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.

Learning how to change a flat tire is an important skill on the road. While the basics of driving and dealing with such emergencies are often covered at driving school or by an instructor, there are several things one may not know about changing a flat tire. So, here are a few mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire and how to avoid them for a quick, hassle-free tire change: 1. Being unprepared This is one of the most common mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire. As it is impossible to predict when a tire may go out, drivers must ensure that their cars are always equipped with the following tools: – The owner’s manual, as a guide for finding the jacking points –  A heavy-duty torch – A warning triangle – A high-visibility jacket – The wheel nut key (for locking wheel nuts) – A pump and pressure gauge – Wheel chocks (to prevent vehicle movement) – A jack and wheel wrench – A healthy spare tire 2. Changing tires on an uneven road One must always change the tire on an even surface, as the car may not sit right on the jack on gravel, grass, and slopes, potentially sliding off or shifting.

Tires are among the most essential components of any vehicle. Therefore, tire quality and reliability are two of the most critical aspects of vehicular maintenance. Most people usually purchase tires without considering a range of factors, including speed ratings, load ratings, and size. Doing so can be a major mistake that can affect their vehicles’ overall performance and longevity. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when purchasing tires: 1. Compromising quality for price It is essential to avoid purchasing the cheapest tires available in the market. The quality of such tires can be poor. It is not a given that only the most expensive tires perform well and are reliable. Nevertheless, the best quality tires tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Also, one must purchase tires manufactured by reputed, renowned, and experienced brands to ensure that the tires will last as long as possible. All in all, one must find the right balance between quality and cost-efficiency when buying tires in the market. 2. Buying tires of the wrong size Tires that are incompatible or barely compatible with vehicles in size must be avoided as they can wear out quickly. As a result, if an individual purchases tires of the wrong size, they will have to make frequent replacements.

Buying an SUV is a whole different experience. It is not just about getting a vehicle to travel from one place to another. SUV enthusiasts look for options that offer comfort in daily city driving while being rugged enough to take on adventurous terrain. One renowned brand in this segment is Jeep, which curates impressive compact and full-size SUVs of high quality. Below are some of the best Jeep cars to consider buying. Jeep Grand Cherokee Despite being a rugged SUV, the Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s luxurious options. The base variant is a standard two-row mid-size SUV powered by a V-6 engine that can churn out about 293 hp. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available at a starting price of $36,000, for which one could get infotainment features like an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a standard six-speaker stereo. The car is also ideal for those who want to haul loads such as trailers or boats. Jeep Wrangler The Wrangler starts at $32,000, which is admirable compared to other vehicles in the segment. Under the hood on the base trim, one could get a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Moreover, one could opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission.

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.

Buying an Electric Vehicle (EV) may be the right choice for someone looking for a sustainable and affordable vehicle option. Over the years, there have been many technological developments and improvements in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. This means there is the option of buying efficient cars that are better for the environment. However, there are some things to know and mistakes to avoid before purchasing an electric car. These are as follows: 1. Not claiming tax benefit Individuals who buy a new electric vehicle can qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Apart from this, some state and local rebates give more money. Some of these rebates, in some cases, are even provided by the power companies. 2. Not regularly charging the vehicle EVs run on charge, which is the whole basis of this vehicle. A planned charging schedule is paramount to ensuring that the vehicle is readily available whenever needed, especially during emergencies. One of the perks of using an EV is that one can easily charge it at home. It may be slow, but it’ll do the job, and in a couple of hours, one will have a full battery. Many people usually charge their EVs in the evening after work, and by the morning, the cars are 100% charged and can be used for travel in the city or otherwise.

Pickup trucks are the go-to picks for those who want high performance, good towing capacity, and exceptional cargo space. This type of automobile works is ideal for carrying heavy loads and even going on adventures. One can even use a pickup to haul a trailer on a camping trip. Here, RAM offers some of the most well-known trucks on the market. Nevertheless, one must consider the following things before buying a RAM truck: 1. Price A crucial factor one must consider before buying a RAM truck is the pricing and whether it fits within the budget. One could review the features of various trims and choose one that meets all needs at an affordable price. For instance, the RAM 1500 is a more affordable choice than the RAM 2500. So, if one can make do with a light-duty truck, RAM 1500 would be the best choice. One should also check if they need additional features, like leather seats, a sunroof, and an upgraded sound system, as they may also drive up costs. 2. Fuel economy While RAM trucks are known for their towing and performance capabilities, it is important to check the fuel economy. Many RAM trucks offer a mileage of up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.