Top Warning Signs that Show It is time to let go of your Favourite Car

Just like how humans grow yearly and get to a stage where they can no longer do some particular tasks, cars have their lifespans. There comes a time when it no longer suits the purpose in which it was made and it becomes inevitable to change your car. 

At such times, you realise that the car no longer meets your professional, personal and lifestyle needs. It could be that the car is just no longer safe for you to drive and you have no choice but to get rid of it. It could even be that the car is just too old and you have advanced to a stage whereby you can get yourself a better and higher grade model.

Whatever the reason, remember that when driving, safety should never be taken for granted or jeopardised. Therefore, if you discover the following signs on your car, you will be doing yourself a world of favour by changing your car instead of repairing it at expensive costs:

1. Car repairers are starting to charge more than the Car’s Value: It is easy to get attached to a car that has served you incredibly well for years. However, the truth is that once the cost of repairs exceeds the current market value of the car, it is a top sign that you need to change your car.
2. Bad Fuel Economy: In an economy such as Nigeria, this is also a top sign that you have to change your car. If the fuel economy is so poor and the car keeps failing. On a daily basis, the car market is constantly getting populated with cars that are more fuel-efficiency and even come at a lower price. You will, therefore, do yourself a financial disservice by keeping the old car that continues to take you back to the petrol station and your mechanic.
3. The Check Engine Light is Always On: If this happens to your car regularly, it means that the sign may not be available to warn you when your car genuinely develops a serious issue since it is always coming on randomly. If the light changes with every bump in the road, then it is a sign to change the car. Also, if the engine block cracks, it could be a sign as well. This will continue to gulp your money in the long run. It is a sign that your car’s structural integrity has been compromised and would require repairs upon repairs with the passage of time.
4. The Spare Parts Are Hard to Find: You don’t even have to be told this to realise your car is too old and needs changing. A car that is very old will not have spare parts in the market any longer. This is because a car with unavailable spare parts will mean expensive repairs and safety concerns.
5. The Exhaust Pipe produces visible smoke that causes pollution: Have you ever seen those danfo buses on the road with lots of smoke coming out from their exhaust pipes? It means that their vehicles need changing and this is what could happen when you use your car for too long. This may be fixed, but if it is a recurring issue with your car and you cover a lot of miles with it, it is better you take the car off the road for your health and for the sake of other road users.
6. Your mind is not at peace with your safety when using the car: You know your car is extremely old when you can’t even take it for a drive without having fears. Do you feel you cannot drive at certain highway speeds because you fear that your car may fail? Do the brakes require a ‘process’ before engaging them? These are signs that must not be ignored. They point to the overall conclusion that your car is no longer safe for travelling.
7. The Trunk cannot open or Doors cannot close well: This is a common problem with cars that are due for a change. It may sound ridiculous, but some people hold on to their cars until almost everything around the engine and transmission is almost falling apart. While some, the car will begin to accumulate rust, which then affects other parts. Car rust spreads and begins interfering with the integrity of your car. So, if you are already losing chunks of metal do yourself a good one by finding a car that suits your needs and lifestyle and change the car.

Breaking up with your favourite car may prove to be a tough decision even when it has shown obvious signs that it is no longer the car you once fell in love with but no matter how attached you are to your car, once it starts showing signs that border on safety, it is time to let go. This will save you money and stress and give you the peace of mind that a car that constantly breaks down car steals from you.