Vehicles are usually a huge investment for many people, so leaving them uninsured and without financial protection can be a big mistake. Getting car or auto insurance is crucial for protecting your vehicle in case of theft or accidents. Additionally, most states have strict rules regarding insurance coverage for your vehicle. However, buying auto insurance requires careful consideration and research. So, check out these common mistakes to avoid when buying auto insurance. Not understanding your requirements Before shopping for an insurance policy, you need to figure out the kind of coverage you need. This is important as states can have different regulations on vehicle insurance and can set minimum coverage requirements that you need to follow. But, do not choose your policy solely based on the minimum requirements. Instead, take a closer look at your vehicle and personal safety needs. Consider factors like the vehicle type as well as the model, the cost of the vehicle, and your experience driving said vehicle as well as the usage. Of course, it is always safer to opt for full coverage, but this can often be quite expensive. Try to look for more affordable options that align with your needs and your budget.

SUVs have become a favorite among car buyers for several reasons. Plush interiors, stylish exteriors, and modern technology are just a few factors that set them apart from sedans. SUVs also have engines capable of taking on most terrains easily and sufficient cargo space for long tours. Moreover, they are available in gas, hybrid, and fully electric variants. Here are a few popular electric and luxury SUVs worth the upgrade. Kia Telluride The 2023 Kia Telluride has a refreshed interior, modernized bumpers and grille, and trendy 18- to 20-inch wheel designs, making it a worthy upgrade over last year’s model. On the performance front, you get a standard 291-horsepower V6 engine. The SUV starts at just $35,690. Volvo XC40 Recharge The 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge’s electric variant has twin motors that can generate up to 402 horsepower. It can travel up to 223 miles on a full charge. The base model starts at $53,550 and has several standard driver assistance, safety, and connectivity features. Volvo XC60 Recharge The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge Hybrid offers a combined power output of up to 455 horsepower for a starting price of $57,200. You can also go for the gas variant of the Volvo XC60, starting at $43,450.

Buying a new car is fun, but you must evaluate various factors before choosing a brand and model. This includes vital safety features that ensure the driver and passengers remain safe on the road. Thanks to technological advancements, many SUVs now have pedestrian detection, collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and other systems that ensure maximum safety. Here is a list of the safest SUVs of 2023 to consider and their features. Ford Bronco Sport One of the safest SUVs in the market, the Ford Bronco Sport stands at the top. This crossover SUV comes loaded with numerous safety features and has received stellar ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its notable safety features are automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors. Furthermore, the evasive steering assist feature rounds out the car’s crash-prevention abilities. Subaru Ascent Subaru has long been known for manufacturing safe vehicles. The Subaru Ascent has scored a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and received the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. All Subaru Ascent models have standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane-keep assist, steering-sensitive headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system.

E-bikes are geared bicycles powered by an electric motor to enhance the vehicle’s speed and performance. These bikes are getting increasingly popular since they can be pedaled as regular bicycles and switched to an electric driving mode whenever necessary. This feature makes it an ideal vehicle for casual excursions, exercising, as well as commuting. But with various e-bike sizes and features available, one can choose the wrong one without proper research.  Here are some common mistakes to avoid for first-timers. Overlooking the e-bike specifications and classes Electric bikes are primarily classified based on their top speed and throttle availability. Class 1 bikes get powered only by peddling and boast a top speed of 20mph. Class 2 types are equipped with a throttle so that the bike can move with the touch of a button. Class 2 e-bikes come with a 20 mph top speed as well. On the other hand, Class 3 e-bikes do not have a throttle, but their top speed goes up to 28mph. This also means that Class 3 types are not allowed on bike paths. So, knowing these options is important to buy a bike that suits one’s needs. Apart from this, understanding safety specifications like hydraulic disc brakes is also crucial to make a sound decision.

Buying an electric vehicle can be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, like which brands to trust, how different driving an electric car will be, and what limitations you will be committing to in the long term. All these queries must be addressed with thorough research and detailed conversation with an expert. In addition, it is crucial to avoid the common mistakes people make while buying an electric vehicle. Being unaware of incentives Buying an electric car is economical and environment-friendly, but did you know that the government also applauds you for this decision? The federal government offers a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 on the purchase of eligible electric cars. This move has encouraged many to buy electric vehicles, increasing their demand. However, the incentive usually applies to the first couple thousand electric vehicles a manufacturer sells. So, you will have to research and select a reliable manufacturer that has not exceeded this sales figure. Besides benefiting from the federal tax credit, check if your state offers a savings program for electric car buyers. Not knowing the range Before heading to the dealership, you should ask yourself why you need the electric vehicle. Is it just for quick shopping trips or daily commutes?

Pickup trucks are vehicles widely preferred by businesses thanks to their hauling and towing capabilities. Many leading automakers have designed a dizzying variety of pickup trucks equipped with modern technology. However, maintaining this vehicle can be a costly affair if not done right. Truck drivers can make certain rookie mistakes while on the road at the start of their careers. Since truck driving demands maximum concentration, such mistakes can cost them more. Overloading the cargo Pickup trucks come with varying cargo or load capacities. Some can haul one ton, some half a ton, while some trucks carry three-quarters of a ton. Ignoring the specified cargo capacity and overloading the vehicle causes stress on the truck’s mechanical components like suspension, brakes, and metal built. It also reduces the driver’s stopping power and may lead to tire blowouts. Those unaware of the load capacity can refer to the factory sticker on the vehicle’s body or look up the model details on the automaker’s website. Not distributing cargo weight evenly The pickup truck may lose balance if the cargo weight is not distributed uniformly throughout the trailer, especially during steep turns. Moreover, problems including tyre, wheel, axle, and structural failure can result from unequal weight distribution.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers provide a comfortable living arrangement on a road trip. But since they are more expensive than traditional vehicles, you must research well before spending your hard-earned money. Unfortunately, many people hurry their purchase and end up with something that does not fit their needs. This post lists a few serious mistakes to avoid when buying an RV or trailer so that you enjoy the open roads worry-free. Ignoring used models While purchasing a brand-new vehicle provides a fulfilling experience, do not brush aside used models without giving them a thought. A used RV may require additional maintenance, cosmetic upgrades, and extra refurbishment time, but you will pay much less than a new RV and save on insurance costs. Not inspecting the vehicle The salespeople at a dealership might coax you into signing up for a particular RV by describing its best features. But do not finalize the deal unless you have checked the vehicle thoroughly, especially in the case of a used model. You do not want to spend big money on an RV only to discover piping leaks after a few months of use. Not considering your needs Buy an RV only after understanding why you need it.

A car is a significant investment, so you must pay attention to its maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly for years. Moreover, the older a car gets, the more upkeep, care, and maintenance it requires. Otherwise, you may have to shell out more for repairs and damages. So, one must ensure they regularly get their car checked by a professional and know these common car maintenance mistakes to steer clear of. Forgetting to check the tire pressure Most car owners think the purpose of checking tire pressure is to avoid flat tires. While this is a reason enough, looking at the fuel economy is also essential. When the tires lack air, the car will consume far more gas than necessary. So avoid this maintenance mistake, and check whether the tires’ air pressure is optimal with a fuel gauge. The pressure should be as indicated in the owner’s manual. Another common mistake is forgetting to do tire rotation regularly. This will help the tires last longer. Forgetting to do oil changes In the case of a new car, there is minimal need for oil changes. So most new car owners ignore this aspect during regular car maintenance. However, even a new car requires engine oil changes every 8,000 to 10,000 miles.

None of the working parts of a vehicle, including the engine, can last an eternity. But you can extend the life of an engine by regularly changing the oil. This helps keep the parts of the engine lubricated, allowing the vehicle to perform optimally. However, if key steps are overlooked while changing the oil, the engine and its components can be damaged. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid making while replacing engine oil: Forgetting to warm up the engine Oil cannot flow well at a cold temperature, so you may not be able to drain out all of it if the engine is not warmed up first. Missing this step may result in deposits in the engine parts, damaging the components. So, before draining the engine oil, start the vehicle and let it rev for about 5–10 minutes. Doing so will heat the oil, which may help you drain most of it easily. Not changing the oil filter The oil filter is responsible for screening contaminants from entering the engine. So not changing the filter for a long time could lead to poor filtration and flow of engine oil, leading to internal damage. While not changing the oil filter may save you a couple of bucks today, a damaged engine will cost much more to fix in the future.

Changing a flat tire is a deceptively complicated process. Sure, it does need some know-how, but it’s essentially about a few basic components and the effort required. Unsurprisingly, it is also a process in which many mistakes are frequently made. Unfortunately, installing a car tire incorrectly can affect the fuel efficiency and overall drivability of the vehicle. To avoid those outcomes, here are some common mistakes to avoid when changing a tire: Using incorrect jacking techniques One needs to know precisely how to use a jack to make lifting their vehicle safe for themselves. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing how to use it. However, any mistakes made while jacking up the car may lead to injuries or damage to the vehicle. Therefore, if one does not know how to use it, calling a 24-hour roadside assistance company is advisable. The professional sent by the company will demonstrate how to lift the vehicle safely and securely change the tire as perfectly as possible. Forgetting to tighten the nuts and bolts A car tire, its wheel, and the spare tire contain several nuts and bolts that help to fix or remove them from the vehicle’s frame. When one fastens a spare tire to the vehicle, they need to screw the nuts and bolts tightly so that the tire stays snugly fit inside the wheel well of the car.