What Is In Your Trunk?

Are you one of those who think that a full tank of gas and keys are the only things needed to drive a car?  Sure, you can sometimes get away with being under prepared, but not during the winter. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures make winter driving a lot more demanding than normal.

You should be prepared for typical accidents that could potentially happen on the road at any time. During the winter we are also tasked with shoveling snow, scraping ice from our windows, making sure our tires have good traction, and maintaining safe tire pressure.

There a few things that everyone should keep in their car at all times during the winter. 

No matter what year, make, or model your vehicle is, it should come with basics like a tire iron and jack, but those two items alone won't cut it. If you end up with a dead battery or a car that's stuck in the snow, you'll want a few other things to help you out.

Here are 12 items you should keep in your car at all times this winter...

Shovel 

Shovels are useful during the winter, but having one specifically dedicated to your car is a wise move. If you've ever had to dig your car out after a snow storm or gotten stuck along a snow-covered road, you know how convenient it is to keep one in your trunk.

A snow and ice scraper

A snow and ice scraper is easily the most used tool for drivers during the winter. Keeping one handy will allow you to efficiently clear off your windows and lights before driving, instead of resorting to using your hands. The Snow Angel features an extendable telescopic arm, so it's easy to store and won't take up a lot of space when not in use.

Jumper cables

A dead battery is one of the most common car issues, so jumper cables are a must-have. Whether you accidentally left your lights on or cold weather drained your battery, this will bring your car back to life.

A flashlight

Keeping a flashlight in your car year round is a good idea, but with less daylight during the winter, it can be especially useful. Sure, your smart phone has a flashlight app on it, but it's not as useful as a real one. Whether changing a tire or jumping your car, you want something that shines bright and is durable. 

A gas can

Running out of gas can be a major headache at any time of the year, but it's definitely worse in the winter. You don't want to store fuel in your trunk, but keeping a small gas container in your car can save you from a tow. Just walk to the nearest gas station and this more than 1 gallon tank will give you enough gas to drive to safety.

An external battery 

You probably already own a battery pack for keeping your electronics charged on-the-go, but having one that's always in your car is important. It can be the difference between making a quick call for help or being stranded for hours. 

A good spare tire

If your tires don't have good tread, you absolutely want to replace them before winter comes. Driving in wet, snowy, or icy conditions with bald tires extremely dangerous and shouldn't be done. Go for a quality set of all-season tires or you have an extra set of wheels, opt for a set of snow tires to run on your car during the winter months. In addition to the wheels on your car, it's important to keep a spare that's in solid condition.

Air compressor 

Whether your tires are brand new or used, cold weather can a loss of tire pressure. Since keeping the correct tire pressure is important to driving safely, an air compressor is a convenient way to maintain good tire pressure at all times. 

A first-aid kit 

You never know when you'll need a first aid kit, so keeping a small one in your car is always smart. Look for one that is in a  pack able case makes it easy to store or carry.

A basic tool kit 

If you're not a mechanic, having a basic tool kit can save the day when simple fixes need to be done. Look for one that includes everything you'll need for basic repairs - a wrench, sockets, allen keys, pliers, a screwdriver, zip ties and more.

Cat litter 

Have you ever been stuck in the snow and your tires just keep on spinning and spinning, no matter how much gas you give it? Even with new tires, certain cars can still lose traction, but luckily there a solution - cat litter. Spread the litter underneath the tires without traction and you'll be able drive away from the slippery snow and ice.  It's such a cheap and easy solution, everyone should keep some handy.

 

A warm blanket 

Being stranded is never fun, but during the winter it's more than a huge inconvenience. Going from driving in a warm car with heat, to losing power and breaking down isn't never a good feeling. In the event that you do have to tough it out inside your car for a few hours our even overnight, you're going to need a blanket to stay warm. You don't need a full comforter set, but a fleece blanket is warm and won't take up too much trunk space.

 Car-Lotta   Car Sales wants to make sure  you are prepared this winter!!!

What Are Your Chances Of Having An Accident Involving A Deer?

Your chances of hitting a deer while driving  in the state of Pennsylvania are much greater than your chances of ever winning the lottery.

A recent  study released shows  the odds of a vehicle collision involving deer are now 1 in 63 in Pennsylvania. That’s a worse outlook for drivers when compared to 2016, when the odds were 1 in 67.

 

 Car-Lotta  Credit and Car Sales reminds you to drive safe!  

Do You Know How To Drive Through A Flooded Area?

 Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales hopes you never find yourself having to drive through a flooded area.  In case you do ...here are  steps to help you   drive safely.

Before approaching the flooded road with your vehicle, decrease your speed or stop completely. 

As you are slowing down or stopping before the flooded road, turn on your hazard lights for indication and visualize the area of the flooded road and see if it is not very deep, depending of your vehicle type. 

After checking all of the main aspects, with  the hazard lights are still on, turn off the air conditioning  so that the fan in the engine compartment would not be damaged by the flow of the flood water you are driving.

Drive slowly through the flood. Open  your vehicle windows  a little for air circulation if possible and drive carefully. Keep the throttle/acceleration in balance and high and it is normal to growl the engine in a flood so that flood water won't enter the engine through the exhaust pipe at the rear of your vehicle and while driving.

Don't stop in the middle of the flooded road especially if the flood is deep otherwise water would damage the engine of your vehicle. 

 As your vehicle is approaching to the high level of the road, the flood water decreases and you can speed up your vehicle carefully. 

If your car shuts down after or during the flood, stay calm and ask for help. It is recommended to check your vehicle after driving through the flood.  

After all aspects are clearly maintained and done, drive as usually and safely.

 

 

Do You Clear The Snow Off Your Vehicle?

Did You Know..... in the winter it is important to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle. Not only does it prevent a hazard from snow and ice that may fall from your vehicle, it also provides an unobstructed view.  This is not only important.... IT'S THE LAW!


Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Law:


When snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury  (relating to accidents involving death or personal injury), the operator of the vehicle from which the snow or ice is dislodged or falls shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 for each offense.

Car-Lotta Car Sales reminds you to take the extra few minutes.... Clear  your vehicle.

How Much Do You Love Your 4 Wheel Baby?

Do you love your car as much as you should?

Let's  see if your passion for your project burns true.

 

Do you .........

 

1. Park your car and walk away. Do you want to look back? How many times? Do you find yourself walking backward so you can keep looking at it?

2. Do you find yourself parking your car in spots where you can see it from the window of wherever you’re going?

3. If someone takes a photo of an attractive person with your car in the background, do you zoom in to look at your car instead of the model?

4. If you see a car that looks like your car, will you drive around the block to see it again? More than once?

5. If the song “I Will Always Love You” (Whitney or Dolly version) comes on the radio, is your first thought, I wish my car could hear this?

 

6. Have you ever searched for your house on Google Earth for the sole purpose of seeing your car from above?

7. Have you ever chartered a small plane for the same reason?

8. If I were to look up your recent search history, would the majority of your entries be activities to do with—or parts to upgrade—your car?

9. Are the only T-shirts you’ve ever purchased (as opposed to getting free in car-show swag bags) shirts with the brand or image of your car?

10. Have you ever asked someone else to drive your car just so you could experience all its available seating positions?

 

11. Have you ever embraced or kissed your car because it did such a good job and you’re so proud of it?

12. Does your car have a name, and if so, do people who hear you talk about it think you are talking about a child/spouse?

If you answered yes to—let’s be honest, even one of these questions—congratulations!

You and your car are perfect for each other.

 

Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales  wish you much happiness together!!

What Would You Do If You Were In A Crash?

It is scary but are you prepared in case of a crash?

PennDOT officials, suggest  you.....

1. Stop your vehicle at or near the crash scene. If you can, move your vehicle off of the road.  It's the law to help prevent blocking traffic and other potential crashes. Many crashes are caused when traffic stops or slows for an initial crash.
2. Call the police, if anyone is hurt or dies. If the drivers of the vehicles are hurt and cannot call the police, then witnesses at or near the crash scene must call for help.
3. Call the police if any vehicle needs to be towed.
4. Get the information listed from the other driver(s) involved in the crash: names, addresses, telephone numbers, registration numbers, and insurance company names with policy numbers.
5. Get the names and addresses of other individuals involved in the crash and any witnesses to the crash.
6. If the crash involves a parked vehicle or damage to property, stop immediately and try to find the owner. If you cannot find the owner, leave a note in a place where it can be seen and call the police.   The note should include the date and time of the crash, your name, and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Happy New Year

                   

                    Car-Lotta and Car Sales will be CLOSED
                                on Monday January 1st  2018
                         in observance  of New Year  Holiday.

  We will  Re-Open on Tuesday, January  2nd  at  9:00 am
Happy New Year from all of us at Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales.