck drivers make is overloading the bed. It can be tempting to pile on a heavy load, but exceeding the vehicle’s payload capacity can lead to dangerous handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and excessive wear and tear on the truck’s suspension and brakes. One should consult the truck’s owner’s manual to determine its maximum payload and adhere to it. Moreover, weight should be distributed evenly, and appropriate tie-downs should be used to secure cargo. Ignoring towing capacity Understanding and respecting the towing capacity is paramount for those who use their pickup trucks for towing. Novice drivers may attempt to tow loads that exceed the truck’s limits, jeopardizing safety on the road. To avoid this mistake, one should confirm the truck’s towing capacity and ensure the trailer and load fall within those limits.

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.

Buying a used automobile comes with its risks and benefits. You buy cars for a lower on-road price and have the luxury of modifying them to your liking. But also, you need to verify every purchase-related factor as this is not a factory or dealership-sold vehicle. Also, it doesn’t matter if you are buying for the first time or have bought one before. Here are 5 used car buying mistakes to avoid. Not knowing your type of vehicle Not knowing what type of vehicle you need is one of the common mistakes to absolutely avoid. Don’t just browse the market and go for the cheapest deal. You should always start with a basic budget and compare automobile brands that offer vehicles for that purchase price. Also, price should not be the only determining factor as you must find a vehicle suitable for daily driving. For example, don’t buy a sports sedan when you actually should buy a large six SUV at that same price for family use. Not taking a test drive Used vehicles should always be taken for a long test drive. Remember, this vehicle has not come fresh from the factory manufacturing unit and is transported straight into the showroom.

Beginning a new career, especially one that involves driving across the country, can be exciting. Truck drivers transport everyday essentials, whether it’s phones, clothes, or construction materials, making their job crucial for the functioning of businesses and households. However, many rookie drivers can make mistakes in their first few days on the job. Some such mistakes can cause significant damage to life and property. So, here are common lapses that rookie truck drivers should avoid: Going too fast Truck driving regulations in the country allow up to 20,000 pounds per single axle and up to 34,000 pounds per tandem axle, meaning the load can exert a lot of pressure on the wheels. Driving too fast may result in a loss of control and subsequent overturning of the vehicle or an accident. This is why it is best to practice caution while driving the truck, and remember that an accident can slow you down way more than driving at reduced speeds. Rookie drivers should be even more careful when going downhill, as downshifting and slowing down may become tougher in that stretch of road. Ignoring road signs One of the most common rookie truck driver mistakes is not paying attention to road signs.

All vehicles come with moving mechanical parts that grind against each other. Here’s where one needs to add oil to the engine and other vehicle components to ensure these parts move smoothly. However, engine oil can lose viscosity with time and must be changed regularly. But a person may make several mistakes when replacing the oil in a vehicle. Here are six errors to avoid to improve the lifespan of a vehicle. Not warming up the engine Engine oil at cooler temperatures might be sluggish when drained from the engine. This may increase the time it takes to drain the oil. What’s worse is that the liquid will not fully drain from the engine, and there will be residue still stuck in the engine parts. So before draining the engine oil, a person must start the vehicle and let it run on idle for about five to ten minutes. Idling the engine will bring the oil up to the normal operating temperature, ensuring it drains correctly. Putting back the drain plug incorrectly Most people are oblivious to how tight they should make the drain plug when they screw it back on. Some people leave it loose and end up staining the interstate and stalling halfway through their journey.

When it comes to versatility, pickup trucks are almost unbeatable. They come with ample cargo space and excellent towing capacity. Due to their practicality and popularity, several automobile brands today offer pickup trucks with different features and specs. If one is looking to buy a new pickup truck, regardless of the size, there are various options to choose from. Among the popular ones available now, here are the top five pickup trucks to consider buying. Chevrolet Colorado If one is looking for a midsize pickup truck with the latest features, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the best options available. It is known for its off-roading capacity and rugged exterior. For a midsize truck, the Chevrolet Colorado also manages to impress in terms of towing as it offers a max capacity of 7700 pounds. All four trims of the pickup truck come with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which offers decent power. The truck is also ideal for those looking for good fuel efficiency, as it offers a combined mileage of around 20 to 25 mpg. GMC Canyon The 2024 GMC Canyon is another great option for a midsize pickup truck. Its engine is similar to that of the Colorado, which is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 310 hp.

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.

RAM is among the most trusted names when it comes to pickup trucks. They provide a wide range of options that offer comfort, reliability, connectivity, safety, and other important features. When chosen right, buying a RAM pickup truck can be highly rewarding. Buying a truck requires significant investment, which can cost highly if the person purchases the wrong pickup truck. To make the right choice, buyers need to avoid the following mistakes: Not checking the cabin size Not checking the cabin size is probably one of the most common mistakes people make when buying a vehicle. Different RAM pickup trucks have different cabin sizes. It is important to consider which size would suit the buyer and let them travel comfortably with the passengers or the luggage. Picking the wrong cabin size may result in people compromising on comfort or not using the truck as often as they had intended. Therefore, when choosing the cabin size, buyers should consider the number of passengers that would be traveling in the truck and the kind of space they would require to be comfortable for longer distances. Unnecessarily opting for diesel Most diesel pickup trucks offer better cargo space and towing capacity due to the added torque that comes with diesel engines.