What Are You Doing For Presidents Day?

Presidents Day car specials may seem like a recent idea, but they actually date back more than a century. Long ago, on gloomy February days with the roads a mess, car salespeople would chain-smoke and complain how few customers came into their showrooms during the coldest, shortest month of the year. But they knew the year's first holiday weekend would drum up business when there wasn't any. Their plan: plaster the airwaves and newspapers with car specials exclusively on Presidents Day weekend. They started pasting George Washington's face next to cars and handed out balloons. While many taxpayers are still looking at filing in far-off April, those with straightforward returns who file early can get their refunds back around—you guessed it—Presidents' Day. Consumers don't have an IRS check in hand yet, are already anticipating its arrival. A tax refund makes for a good down payment on a car, crossover, or truck, particularly when combined with a trade-in. What will you be doing on Presidents Day?

Are You Ready For Super Bowl Sunday

Chiefs or Eagles? Is type of car you drive related to your favorite football team? If the car uses a lot of steel, maybe you like the Pittsburg Steelers. If your favorite color is brown you may follow the Cleveland Browns. Some people choose a football team based on where they live, their alma mater, or the team their parents support. Others might choose a team based on the team's colors or even the mascot.

Diesel or Gasoline ?

Diesel and gasoline vehicles each serve unique purposes. Choosing between a diesel and a regular gasoline engine depends on several factors including your specific needs, the nature of the work, and long-term cost considerations. If your job involves hauling heavy loads or equipment, a diesel vehicle is the right choice. Diesel engines are known for their durability, torque, and fuel efficiency, especially under high-load or extended use. The pros and cons of diesel: Diesel engines last a long time Hauling light loads can be inefficient Better fuel economy Higher maintenance costs If your work requires lighter loads, less intensive tasks, or basic commuting, a gasoline vehicle is likely the better option. Regular gasoline engines generally have less durability and do not match the lifespan of diesel engines. They are designed for higher RPMs and operate at higher temperatures which causes wear and tear on engine components over time. Good for hauling lighter loads The pros and cons of gasoline: Less efficient fuel consumption Easier maintenance Lower average resale value In the end, it’s up to you to decide which type of vehicle is right for you.

How Much Gas Is In Your Tank?

You should keep your gas tank at least half full to minimize the risk of fuel line freezing caused by condensation forming inside the tank when there's too much empty space. A fuller tank limits the amount of air that can condense and freeze. Advantages to keeping your tank full in cold weather: When the tank is partially full, there's more space for water vapor to condense and potentially freeze, blocking the fuel line. Maintaining a half-full tank helps ensure your car runs smoothly in cold conditions, preventing potential issues with fuel delivery. If you encounter unexpected delays in cold weather, having a full tank provides extra driving time.

How Much Is Your Car Payment?

Did you know that the percentage of car buyers paying more than $1,000 every month for their vehicle is higher than it has ever been. The average car payment for new and used vehicles combined is $643. The average monthly payment for a new car is $754. The average monthly payment for a used car is $533 We strongly advised you don’t extend your auto loan longer than 42 months. Longer terms may mean that you pay less every month, but you’ll pay more over the life of the loan. You’ll take on more debt, which could hurt your credit and severely limit your borrowing power. You risk becoming “upside down” on the loan, which means you could potentially end up owing more than it’s worth. At Car-Lotta we offer short terms loans usually 27-36 months. In many cases, our payments are lower than a normal car dealers and our loan process is quick and easy.

Did Your Car Start In This Cold Weather ?

Baby it's cold outside ! A weak battery that struggles to produce enough power in cold temperature in the freezing weather may be the reason. Cold weather significantly reduces a car battery's ability to hold a charge, making it harder to crank the engine. In cold weather, engine oil becomes thicker, which puts extra strain on the starter motor. If moisture gets into your fuel lines, it can freeze in extreme cold, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. If your car is getting older and it's possible that the starter is just getting too weak for the cold weather. You can try jump starting the your car. Warming up the battery by letting your car sit for a few minutes with the headlights on to provide a small charge to the battery Make sure the battery terminals are clean and securely connected. Turn the ignition key slowly and steadily, allowing the starter motor to engage properly If your car still won't start, contact your mechanic or roadside assistance service.

Is Your Dashboard Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree?

If you’ve seen it before, you know that the imagery is very accurate. Instrument clusters in modern vehicles are packed with so many warning lights that it can be difficult to keep track of what they all mean. All those lights and symbols tell you what your car is up to and, more importantly, if something is wrong. The 6 Things A Warning Light Can Indicate: The severity of an issue A DTC may or may not be stored A system is active A system is disabled Emission levels have increased Component damage is imminent It’s amazing how such a simple warning system can have so much thought and design behind it. From Our Car-Lotta family to yours, have a Merry Christmas!