New Year- To Do

As the year bgins, it’s the perfect time to give your car a little extra attention. Here’s a quick end‑of‑year checklist to keep your vehicle running smoothly into the new year: - Check tire pressure and tread wear - Test your battery health - Inspect brakes for wear - Top off fluids (oil, coolant, wiper fluid, etc.) - Replace old windshield wipers - Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals - Clean out your car and give it a fresh detail - Review your maintenance schedule for any upcoming service A few minutes now can save you a breakdown later. Here’s to safe travels this new year!

Looking For A Last Minute Holiday Gift For A Car Person?

You might not be able to buy the car lover on your list a brand-new ride, so we put together a list to make the your last minute holiday shopping a little bit easier to help find the perfect gift that fits your budget. Car- Vacuume Cleaner Cup Holder Console Organizer Car Emergency Kit Car Seat HeadRest Hooks Magnetic Phone Holder Car Power Inverter Cleaning Gel Windshield Sun Shade Bluetooth Receiver Portable Tire Inflator Dash Cam All Weather FLoor Mats We hope you find the perfect gift! Car-Lotta Car Sales will be closed on December 24th and 25th. Our offices will open on December 26th at 9:00 am.

Do You Flip Your Visor?

Imagine... it’s a cold winter morning, and you’re late for work. You stumble out to your car , you manage to get the snow and ice scraped off your roof, thaw out your door handles, and start your car up–only to find your windshield completely frosted over. So you have no choice but to dial your defrost up to maximum and wait . Would you believe us if we told you that by flipping your sun visors down, you can defrost your windshield faster. Yes, pulling your sun visors down is a great trick to defrost your windshield faster by trapping and directing hot air from the defroster vents directly onto the glass, preventing it from escaping into the cabin and creating a localized, super-heated zone that melts frost and ice more quickly. How it works Traps heat: When you lower the visors, they act as barriers, stopping the warm air from rising and flowing across the car's headliner and towards the back. Focuses airflow: The visors deflect the hot air downwards, creating a more concentrated flow against the windshield. Speeds up thawing: This trapped, focused heat melts ice and clears frost much faster than if the air were allowed to dissipate

Are You Prepared ?

A cold-weather car kit can make emergency situations less stressful. Keep your supplies organized and easily accessible in your vehicle in case of a severe weather event that leaves you stranded. Consider including items like these: Antifreeze – Keep your fluid levels full to help regulate your car’s temperature. Blankets – Keeping warm is essential if your car’s heating system fails. Extra clothes – If you have to leave your vehicle, a change of clothes and sturdy boots may come in handy. First-aid supplies – Don’t forget bandages, gauze, skin ointments, etc. Flashlights, LED road flares – Snow flurries can obstruct your view as well as that of other drivers, even if it’s light outside. Don’t forget the extra batteries. Gloves – Protect your hands from the elements when you’re stranded. Ice scraper – Use this to clear the windshield and windows of snow and ice. Have cloths or absorbent towels for cleanup as needed. Portable phone charger – Always have a way to power up your mobile device in case you need to call for help. Shovel – Use a small shovel to clear a path and help dig out of mushy ditches. Snacks – Have small food items stocked to keep hunger at bay while waiting for help. Snow brush – Make sure your view of the road is unobstructed, and remove snow from the car hood, roof, and trunk lid. Tool kit – Packing a basic tool kit ensures you can always change a bolt or troubleshoot when needed.

Thanksgiving Travel

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow? For most, spending time with loved ones and indulging in feasts is on most people's mind. It's also a day for making lasting memories. For many families, it is the most significant gathering day of the year. In this time excitement and festivities—it's crucial to prioritize safety Thanksgiving Travel Safety on the Road If you’re driving, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. This includes checking brakes, lights, and tires. Watch the weather: Pay attention to the forecast at home, at your destination, and everywhere in between. Be prepared to take extra time if storms or hazardous conditions (like icy roads) are in the forecast, and study up on how to handle winter driving conditions. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.  Have a car emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, first aid supplies, and a warm blanket for chilly breakdowns. Avoid Distracted Driving- it’s easy to get distracted. Stay focused on the road and avoid using your phone while driving From all of us at Car-Lotta- May your blessings be many, your troubles be few, and your Thanksgiving be Wonderful. Our offices willbe closed on Thursday, November 27th 2025. Our offices will re open on Friday, November28 th at 9:00 am.

Check Your Forces

Winter can be a dangerous time to drive. Not only do ice and snow pose a threat on the road, but winter-related breakdowns can be seriously dangerous on the side of it. Proper car maintenance before and during winter is important. What should you do for your car....Check your FORCES It’s a simple acronym for a few helpful steps for what to check on your car. Can’t remember everything you need to know to get your car ready for winter? Just remember FORCES. Fuel: Fill up early, because fuel lines can freeze. Oil: Proper oil levels are crucial for engine temperature. Rubber: Cold air can lower tire pressure. Be sure to check yours. Coolant: Keep your reservoir topped off with the right antifreeze for your weather. Electronics: Freezing temperatures can kill an old battery. Replace yours if it is time. Shield Wash: Keeping your windshield clear is crucial for safe driving. Use a mix that works below freezing.

Do You Use Auto Headlight Control ?

As we begin to enter winter weather please remember this important driving tip: The automatic headlight control in vehicles detects brightness outside the vehicle with an Illuminance sensor which activates when light picked up by the sensor drops below a certain level. This does not activate because of inclement weather such as snow ,rain or fog, so please use your headlights manually for safety while driving in these weather condition. In addition daytime running lights (DRL) on most new vehicles may activate white lights to the front but leave the taillights off which leads to many driving at night or in inclement weather feeling headlights are on without any rear lighting being present. If in doubt turn your headlights on!