Happy New Year

2020 has been a strange and difficult year. The pandemic continues to disrupt our lives and keep many of us apart from those we love the most. This is especially tough now, during a season traditionally marked by the gathering of family and friends in celebration and gratitude. Even in the most difficult of times, we can still find opportunities to be grateful. This year more than any other, we are thankful for the opportunity to have you as our customer. We are grateful and honored that you've chosen us to help you with your automotive needs during this time of uncertainty . We're going to get through this together. We know what being part of a community is all about. We would like to wish you and yours a safe and happy new year. Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales will be closed on January 1st 2021 in observance of the holiday.

Happy Holidays

2020 has been a strange and difficult year. The pandemic continues to disrupt our lives and keep many of us apart from those we love the most. This is especially tough now, during a season traditionally marked by the gathering of family and friends in celebration and gratitude. Even in the most difficult of times, we can still find opportunities to be grateful. This year more than any other, we are thankful for the opportunity to have you as our customer. We are grateful and honored that you've chosen us to help you with your automotive needs during this time of uncertainty . We're going to get through this together. We know what being part of a community is all about. We would like to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales will be closed on December 25th 2020 and Janyuary 1st 2021 in observance of the holidays.

What Happens If There Is An Accident In A Parking Lot?

Accidents happen! Parking lots can be crazy places. Whether you’re at the mall, the grocery store or even just grabbing a quick coffee… all those vehicles coming and going can up anyone’s chances of being in a parking lot accident. Ever wonder if your insurance will cover parking lot accidents? WHAT HAPPENS IF I HIT SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR IN A PARKING LOT? If you do hit a car in a parking lot, here’s what to do next: Don’t leave the scene. If you drive away without telling anyone, that’s considered a hit-and-run. You could face a whole other set of legal issues if a security camera or witness spots you in the act. So do the honest thing and stick around. Get out of harm’s way. Even a simple fender-bender can block traffic or scatter broken glass. Make sure you’re a safe distance from anything dangerous and be mindful of the flow of traffic. If needed, put your hazard lights on to alert nearby drivers. Try to locate the car’s owner. Ask a store employee to page the owner of the car over the loudspeaker. Leave a note. It’s the right thing to do… and potentially even the law. Not leaving a note is considered a hit-and-run in the vast majority of states, even if the damage was just a small scratch. Keep it simple and polite. Include your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what happened. Leave it in a secure spot where it won’t blow away. Consider calling the police. If the damage is serious, they can help you file an incident report and track down the car’s owner. Car-Lotta reminds you to call your insurance agent. Your agent is there to answer questions and help you understand what’s covered.

Will You Be Traveling Over The Holidays?

The holiday season brings a number challenges that make safe driving difficult. During this time of year, there can be difficult weather conditions, limited daylight, and drivers in unfamiliar areas. Here are six ways you can drive safely and smartly this holiday season. 1. Plan Ahead Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is in good shape for travel. This is especially important for winter driving conditions. Check the weather before heading out to ensure the roads are safe to drive on. And don’t forget a windshield scraper! 2. Stay Fresh And Alert Make sure you’re well-rested before a long drive. A study carried out by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered that, from 2009 to 2013, 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths were attributed to driver fatigue. Plan the trip so you share the driving and take regular breaks to avoid drowsy driving. 3. Mind Your Speed Give yourself plenty of time and distance to react to the traffic around you. An Automotive Fleet Magazine article notes that for every one percent increase in speed, a driver’s chance of an accident increases by two percent, the chance of serious injury increases by three percent, and the chance of a fatality increases by about four percent. 4. Drive Defensively Increased holiday traffic and winter road conditions can be frustrating. Put the safety of everyone in your car first by letting impatient and aggressive drivers pass you or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation. 5. Don’t Drive Impaired If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has set out to end drunk driving through cutting-edge technology. Using a designated driver when you have a couple of holiday refreshments is always the safest choice. 6. Avoid Distractions According to Distraction.gov, the “Official U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving”, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s enough time to travel the distance of an entire football field. Driving requires your full attention. When you’re able to do so safely, pull off to the side of the road or find the nearest rest stop when you have to use your cell phone.

Have You Seen Any Deer Lately?

Did you kow that that if you are involved in an accident in Pennsylvania with a deer your insurance company cannot add a surcharge to your premium? Under Pennsylvania state law, crashes involving deer are considered not-at-fault accidents, and insurance companies cannot add a surcharge to a policyholder’s premium as a result. This excludes drivers that do not come into contact with a deer. The autumn and early winter months have the highest rates of accidents involving deer, with November being the highest. Pennsylvania had the second highest rate of auto accidents involving deer in the country in 2019. Pennsylvanians have a one in 70 chance of being involved in a deer-related accident. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Daylight savings time ends November 1, which means that more drivers will be making their daily commutes during these peak hours. To report a dead deer for removal from PA state-maintained roads, you can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

How Do You Get Your Vehicle Ready For The Winter?

Winter is almost here. Lower temperatures during this time of year can still cause issues with your vehicle. That’s why the right preparation is so important to safeguard your vehicle against cooler temperatures. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall and winter. Change Your Oil Your owner’s manual will likely provide a schedule for how often your oil should be changed. However, changing before temperatures drop is a good idea regardless. Using a lower viscosity oil during the winter months is recommended, as thicker oils can have trouble flowing through your engine when temperatures go below a certain threshold. Test Your Battery Cold weather also increases your risk of a dead battery. Lower temperatures deplete battery power at a much faster rate, which means you might find your car unable to start at the most inopportune time. A battery tester is a great tool to have in your arsenal, as it can tell you the current condition of your battery. If you have an older battery with a lot of corrosion, it’s probably time for an update. Have Your Lights Inspected With fall and winter comes shorter days and longer nights. If you have a headlight out, your ability to see in the dark will be compromised. You’ll also have a greater chance of being pulled over and possibly even being ticketed for a traffic violation. Next time you start up your vehicle, have a friend or family member come outside with you for a light check. If there are any burned out bulbs, have them replaced as soon as possible. Schedule a Tune-Up There are many other components of your vehicle that can also be affected by winter weather, including belts and spark plugs. Scheduling a tune-up during fall gives you the big picture on the state of your vehicle. It also allows you to fix any issues before they get worse, and more expensive. Your mechanic can also top off fluids to keep your car running smoothly until next spring. Car-Lotta cares about your safety and well-being, which is why we offer automotive tips on how to properly care for your vehicle. Our core values, which include being trustworthy and hardworking, illustrate our commitment to you.

Do You Know How To Get The Best Trade In Value For Your Vehicle?

Do you know the value of your vehilce? Knowledge is power. Before you head to a car dealership you should research the value of your current vehicle using a tool like Kelley Blue Book. Knowing your trade-in value will let you know if the dealer’s offer is fair. Make sure you shop around. You should get at least three estimates from competing dealers. This can help ensure you get top dollar for your old car. You can trade in a vehicle if you owe money, but it’s important to know that debt still comes out of your pocket. This means you’ll ultimately get less cash from your trade. Owe more than your car’s worth? Expect that negative equity to get rolled into your next loan. A deep clean and a record of repairs can make your car more marketable, and possibly fetch you a higher trade-in price. So keep that extra paperwork for some added bargaining power. You’ll need to negotiate. Just because a dealer makes a trade-in offer doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Following the above tips, like getting multiple offers and knowing your car’s trade-in value, can be powerful negotiating tools. Car-Lotta reminds you that following these tips can help increase the value of your trade-in, getting you into a new vehicle for less cash. Once you get the keys to your dream vehicle, you’ll need to make sure it’s protected.

Would You Know How To Avoid Hitting A Deer?

The fall season is beautiful, but it also introduces a few different driving hazards… deer collisions being one of them. From October to December, mating and hunting season make deer go on the move. For drivers, that means you’re more likely to hit one. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, deer-vehicle collisions are the top animal-related claim in the U.S. Before you get too worried, here are some helpful tips on how to avoid hitting a deer… and how to handle things if you end up hitting one despite your best efforts. HOW TO AVOID HITTING A DEER Know where the deer are likely to be. Areas with high deer populations are normally marked with a bright yellow sign. Deer also tend to graze in wooded areas or open fields. When driving your usual route to work, be attentive to areas where you’ve seen deer in the past – they are likely to cross there again. Be alert at sunrise and sunset. Deer are more active during dawn and dusk hours. Use your high beams. When possible, use your high beams for better visibility. The extra light will help make it easier to spot a deer, or other animals, lurking alongside the road. Don’t rely on deer gadgets. Whether it’s a deer whistle, deer fence or other type of product to scare away the deer… don’t rely solely on them to keep deer away. Research isn’t exact on whether or not these products truly work. When you see one… you’ll probably see more. Deer travel in groups. If one comes across your path, proceed with caution in case there are more. Don’t swerve. Swerving isn’t always the safest option. Hitting a deer might often cause less damage than swerving to avoid it… and then hitting a more dangerous obstacle, like a vehicle in oncoming traffic. Car-Lotta reminds you to wear your seat belt. If you do hit a deer, wearing a seat belt decreases your chances of injury.

Do You Test Your Lights?

Now that the days are getting shorter, you may find yourself driving home from work at dusk. When the sun is beginning to set, your lights need to be turned on. If you haven’t already, check that all of your lights are in good working order – including your headlights, side lights, brake lights, and signals. Ask a friend or neighbor to help you check them all. If any are dim or burnt out, replace them immediately. You will need these lights to see and be seen on the roads this fall. While you’re at it, wipe down the exterior of the vehicle so that there are no smudges on the headlights that can distort the light. Car-Lotta reminds you to drive safe!!

Do You Drive For The Weather?

Fall is officially here!! Rainfall increases during fall. When it is raining or it has been raining, increase your following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This can make the difference of having ample time to mitigate or avoid an accident. Inclement weather also causes slippery driving conditions that increase the risk of hydroplaning if you’re going too fast on wet roads. Even if you know the roads well or have no other cars around you, slow down. Car-Lotta remonds you to drive save in all weather conditions

Did You Know That This week is National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week?

When it comes to child safety, Car-Lotta reminds you that it is better to be safe than sorry. Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week highlights the importance of ensuring that all children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seatbelt. A child’s age, weight, and height can all play a factor when determining proper safety harnesses, so it’s important to keep up-to-date with all current regulations and suggestions. September 20-26 is dedicated to all things related to child passenger safety. HOW TO OBSERVE ​CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK Attend a child restraint inspection event Get your vehicle and car seats inspected to ensure that you are staying current with all safety recommendations. Talk about Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week on social media Highlight child passenger safety on your social media accounts. By spreading the word, you might very well save the life of a child. Donate a car seat Before parents can even bring their newest bundle of joy home from the hospital, they need to have a car seat ready to go. Consider donating a new one to a local charity in order to help families in need.

Have You Checked Your Tires Lately??

Tires perform better on rainy surfaces if they have enough tread. And they stop faster and steer better on dry ones. Also, proper tire pressure helps keep you rolling smoothly and safely. Expect your tires to drop at least 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure each month, no matter the weather. When the air cools in the fall, that accelerates. Tires will drop another pound per square inch of pressure for every 10 degrees of temperature drop. Check tire pressure with a good handheld gauge from an auto parts store when the car's been sitting two or three hours. Correct pressure will be noted on a decal pasted on the driver's side door jamb or the door itself and in the owner's manual. The pressure inscribed on the tire sidewall itself is a maximum and not the recommended inflation — though it might coincidentally match the recommended PSI for your car.

What are you doing for Labor Day?

Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable for women to wear white. Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. Most school districts that started summer vacation in mid June will resume school near this day. The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, in Boston, by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation's first integrated major trade union. It became a federal holiday in 1894. Singed into law as a National Holiday by Grover Cleveland. All Car-Lotta Credit locations will be closed Monday, September 7th in observance of the holiday. We will re open on Tuesday, September 8th at 9:00 am

How Well Do You Know The PA School Bus Stopping Law?

Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Car-Lotta Reminds You That Schools Will Re-Open SOON.... Well, maybe!

What Do You Use To Was Your Automobile?

For many vehicle owners, washing a car by hand is a therapeutic act as beneficial for the person's state of mind as to the vehicle's appearance. Fequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new-car finish. As simple as washing your autoseems, there are some things to watch for so that you don't accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Here are some basic car-washing tips. Don't... use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren't formulated for use on a car's paint and may strip off the protective wax. Do... use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb's-wool mitt. Grease, rubber, and road-tar that is picked up from the road often accumulate around the wheel wells and along the lower edge of the body. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove these deposits, as they can quickly blacken your sponge. Do... use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other debris that could mar the car's finish. Mild soap and water may work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be required. Be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheels. A strong formula intended for mag wheels, for instance, can damage the clear coat that's used on the wheels that come on today's cars. To be on the safe side, choose a cleaner that's labeled as safe for use on all wheels. Car-Lotta wants you to keep your 4 wheel baby clean!!!

Who Is Driving Your Vehicle

Do You Ever Let Someone Drive Your Vehicle ? If you own a vehicle, chances are you've let a friend or family member borrow it at least once. There are plenty of reasons to hand over the keys. Maybe you needed a relative to pick up your kids from school or you're helping someone get to work after their car broke down. Did you know that in the event of an accident... it's your auto insurance policy that would have to pay? The number one misconception about loaning out your vehicle is that if you let your neighbor borrow your car, an accident should go on their insurance because he or she was the one driving but in private passenger auto insurance, the coverage typically follows the vehicle, not the driver . Let's break it down. DOES MY CAR INSURANCE COVER OTHER DRIVERS? Insured drivers include: Resident relatives: Most personal auto policies provide coverage to the named insured, their spouse or domestic partner and any other resident relatives. So if someone is a member of your family and lives in your home, they're automatically an insured under your policy unless excluded. Domestic partners: If someone lives with you but isn't a relative, they are not named insureds under your policy. However, if you're living with a domestic partner, they can be added to your policy as a named insured but only if your relationship is the long-term, committed type - you share domestic responsibilities and have joint financial obligations. All you have to do is call your agent and let them know. They'll send out a short driver questionnaire and check your partner's driving record to determine eligibility. Someone with permissive use: If you loaned out your vehicle to a friend or neighbor, your policy generally will cover them - as long as you gave your permission. If they are a regular and repeated user of the car, they should also have coverage. The only exception is if a driver has been specifically excluded on your policy. Finally: If someone else is regularly driving your car, it's important to let your agent know. Chances are, anyone you let borrow your car will fall into one of these three categories. Car-Lotta reminds you that just because someone is covered doesn't mean loaning your car is risk-free.

How Ofter Do You Wash Your Auto

Have you ever parked your car at the office or grocery store only to come back and find that a ‘helpful’ citizen has written ‘please wash me’ across the back?

 

 It’s  funny when that message is on someone else’s auto, but it’s extremely disheartening when that mud-caked dust-adorned vehicle belongs to you.

 

With a busy schedule and seemingly more important things to do, washing your auto often falls by the wayside-

The general rule of thumb is to wash your car every two weeks or so. There are special circumstances that might increase or decrease that frequency.  If you keep it in a garage and only drive once or twice a month, such regular washing might not be necessary.

What’s important is that you take care of your vehicle—yes, even its outside. Washing your car frequently is a great and ultimately inexpensive way of protecting your investment in it.

Car-Lotta wants you to make sure you’re setting aside some time for routine  washes!

Doe Your Auto Insurance Cover Vandelism?

If you have the right auto insurance coverage, you’ll usually be covered in the event of vandalism. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damages that occur outside of a auto accident, such as vandalism, fire or theft, minus your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you will have to pay toward fixing or repairing your car before your insurance kicks in.

This coverage, as well as collision coverage, may be required by your lender if you still owe money on your auto. It’s optional if you own your vehicle outright. But given the cost of repairing a vandalized vehicle, you may find it unwise to go without it. Your local  agent can help you decide the amount of coverage that makes the most sense for you.

Repair costs will vary based on your vehicle’s make and model as well as the extent of the damage. Without the right protection, you’ll pay for those repairs out of your pocket.

Comprehensive coverage can help cover expenses to fix broken locks, windows and whatever else the culprit decided to smash.  Car-Lotta Car Sales reminds you to check with your  agent to see if your policy covers vandalism and what else you can do to protect your investment.

Has Your Auto Ever Been Vandalized?

 

Garage or no garage, vandals can always find ways to make a mess if they’re persistent. When your automobile  is covered in scratches and spray paint, there are steps you can take to help make the claims process as quick and easy as possible.

 

Take these steps to make sure you’re covered:

• Document the scene. Record the damage with pictures, videos and notes. You may overlook important details in the heat of the moment, and they’ll come in handy with the authorities and your insurance company.
• Don’t touch anything. Your car becomes evidence once it’s been vandalized, so be sure to keep things as they are. If you try to fix the damage yourself, it could make matters worse and affect the police report.
• File a police report. Filing a claim without a police report may look suspicious to an insurance company. Call the police to get a record of the crime. Remember to request a copy for yourself to use when filing your claim.
• Call your agent. Contact your insurance company to file a claim and be sure to submit all available information. They may send a claims adjuster to assess the damage. In that case, stay in touch with your agent so you know what your next steps are.
• Get it repaired. During the claims process, you’ll need to transport your car to a safe place in the same condition you found it. If your car is unsafe to drive, have it towed to a body shop and leave any repairs to the professionals.

 

 

                               Car-Lotta Car Sales  wants to keep you informed

How Oftern Do You Disinfect Your Automobile??

                Do You Disinfect Your Auto  ?

The first step to cleaning and disinfecting your  vehicles interior is to choose the cleaning agents and materials. Depending on whether you have leather, cloth, or imitation leather upholstery, steps and cleaning agents will differ.

Steps for Cleaning & Disinfecting Automotive  Interiors

Vehicle interiors are built to be durable, hard scrubbing or using a rough cloth can cause scratches or even discoloration. A wipe with alcohol on hard surfaces and gentle circular cleaning on upholstery are the best bets for both cleaning and maintaining your car interior.

It is also very important not to use too much water on your seats. If cloth upholstery soaks through with water, it can get into the cushion beneath. This can cause the  mold  to grow and create  that musty smell you will recognize if you've left your car windows open in the rain.

If washing the seats of your car, it is best to wet a cloth or sponge with soap and water and wipe the seats. You do not want to leave excess soap or water, as it can take a long time to dry.  While Isopropyl alcohol can safely be used on non-leather seats, it is not an ideal cleaning agent for those surfaces unless you have imitation leather.

If you are not sick, and haven't had anyone sick in your vehicle, don't get too worried about doing this repeatedly. However, starting with a truly clean slate in your vehicle will certainly give you some peace of mind.

A common recommendation from experts is that once your car's interior is cleaned and disinfected, it is important to wash your hands before getting in from now on. This will help keep your car a clean place, and reduce the chance of a virus making it into your vehicle. The steering wheel is one of the dirtiest places in your car due to constant touching, and having clean hands will go a long way to keeping it in good condition after being disinfected.

Car-Lotta advised you that if you believe you have had someone with COVID-19 in your auto, you should disinfect and call your doctor for next steps. It is believed  that the virus can survive in the air for up to three hours, and on surfaces for much longer, so it is best to be cautious if you believe your vehicle has been exposed.

What Do You Keep In Your Automobile In Case Of A Break Down?

Summer heat can  wreak havoc on a vehicle and its function. The warm weather, hot roads, long  trips, and dry air combine to create a hostile work environment for your car. Here are a few things to consider as you hit the road during  hot summer months.

Checking your tire pressure is an important things to  do  — especially during the summer months. Hot tires on hot pavement is  a recipe for a blowout. If your tires are improperly inflated, the risk of catastrophic failure is even greater. Help prevent hazardous situations by checking your tires once a month and replacing them before they become dangerously worn.

Hot weather can also shorten your battery’s usable life. The extra vibration from summer trips can also damage your battery. It’s always a good idea to carry a set of jumper cables, or even a battery jump box, so you don’t get stranded. Check your car’s battery terminals for corrosion, and make sure the battery itself is  mounted securely.

 Low coolant levels can literally kill your engine. Worn hoses or a damaged radiator can allow coolant to leak and engine temperatures to rise. Keep an especially close eye on your vehicle’s temperature gauge during summer months to prevent  any overheating.

Every driver should put together a “summer breakdown kit”:

• Water (one gallon per person)
• Non-perishable snacks
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Emergency blanket (doubles as shade)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Basic tool kit
• Pocket knife and/or multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Tow strap
• Replacement fuses
• Cell phone charger
• Jumper cables
• Hazard signs and flares
• Can of tire sealant
• Shop towels or paper towels
• Work gloves

 

Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales reminds you to Drive Safe.... and enjoy your summer 

Ever Lock Your Keys In Your Vehicle??

WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOCK YOUR KEYS IN THE CAR

It can happen to anyone...A lockout. There’s no shame in calling for help, it doesn’t make paying a tow truck or locksmith any easier. After all, the last thing you want is an unexpected bill because of an honest mistake.

With a little preparation, you can have a backup plan ready to solve the problem yourself. So don’t let one forgetful moment ruin your entire day.

 

These methods to MacGyver your way back into your vehicle:

• Keep a spare key. The quickest, easiest backup plan is to have access to a spare key. Stash a spare in your wallet or purse. Leave a copy with a friend or loved one who can come and save the day. Or consider concealing a door key somewhere on or under your vehicle using a magnetic “hide-a-key” box. If hiding a key, make a copy — don’t use an original. A copied key will allow you to unlock the door, but won’t start the ignition on most modern vehicles equipped with an anti-theft security system.
• Unlock the car remotely. If you can’t get in on your own, many automakers now offer remote assistance services. Each manufacturer markets its own brand of service (such as OnStar, Sync, Blue Link or mbrace). But they’re all capable of unlocking your vehicle via satellite. If your vehicle has a connected car system, just call the number provided by your automaker to remotely unlock the door. Since some services are subscription-based, it’s always worth checking to see if this option is available and enabled before you really need it.
• Remember your code. If you’re driving a car with a keypad entry, you may be in luck. Just enter your code and you’ll be inside with the push of a button. This technology can be found on most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles manufactured over the past 20 years — but it’s not widely used by other makes and models.
• Make your phone a key. Many new cars with remote assistance services also include smartphone capabilities. It may be an expensive feature, but it can turn your phone into a spare key with nothing but an app. Ask your dealer for details or check out your automaker’s website to see if and how you can utilize this high-tech option.

WHO SHOULD YOU CALL FOR HELP?

If you can’t get into the car on your own, you’ll need to call for help. There’s no need to worry. It just might take a little longer to unlock the door, since you’ll have to wait for assistance. If you’re not sure who to call, here are some services to add to your contacts:

• Roadside assistance: It’s an optional coverage that’s easy to add to your auto insurance policy and only costs about $5 per vehicle per year.
• Towing companies: If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can call a towing company directly. Call the company of your choice or dial 411 to find services near you. Most tow companies can help unlock your vehicle. But if not, they can always tow your car to someone who can.
• Locksmiths or dealerships: Locksmiths can always help in the event of a lockout. But they’re especially useful if you’ve lost your key and need a replacement. Since most modern vehicles use keys with a security transponder chip, it takes specialized equipment from a locksmith or auto dealer to make a replacement key. Just have your vehicle identification number and proof of ownership ready. A professional locksmith service can get pricey.
  

CAN I CALL THE POLICE TO UNLOCK MY CAR?

One way to get back into your car is to call your local law enforcement authorities. However, keep in mind that locking your keys in your car doesn’t typically qualify as an emergency. Police officers are concerned with public safety, so generally, life or property has to be at risk for them to respond.

If a child is locked in the car or you’re in danger, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, you can try to call a local non-emergency number for help. But if the coast is clear, expect them to respond to more urgent calls or recommend a tow truck.

HOW TO PREVENT A LOCKOUT

The best way to make sure you and your keys don’t end up on opposite sides of the door is to keep them on your person.

Here are a few tips that can help make all the difference:

• Always lock doors from the outside. Some vehicles won’t lock if your fob is still inside. But manually locking the door while you’re in the car could override that feature. Always lock the doors from the outside to reduce the risk of trapping your keys inside.
• Take the key with you. If your engine is running, some security systems may automatically lock the doors assuming you’re getting ready to drive. Before you step out, turn the engine off and immediately put the key in your pocket.
• Use a lanyard or keychain. A lone key is easy to lose, but lanyards and keychains make them much easier to keep track of. Attach a lanyard or chain to your keys to make them more noticeable.

 

 

Car-Lotta is looking to give you helpful tips!