It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to junk your car. Sometimes it seems like it might just be a minor issue and you can get by for a little while longer. Other times, the decision is made for you because the car has stopped working altogether.
However, there are some definite signs that it might be time to let go of your old friend and get something new. Here are seven of them.
The Repair Costs Are Piling Up
If you’ve been taking your car to the mechanic more and more often, and the repair bills are starting to add up, it might be time for a new vehicle. Sure, you can keep putting money into fixing an old car, but at some point, it becomes more cost-effective to just get something new.
However, if you feel bad for taking a car that’s technically still working and turning it into a scrap heap, you can always sell it to a junk car removal service. They will take it off your hands and recycle the parts, so it’s not a total waste. Look for services that are running a “we buy junk cars” promotion to get the most money for your vehicle. Also, don’t forget to get the title transfer taken care of, so you’re not liable for anything that happens with the car after you sell it.
You Can’t Remember the Last Time It Was Serviced
If you can’t even remember the last time you had your car serviced, that’s a pretty clear sign that you’re neglecting it. And if you’re neglecting it, that means you don’t care about it that much anymore. It might be time to find a new car that you’ll enjoy driving and keeping up with.
You need to make sure you get your oil changed regularly and keep up with other routine maintenance tasks like tire rotations and brake checks. These simple things can help extend the life of your car significantly, but if you’re not doing them, it might be time for something new.
It’s Not Safe to Drive Anymore
If your car isn’t safe to drive, you need to get rid of it as soon as possible. Safety should always be your number one priority when you’re on the road, and if your car can’t provide that, it’s time to get a new one.
Some safety issues are more obvious than others. If your car has a lot of body damage and is missing parts, that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s not safe to be on the road. But even if everything looks fine on the outside, there could be serious issues with the brakes, tires, or other parts that you can’t see. If you’re not sure whether or not your car is safe to drive, take it to a mechanic and have them check it out.
Always Breaking Down
If your car is constantly breaking down, it’s time for a new one. No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road, and if you are, it can be a huge hassle (and expensive) to get towed to a mechanic.
Even if you have roadside assistance, it’s still not fun to be stuck waiting for a tow truck. If your car is breaking down all the time, it’s just not worth the hassle anymore. Therefore, if you find yourself having to call a tow truck frequently, it might be time for something new.
There are also environmental implications to consider when your car is constantly breaking down. If your car is leaking fluids, that’s bad for the environment. And if it’s releasing harmful gasses into the air, that’s also not good. If you care about the environment, you might want to get rid of a car that’s harming it.
It’s Just Not Comfortable Anymore
If your car isn’t comfortable to drive, that’s another sign that it might be time for something new. If the seats are uncomfortable, the ride is bumpy, or you can’t hear the radio over the noise of the engine, it’s time to start looking for a different vehicle.
A car should be a place where you feel relaxed and comfortable. It should be a haven from the outside world, not a place that adds to your stress. If driving your car is starting to feel more like a chore than anything else, it might be time to get rid of it.
You’re Embarrassed to Drive It
If you’re embarrassed to be seen driving your car, that’s a sign that it’s time for an upgrade. You shouldn’t have to be ashamed of your car, and if you are, it might be time to get something new.
Of course, not everyone can afford to have the newest and fanciest car on the market. But that doesn’t mean you should be driving around in a beater that’s falling apart. If your car is starting to show its age, it might be time for something new. This is especially true if it’s starting to affect your social life. If you don’t want to be seen in your car, it might be time to get rid of it.
You’ve Passed the Safety Limit
If your car is more than 10 years old, it might be time to start thinking about getting a new one. After 10 years, cars start to show their age, and they might not be as safe as they once were. Additionally, the mileage is also important to consider. If your car has more than 100,000 miles on it, it’s starting to get up there in age.
On the other hand, if you’ve taken good care of your car, and it’s still in great shape, it might not be time to get rid of it just yet. But if it’s starting to show its age, it might be time to start thinking about getting a new one.
No one wants to drive a car that’s uncomfortable, unsafe, or embarrassing. If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your vehicle, it might be time to get rid of it and buy something new.
Keep in mind that environmental implications should also be considered when making this decision. If your car is harming the environment, you might want to think about getting rid of it sooner rather than later.
