Your car is basically an extension of yourself. It helps you carry heavy loads, makes picking up and dropping off kids much easier, and takes you anywhere you want to go. It may not be a living thing, but it is funny how you have become attached to it over the years. But as cars get older, their hardware and systems start to get frailer. There may even be some occasions where you need to pull over because you sense something wrong with the engine. And because you have a ‘bond’ with your vehicle, breaking up with it will surely be difficult — heartbreaking, even.
However, you will need to let go of your car. It will not be easy, but it is necessary. The thought of spending too much on a new car may stress you out. But if you want to validate your decision first, there are some signs that you need to look into. Here are some of them.
The ‘check engine’ light is perpetually on
An early warning sign that your car is having a problem is the active ‘check engine’ light. But sometimes, the problem is minor and can be easily addressed. But if the warning light has been on for a very long time — even if you have the car fixed — it is time to reconsider. This is especially true when you are driving a 15-year-old vehicle.
Driving makes you anxious
You do not have to worry about driving when you are confident that your engine and your car’s condition, in general, are actually all right. But if it always stops in the middle of the road and the engine does not start easily, you have to admit that you are driving a potentially dangerous vehicle. You are not just endangering yourself but also the drivers behind you.
The repairs are not worth it
Maybe you are still in the denial stage, and you tell yourself that your car can still be salvaged. However, if the costs of the repairs are already exceeding the original value of your vehicle, that easily tells you that you need to get a new one. This may be the right time to think of looking through your VW car financing.
Your life just got a major change
Sometimes, the sign is not that bad or sinister. If you have just undergone a major life change, a new car may be necessary. For one, you may be driving a sedan or a compact for city driving. But once you have a bigger family, a roomier car that can accommodate your kids and their things may be necessary.
Some people do not want to let go of their cars. They may be overly attached to them, or they just dread the fact that they will need to spend a lot of money on a new ride. However, a change of car is a necessary move, especially if there are occasions where the vehicle unceremoniously fails you, thus endangering your life and your passengers’. But before you finalise your decisions, you need to tick off all the signs first.
