Try though you might, you know your car won’t last forever. Even the sturdiest vehicles eventually meet their end, and it’s in your best interests to be able to pick up on the signs beforehand so that you can start doing your research on a replacement vehicle before it’s too late. Here are the signals that will let you know the time has come.
Driving Doesn’t Feel Safe
Talk to a vehicle injury lawyer in Denver, Miami, LA, or any city across the nation, and they’ll be able to tell you that there comes a point in just about every car’s lifespan where it just doesn’t feel safe to operate (and becomes a liability out on the road).
Frequent breakdowns and a need for constant major repairs might be a signal of this, and you might also have a sense while you’re on the road that something feels “off.” It’s best not to leave things to chance, so if you feel uneasy while operating your vehicle, it’s probably time to start searching for a new one.
Repairs Cost More Than They’re Worth
Piggybacking off of the above, if you find your vehicle in constant need of repairs, and those repairs are more than the worth of your old vehicle, is it really worth holding on to? When you find yourself questioning the return on investment for those new tires or that engine replacement, it’s usually better to start making plans to replace your automobile.
Your Insurance Costs Start Going Up
It’s no secret that it costs a bit more to insure older vehicles, since they lack the safety advancements of newer cars and are more likely to have issues. With each year that passes, you might see those premiums increasing, and when those increases become more noticeable, you might want to consider switching to a new car.
You’re Spending Too Much On Gas
Here’s another example of you putting more into your car than you’re getting out of it. The older the automobile, the less fuel efficient it’s likely to be. Compare that to newer vehicles that squeeze extra miles out of every bit of gas, or gas-electric hybrid vehicles that can translate your trips to the pump to even more time on the road. If you feel like fuel costs are starting to get out of hand on your old vehicle, it’s another surefire sign to start looking for a new one.
You Just Want A New Car
Last, but not least, maybe you just feel like driving something new? If you’re in the financial position to look for a new car simply because you feel like it, then follow your heart’s desires. You’ll probably be thanking yourself for it in the long run.