Vehicles require regular maintenance, periodic upgrades, and repairs to keep the engine and chassis in top functioning order. If this is not ensured, the mechanical issues start to mount. Experts advise paying attention to simple but important maintenance tasks to prevent a car breakdown in the middle of the road. The engine oil change is one such crucial task. This article discusses essential mistakes that should be avoided when changing the oil. Read on to learn more. Not heating the engine At any car service center, the provider first heats the engine before draining the oil. However, when you replace the engine oil, you might omit this step. It can be a costly mistake because oil does not flow smoothly when cold. Hence, it will take a long time to drain. Moreover, besides the long wait time for the oil to drain, some oil might be left inside, which would have drained out if it were warm. So, before replacing the engine oil, start the vehicle and let it run for five to ten minutes till it reaches the operating temperature. Not assessing the oil between two oil changes You can take the car to the service center regularly to get the oil checked, or you can do it on your own if you know about it.

In recent years, small pickup trucks have gained much attention in the automotive market for their versatility, practicality, utility, maneuverability, and style. These go-to vehicles are compact yet mighty. They offer a compelling range of features that cater to the needs and preferences of many people in the country. Here are some of the best small pickup trucks from different brands that have stood the test of time and can be considered. Ford Maverick The Ford Maverick is a great pickup truck known for its affordability and everyday use. A key selling point of this five-seater cargo hauler is its compact size, which makes it easier to maneuver in urban environments and park in tight spaces. It offers a spacious and functional interior with practical storage solutions. The truck boasts fuel-efficient powertrains, achieving impressive city mileage between 22-40 MPG and highway figures of 28-33 MPG. With a starting price just over $22,000 and five available trims, it caters to various budgets and preferences. The Maverick’s composed handling makes it suitable for urban driving. It’s available in an optional 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine and AWD. Toyota Tacoma The Toyota Tacoma is a well-regarded small pickup truck known for its rugged reliability. It offers a choice of engines, including a potent V6 and a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, catering to various customers.

Are you looking for a safe, reliable SUV for your family? Look no further. Some of the best SUVs for 2023 come with advanced technology, superior driver assistance features, and safety equipment. They can protect the driver and occupants in a collision and lower the impact of the crash. From luxury to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. So here are the safest SUVs you can find this year: Dodge Hornet The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that prioritizes safety and reliability. The Hornet has advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the Hornet has premium materials and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hornet is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 268-hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV strikes a balance between power and efficiency and delivers good performance. You can look up “Local Dodge dealers near me” and find dealerships that sell the Hornet. You will be able to find great deals on new and used models at a local dealership.

Truck drivers are tasked with transporting goods across the country. Becoming a truck driver can be an exciting and rewarding career path, but candidates need to be aware of the risks that the job entails. Different types of trucks, like flatbed, tanker, pickup, refrigerated, and dump trucks, require different skills and knowledge to operate them safely. Here are ten common mistakes that rookie truck drivers can avoid. Not inspecting the truck properly One of truck drivers’ most common mistakes is not correctly inspecting their vehicle before hitting the road. Therefore, a thorough pre-trip inspection is critical for ensuring the truck is in good working order and safe to drive. This inspection should include checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components, which helps to prevent accidents and breakdowns that can result in costly delays—drivers who neglect to do this risk putting themselves and other drivers on the road in danger. Not getting enough rest Driving a truck for long hours can be exhausting, and drivers must get enough rest to avoid fatigue. Fatigue can impair judgment, reaction time, and attention to detail, all critical for safe driving. Unfortunately, some truck drivers push themselves too hard to meet deadlines or maximize their earning potential.

Driving is an activity that you get better at by doing it regularly. And it’s quite common to make small mistakes during the learning phase. But once you receive the driver’s license, it’s also up to you to ensure proper driving etiquette for city and highway conditions by following the rules. One small mistake or lapse of attention can result in devastating consequences. So, pay attention to these common mistakes to avoid any mishaps.  Not wearing a seatbelt Seatbelts save lives! No matter how uncomfortable or tight the belt feels, it is absolutely necessary to wear it for both passenger and driver. All states mandate it by law and impose hefty fines for drivers caught without a belt. Ignoring speed limits Speeding is one of the most common reasons new drivers get a ticket. Speed zones change when you drive on different roads, and it is important to pay attention to the signs. It is enough to get a ticket even if you are going just a few miles over the limit. It’s important to also pay attention to the speedometer while adjusting the speed unless your vehicle has an auto cruise mode that adjusts the throttle and braking response accordingly.

Trucks are lifelines for the supply chain industry, transporting goods long distances. It is estimated that as many as 13.5 million trucks have been registered nationwide. Moreover, with technological advancement, trucks double as luxurious vehicles for daily commutes and travel. Buying the right truck involves considering the brand, model, and individual specs. Based on more similar factors, here are some of the best trucks one can consider buying today: Ford Maverick This compact truck is easy to navigate and ideal for those looking for mini pickup trucks. The 2024 Ford Maverick has a standard 2-liter engine with four cylinders and is a front-wheel-drive vehicle; however, an all-wheel-drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain are available options. With a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, the vehicle can handle up to 1,500 pounds of payload. It also has plush interiors, including a spacious backseat, storage bins and cubbies, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. The cherry on the cake is an 18-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android. The 2024 Ford Maverick’s starting price is $24,995. Chevrolet Colorado The Chevrolet Colorado boasts the best towing capacity among midsize pickup trucks and the availability of a V6 engine. As such, all Colorados consist of turbocharged 2.7-liter inline four-engine cylinders and eight-speed automatic transmission, with 237 hp for the WT and LT base models.