The number of truck accidents in our country is rising. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,588 crashes in 2020 involving at least one large truck or bus. And this figure hasn’t improved. Most truck accidents occur due to simple errors by drivers. Keep reading to learn more about these common mistakes and how one can avoid them to reduce the risk of fatal accidents. Driving while drowsy When a person drives a truck continuously for hours, it can cause tiredness and burnout. This can, in turn, lead to drowsy driving, where truck drivers struggle to stay awake. They end up pushing themselves to continue driving, which puts a lot of strain. Tight deadlines also force truckers to drive long distances without much rest, leading to accidents on the road. Federal law states that truck drivers can drive only 11 hours during a 14-hour shift. It also says they must spend ten consecutive hours away from the wheel after their shift before returning to the road. Unfortunately, these guidelines are often overlooked. Ignoring  blind spots Blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” are specific spots around the truck where other vehicles aren’t visible to the driver.

Replacing the engine oil in your car yourself can be cheaper and more convenient than getting it done at a repair shop. However, a DIY oil change requires considerable caution to prevent missing key steps. But if you have some experience with car maintenance, replacing the engine oil can be a simple procedure, not taking longer than 30 minutes. Nevertheless, make sure that you steer clear of the following mistakes when replacing the engine oil: Not setting up the work area Changing the engine oil of your car is an essential service, and you have to prepare before you get down to work. You have to be ready with the tools—ramp, jack stand, wrench, and oil drain pan—and other equipment. Looking for a tool you need in the middle of changing the oil is not an ideal situation. So, before you start, read through your car’s manual and learn about the oil type, capacity, and frequency of replacing oil and get the required tools for the job. Not warming up the engine Old oil can flow from the engine easily when it is warm enough. Cold oil can stick to the surface and take a while to drain, leaving behind a residue.

You may want to hold on to your car for a lifetime. While taking good care of the vehicle can extend its life, some issues can cost a lot of money to fix. Further, even the most durable car can become impractical over time. Newer cars may have better technology and safety features, helping you save money in the long run. So, here are a few telltale signs that you need a new car: Frequent breakdowns and repairs Most vehicles need repairs from time to time and regular maintenance. However, if the car begins to break down often, it is a clear sign that you may need to get a new one.  As a rule, you must make sure that your car does not break down more than twice a year. So, if you are experiencing such issues every couple of months, you must start looking for a replacement. Relatively poor mileage Typically, newly launched car models provide better gas mileage than their older counterparts. While this may not seem like an issue at first, poor gas mileage would mean you are spending excessive money on gas. Here, it can prove beneficial to buy a new car that provides better gas mileage, helping you save money over time.

Travel provides a much-needed retreat from mundane life. However, there’s nothing better than exploring new lands in a home away from home. Recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers offer people this incredible advantage. Many RVs have modern facilities, including solar panels, water heaters, and television sets. This also means they require thorough upkeep for long-term performance. Here are a few of the most common maintenance mistakes RV owners should avoid. Not checking for water damage Water damage may eventually result in mold and mildew growth in the vehicle, accelerating wear and tear and increasing the risk of other problems. Therefore, one must check all the seals and look for signs of leakages and damage due to water seepage. In case of such issues, one should immediately replace the seals so the problem does not escalate. Using the wrong toilet paper Interestingly, RV bathrooms can develop serious plumbing issues if one uses regular toilet paper. RV toilet papers have a different glue or binder, which allows the material to break down faster. Owners should stay up-to-date with the importance of these unique toilet papers and avoid investing in the regular ones while setting out on a journey. Carrying out RV maintenance all by oneself Although one may have sound knowledge of RVs and their maintenance requirements, it may not always be possible or wise to carry out maintenance by oneself.

Car owners must be prepared to handle extra expenses, such as car maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts, including the tires. The tires are one of the most used parts of the car and must be regularly replaced after driving for specific miles or if the tread seems worn off. With the cost of tires steadily increasing, one may wish to save money while buying new tires. Here are a few tips that can help. Buy tires at the right time Many tire manufacturers and retailers may offer promotions and discounts during October and April. This is because many consumers may want to replace their tires before a change in weather conditions. So, tire sales go up right before winter sets in October and before the rains begin in April. Therefore, these are the months when consumers can expect a lot of low prices on new tires. Look out for deals and rebates Manufacturers may not restrict sales to the beginning of winter or rain. Retailers offer discounts and rebates on various occasions throughout the year. For instance, a retailer might have an anniversary offer, during which they roll out different deals and discounts on new tires. Moreover, consumers can also take advantage of various sales that begin with the holiday season to save money while buying new tires.

Over the past few years, electric SUVs have gained significant popularity, and for good reason. Electric vehicles, or EVs, are better for the environment than conventional cars. Additionally, they are known to be more efficient with low long-term costs. However, purchasing an electric SUV comes with its pitfalls, which can often prove quite expensive in the future. To avoid such a situation, here are some common mistakes to watch out for when buying electric SUVs. Not exploring incentives Buying an electric SUV gives access to a lot of incentives. For example, the federal government provides tax credits of over $7,000. However, if a car buyer does their research beforehand, they will find that this tax credit applies only to the first 200,000 EVs of a car manufacturer. If someone purchases an electric SUV from a well-known automaker, they will not be eligible for a federal tax credit. However, the state or the electric company may still provide certain programs that offer significant tax credits, cash rebates, reduced vehicle taxes, and exemptions on the electric SUV. Therefore, it is always advisable to research the various incentives while buying an electric SUV. Not researching charging options Many people buy an electric SUV without access to charging points or public charging networks.

Purchasing a vehicle is a big commitment and cannot be done without proper research. So, before deciding, it is important to consider certain vehicle features to determine if they suit the buyer’s needs. This is why when it comes to buying a truck, RAM vehicles are a popular and trusted choice amongst consumers. This article discusses some of the important things to consider when buying a RAM truck. Read on to learn more. Towing capacity When it comes to towing capacity, RAM truck models are well known for their powerful technology. Depending on one’s needs, one can choose the best model. For example, the RAM 1500s is known to pull a weight of up to 12,750 tons. With such a good towing capacity, the vehicle can easily tow a boat or trailer. Moreover, one can also take a look at the RAM 2500s and 3500s, which have different towing capabilities. It is important to have a detailed discussion with the dealership about their specific features to determine which best suits one’s needs. Some technological advancements have been made in these vehicles to enhance the towing feature. So here are some factors to consider: Air suspension system:  This allows the truck to hitch up the fifth wheel, gooseneck, and other conventional trailers easily to the truck.

The market for used cars, especially the well-maintained ones with low mileage, is thriving, and one can leverage this demand for good deals. Those looking to sell their cars online can find numerous dedicated automotive platforms that help them list their vehicles. However, the process may require a little more research and careful consideration, from assessing the market and pricing the car right to managing negotiations and paperwork. Here is what one should know: How to sell a used car online? 1. Prepare the car for sale The first step is to inspect the car for issues that may affect its chances of sale. One can prepare the car by getting it repainted and fixing mechanical issues. One should have all documents, including service records, smog compliance certificate, title, and warranty, in place to make the process smooth and hassle-free. 2. Create an online listing There are several second-hand car-selling platforms. Research well and opt for trustworthy websites with mostly positive user reviews. A good listing for a used car online should consist of high-quality pictures of the car from different angles and all the necessary details like its model, color, mileage, and condition. 3. Set a price The price can attract or detract potential buyers online.