"I should get rid of it before I'm the one stuck with all the oil top-offs."

DALLAS—When it comes to car ownership, there comes a time when selling your vehicle becomes a more practical choice. Whether it’s burning oil or other significant issues, knowing when to say goodbye is essential. Here are some top reasons that signal it might be time to sell.

One major red flag is when your car starts burning oil. “I noticed the oil levels dropping faster than usual,” says Jim May, a longtime car enthusiast. “I should get rid of it before I'm the one stuck with all the oil top-offs.” An engine that burns oil can lead to severe damage and costly repairs, making it a crucial factor in making it someone else's problem.

Another reason to consider parting ways with your car is the inability to pass smog tests. “I thought I could fix the emissions issue, but every time I took it in, it failed,” shares Carl Stokes, who recently sold his older sedan. “It became clear that it wasn’t worth the hassle or someone else's money should be used to keep trying. I sold it.” A failing smog test not only affects the car's value but can also lead to fines and legal issues.

Stripped oil drain plugs and metal flakes in the oil are also significant concerns. “When I found metal flakes in my oil, I knew I had to get out before the engine completely failed,” May adds. “Selling it was tough, but it was the right call.” Stripped plugs can lead to leaks, and metal flakes can indicate internal damage, both of which can be expensive to fix.

When faced with these issues, selling your car is the best choice. After all, keeping a problematic vehicle can lead to more headaches that could easily belong to someone else.