When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle?
Signs That You Should Consider Upgrading Your Car
Have you been driving an older car for a long time? Are you wondering if it’s time to buy a different vehicle? Your car won’t last forever, even if you take care of it very well. Here are a few common signs to watch for.
[ READ MORE: Why Should I Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One? ]
Your Vehicle is Unsafe to Drive
First and foremost, you should always feel safe inside your car. This includes having a functioning engine, transmission, airbags, seatbelts, etc. If you feel your vehicle is unsafe to drive, you should get it checked out by your mechanic. Depending on what they find, you can then decide to either pay for the repairs or invest in a newer model.
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You are Spending More on Repairs Than the Vehicle is Worth
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Another thing to watch for is the cost of maintenance. Now, let’s say the mechanic tells you that it will cost $3,000 to repair your vehicle. Hearing this, let’s assume you know that your car is worth $2,000. In this case, it wouldn’t make sense to make that repair. Instead, you should look into trading in your current model and use that money as a down payment for a newer and more reliable vehicle.
Your Car No Longer Suits Your Lifestyle
In many cases, drivers upgrade their car not because it’s getting too expensive to maintain or it’s unsafe, but rather due to an evolving lifestyle. Maybe your small car will no longer hold your growing family. Perhaps you wish to do some off-roading, but your current model isn’t built with four-wheel drive. Maybe you need significant towing or hauling power and your vehicle either can’t tow or isn’t able to tow the amount of weight you require. If owning your current model isn’t adequate for your changing needs, it’s time to consider a different vehicle.
You Can Afford the Upgrade
Finally, you should consider upgrading your vehicle if you can afford it. Of course, this isn’t always the case as some unexpected incidents can occur, such as the engine breaking down or getting into a car accident. Whether you are prepared to make the upgrade or are in need of a replacement, you can get the financing you need here at OKCarz. Regardless of your credit score, you can find a reliable vehicle that fits your requirements and budget with us. Contact us and we will help get you started.
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Tips for Potentially Increasing the Value of Your Current Vehicle
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a different vehicle? If you already own a car, chances are, you’re planning on trading it in to lower your payments on the next model. Of course, there are multiple factors that will determine just how much your car is worth, such as year, make, model, mileage, and condition. So, what can you do to ensure that you are receiving the best price for your vehicle? Here’s how you can maximize the trade-in value of your car.
[ READ MORE: When Should I Consider Buying a Different Vehicle? ]
Research Your Current Trade-In Value
First, you should get an idea on where your vehicle currently sits regarding value. Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds are popular tools to calculate current market prices for certain models at its current mileage and condition. These estimates will aid you in negotiating a deal as well as determine if certain repairs are worth the cost.
Detail and Repair Your Vehicle
An easy way to make your car look good is to make sure it looks as clean as possible. Give your car a good wash and vacuum the interior. Before you go to a dealer to receive a quote, you should also remove personal belongings.
You should also consider various repairs. Recall repairs should always be done before getting a quote from a dealer as these repairs are free and could lower your trade-in value if the dealership must do the work. Additionally, while you don’t need to give your vehicle a complete makeover, making it look as good as reasonably possible will help you increase your trade-in value. For instance, if your car is missing paint, get a quote on the cost of this repair. If the potential savings outweigh the cost, it makes sense to get it repaired. Even cheap repairs for scratches and small dents can potentially save you hundreds of dollars. Just remember to not invest too much into your trade-in as no used vehicle is perfect and you may accidentally overpay on repairs.
Are you looking for a reliable vehicle at a great price? Explore our current pre-owned vehicle inventory here at OKCarz. Interested in one of our models? Curious to know how much we will buy your car for? Contact us and we will provide the information you need.
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What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car?
List of Tools Needed to Change a Flat Tire
Noticed that one of your tires have gone flat while driving? Heading out to help a friend with their flat tires and gathering the supplies? See what tools you need to replace a flat tire on a car with our list below.
- Spare tire
- Carjack
- Lug wrench
- Reflective triangles (to alert other drivers if changing on the side of the road)
- Tire pressure gauge (to check the tire pressure of your spare)
- Work gloves (not necessary but recommended)
- Owner’s manual
[ Learn How to Change a Flat Tire with Our Step by Step Guide ]
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Signs of a Bad Power Steering Pump
Have you been noticing some weird things when you turn your steering wheel? Are you hearing strange noises? It’s possible that your car is trying to tell you to get your power steering pump checked out. Here’s how you can tell if your power steering pump is failing.
[ READ MORE: Signs of a Failing Transmission ]
Whining Noises When You Turn the Steering Wheel
Whenever you turn the steering wheel, listen for a whining noise. If you hear one, either your power steering fluid is low or there is something wrong with your power steering pump.
Slow or Stiff Steering Wheel
When the power steering pump starts to fail, you may notice that the steering wheel is slow to respond or is very stiff. This makes turning very hard to do and will certainly cause problems for you as you drive. If this happens, you should get a mechanic to inspect it immediately as you should never have to fight your car for it to turn properly.
Squealing or Groaning Noises
In addition to whining when turning, listen for any squealing. Squealing when starting the engine could indicate a failing power steering pump. Groaning is the most severe noise to hear as the pump is likely going to damage itself and will continue to get worse and worse.
[ READ MORE: When Should I Get a Coolant Flush? ]
If you suspect a failing power steering pump, it’s highly recommended that you get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid any larger repair bills and hassle later. Also, check out the OKCarz blog for more vehicle care tips.
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Ways to Maximize the Life of Car Brakes
Like oil and tires, the health of your brakes in your car needs to be a high priority. Every time you take a drive, you count on your brakes to bring you to a stop when you need it. Of course, brakes aren’t cheap to repair, so it’s best to take good care of them to make sure they last you a long time. Here’s how you can improve the lifespan of your brakes.
[ READ MORE: Signs that Your Brakes Could Be Going Bad ]
Coast to Slow Down
Did you know that changing your driving habits is the best way to ensure that your brakes will last a long time? When driving, you should already be planning ahead on your next movements. If not, you likely find yourself slamming the brakes right before stop signs or traffic lights. Instead, lift your foot off the gas pedal when you see brake lights ahead or the traffic lights turn yellow while you still have plenty of space to stop before you apply the brakes. Not only will coasting to slow down help protect your brakes, but it will improve your safety as the risk of colliding with another vehicle drops dramatically.
Be Gentle with Your Brakes Unless Necessary
Along with coasting to slow down, you should gradually apply the brakes. In other words, apply light braking as you slow down and increase it as the vehicle slows. Basically, you should be reserving hard braking for situations in which you really need it.
Replace Your Brakes as Needed
Even with defensive driving, your brakes will need to get replaced eventually. Have your local mechanic check your brakes whenever you get your vehicle serviced and replace your brakes as needed. This will ensure that you have full stopping power if you must suddenly apply your brakes.
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Are you searching for more ways to take proper care of your vehicle? Explore the OKCarz for more maintenance tips.
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