by Gabrielle DeSantis

New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and other big cities are among the worst places to drive. Navigating these areas can cause accidents if everyone isn’t practicing car safety. Big cities can also eat up gas if you don’t have a fuel-efficient vehicle. But you can cut fuel costs and your chances of a crash if you know which lanes to use on highways.

The kinds of lanes you’ll find when driving in big cities

Bigger cities’ highways usually have two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. The right is the designated turning lane for the right-hand side, where you find exit ramps to city streets. 

The far left lane is for turning left or exiting the highway on the left-hand side. Any lanes in between are for traveling in that direction. You can signal to move from one to another to pass other vehicles. The right lane is usually reserved for the slowest vehicles. The farther left the lane, the faster the flow of traffic. 

But speeding will increase your chances of getting into an accident, DriversEd.com reports. Some cities, like Philadelphia, see more road collisions than many other large metro areas. 

So, which lane should you avoid, and why?

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If you’re driving in an unfamiliar city or driving slower, travel in the right lane. Stay out of the left lanes because their traffic flow is much faster, increasing your chances of getting into an accident. Avoid using the left lanes unless you absolutely have to, such as when taking an exit ramp on the left.

If you’re accustomed to driving on certain highways, you already know how to drive with traffic flow and where you need to exit. But motorists who aren’t used to driving in those areas could easily miss their turnoff because of traffic distractions around them. 

Of course, if you’re driving on a two-lane highway, you can use the left one for passing the vehicle in front of you. But it would be best if you still stayed in the right lane until you reach your turnoff. And pass with an abundance of caution if you’re on a multilane freeway.

With cars speeding around you, merge into another lane only when it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, you could get into an accident or possibly cause a collision with the cars behind you, whose drivers might have to swerve to avoid hitting your vehicle. 

Smaller vehicles can be easier to handle on these roads and can help avoid collisions. That’s because they have a smaller footprint on the road.

Tips for navigating big cities

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Another thing you should avoid is changing lanes frequently, Edmunds reports. Though you might think switching to a seemingly faster-moving lane will get you to your destination quicker, it will shave off only a few seconds from your ride. Instead, stay in one lane most of the time to avoid increasing your chances of getting into a crash by merging into other vehicles. 

Another tip to keep in mind is to know your route before setting off on your trip. Learn which roads to avoid and which might have construction. By embarking on your trip blindly, you could get lost or arrive late because you ran into road construction. 

Start with a full tank of gas if possible. You never know what you’ll run into. Finding a gas station in a big city could be difficult, or the ones you do find could cost you more to fill up. If you’re stuck in traffic, shift your vehicle into neutral to prevent burning too much fuel while you’re idling. 

Driving in big cities can be a headache, but it doesn’t have to get you down. Use these tips to avoid experiencing accidents or other problems when traveling in unfamiliar areas. If possible, use city transportation to navigate cities like San Francisco, where gas can be expensive.

The post The Lane You Should Avoid When Driving in a Busy City appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

RVs and the camper lifestyle are enjoying great popularity. One could make the argument that the pandemic spurred the revival of RVs and campers. In fact, many industry experts saw a revitalized interest in the industry before COVID-19 struck. But before you run out to purchase an RV, you should know all the costs you’re facing in owning one.

Purchasing and storing your RV

If you’re lucky, you can purchase an RV without financing. But most buyers have to finance, and you should consider the terms carefully.

RVGuide.com explains that if you put a $20,000 down payment on a travel trailer that costs $50,000, you’d be financing $30,000. With a five-year term and a 5 percent interest rate, your payments would be $566 per month. You’d pay that amount whether you’re on the road with the trailer in the summer or it’s parked for the winter.

If you got a travel trailer versus an actual RV, you’d have your tow vehicle to consider too. Your vehicle has to be able to tow the trailer and anything in it. If it can’t, you’ll have to get a smaller trailer or buy a bigger truck.

With such an investment, you’ll want to keep your RV stored out of the elements, particularly if you live in a colder climate. If you don’t have space to do that where you live, you’ll need to pay someone to store it for you. The cost for unheated storage could be as much as $75 or more per month. If you want or need heated storage, plan to pay up to $150 or more every month.

RV taxes, registration, and insurance

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You must ensure your RV is insured like any other motor vehicle, KOA reports. There could be exceptions if you have a towable RV, but not for a drivable one. Either way, insurance is a good idea. 

The cost depends on a few things, like the insurance company, where you live, and your driving record. Doing your homework pays off in this area, so ask questions, get estimates, and take your time finding the best deal. Expect to pay around $300 per year for a trailer and $600 for a motorized RV.

Also, expect to pay registration fees and taxes on your camper. The price varies depending upon where you live, so knowing those fees beforehand is a great idea. Many state DMVs offer that information on their websites.

Operating and maintenance costs

Fuel will be a considerable cost for your RV. Whether you buy a motorhome or a trailer, you’ll still have to pay for gas. If you love the mountains or have a large camper, you’ll get even less fuel for your buck.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the news. The recent pipeline cyberattack quickly prompted gas shortages. So stay in the know to prevent getting stranded.

You’ll also need supplies for your camper, including dishes, cutlery, and disposable goods such as paper towels and toilet paper. The first time you stock your RV might seem discouragingly pricey. But after the initial cost, it won’t seem so bad.

Finally, don’t forget about maintenance. RVs and trailers require upkeep, including replacing worn parts like tires and brakes. You might encounter pest problems, too. And in traveling to the great wide open, the rough and tumble of various terrains can take a toll on your vehicle. 

The post RV Ownership Costs You Should Know Before You Buy appeared first on MotorBiscuit.