Five ways to tell you're ready for a new ride

Old habits die hard, and this same principle applies to our outdated belongings. We tend to get attached to our cars, clinging to them even months after they’ve deteriorated past the point of no return. At some point, though, the time comes to wish even the most beloved cars farewell. The challenging question is this: at what point are you truly in need of a new car? To answer this, we’ve listed a few key signs that your vehicle is no longer in working order.

1. Visible damage

Appearances aren’t everything, but they can be indicative of more deep-rooted issues. If your car is starting to rust, concern isn’t just a matter of superficiality. In fact, a rusting car can pose a danger to a vehicle’s structural integrity. Over time, rust weakens metal and can make your car less sturdy. Because of this, visible corrosion can actually signal more significant damage lying beneath the surface. Broken glass is another visible sign that a car is hazardous. Cracks in glass mean the material is more fragile, and it could shatter at any time. This, of course, may cause injury.

2. Outdated technology

This one may be a little controversial. Not everyone values new technology equally, so it may not resonate with all readers. However, there’s no denying that cars are becoming increasingly tech-heavy. Most, if not all, cars today are affixed with things like backup cameras, Bluetooth, and blind spot monitoring.

If you ride in friends’ cars and find yourself longing for the tech their vehicles have, it may be time to upgrade to something more modern. This will keep your envy at bay as well as bring you into the twenty-first century. Newer cars are always being equipped with new safety systems as well, so shopping can be beneficial from a security standpoint as well.

3. Repairs are no longer worth it

When a vehicle grows old, it’s not uncommon for its condition to decline in front of your eyes. You may also find yourself scheduling more and more trips to the auto shop, constantly running into new problems with your car. This can be both inconvenient and pricey, and these costs could outweigh the actual value of the car you’re trying to sustain. If the price of repairs is really racking up, it may be a better budgeting choice to sell, trade, or even outright discard the car. A new vehicle’s price tag can be intimidating, but you’ll feel better when you can stop spending extra money on car repairs.

4. You or your loved ones do not feel safe in your car

You or the people around you may joke about the state of your beat-down vehicle, but it can also reach a point where the humor goes away. This line is typically when safety becomes a concern, and you realize your car has encountered more and more problems as of late. These issues can manifest in several ways. 

If you can’t rely on your vehicle not to break down, this indicates that it’s lasted beyond a state of true safety. If parts like the muffler are falling off, this is also a sign of danger. Broken AC can be bad for your health in the depths of severe summer heat, and unsteady brakes can result in disaster. Your safety should be prioritized above all else, so seeking a new, well-functioning vehicle is a must in this situation. 

If driving in your car makes you feel nervous, you should take this as a sign to find something new. The vehicle you’re in should make you feel secure and comfortable so you can focus on adhering to the rules of the road.

5. Your family has outgrown your car

If you’ve recently added one or two new additions to your family, it stands to reason you no longer fit comfortably in a car you bought years earlier. If your kids are cramped awkwardly in the backseat, a more spacious car could be a necessity. Expanding your family will naturally make a vehicle feel more crowded, and finding a new, larger car will keep everyone cozy.

Find your new ride at Transwest

If you’ve lost faith in your current vehicle, Transwest would love to help you find a new one. We take pride in selling vehicles that you and your loved ones can feel safe in, and we offer a variety of reliable brands. Learn more about our inventory on our website, or visit a Transwest location today.