Where Is Your Automobile??

 

Winter  won't be  lightening up any time soon, many of us try to get a step ahead of Old Man Winter and warm up our cars before heading out for the day. When cold weather approaches, many leave their cars running unattended in an effort to warm up them before facing the cold.

                                  YOU MAY WANT TO RETHINK THIS PLAN.

In Pennsylvania it is illegal to leave your vehicle  running while it is unattended.  The purpose of the law is so that vehicle owners do not become victims for thieves! When falling prey to the simple temptation of leaving your auto running and unattended, you  must remember that car thefts of this kind are easily preventable crimes.

If you are caught leaving your vehicle running and unattended in Pennsylvania, you are guilty of a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $5 plus court costs.

Although summary offenses and tickets do not seem like a big deal in the long run, if your auto is stolen, there can be civil and sometimes even criminal liability for the reckless act of leaving a vehicle unattended while running.

Some Insurance providers will deny coverage for a vehicle stolen due to the lack of reasonable care taken by the owner of the vehicle. If an individual is injured or property damage occurs as a result of an unauthorized individual operating a vehicle simply because it was left running, may have a negligence claim against the owner of the vehicle (or the person who left it running unattended).

Before deciding to put those key in the ignition, turn on the defrosters and heat, and run back into the house to finish getting ready, 

Car-Lotta reminds you, it is  better to have a cold car than no car.

Why Car-Lotta ?

Here are a few differences between CarLotta Credit and other  dealerships....

* We know and assume that you have credit issues when you stop by, call or email us. We great you with a smile and a hearty handshake and appreciate your business. We understand that good people can and do have credit problems. At some dealerships, when you tell them you have credit issues, they may not be very happy about it or helpful.  

* Nothing you tell us is going to surprise us, or embarrass you. For over 24 years we have helped people just like you. Anything you have to tell us, will be handled professionally and held in confidence. Selling and financing cars to people with credit issues is our only business, this is what we do.

* Most dealerships are trying to make as much money as possible on every customer they sell...at CarLotta Credit our #1 goal is to make sure the car is affordable to you and fits in your budget. We want you to be able to afford your payments and pay your loan. Its better for you, and us.

* We report your on time payments to the credit bureaus on a regular basis, this can improve your credit score over time. 

*  Most of our payments are set as weekly and are set up as an Auto Debit. This helps you judge your budget and stay current with your payments.

This is just a few of the things that make us different. Stop in, call, or email us and let us actually show you!

Would You Ever Co Sign For A Car Loan?

These are the basics of the responsibilities of a co-signer at CarLotta Credit.

* A co-signer is responsible for paying the loan back IF the person they co-signed for defaults (does not make their payments). This could mean that you are responsible for the entire balance of the loan, even if you are not in actual possession of the vehicle.

* You will be asked to supply some credit information in order for a loan decision to be made.

* If you did not make those payments, it could affect your credit rating as well.

Some guidelines for co-signers....

* Make sure that you can afford the car if the buyer does default.

* Be sure you have a long term relationship with the buyer, to make it worth your while to take on this responsibility.

* Ask the loan company to contact you and keep you posted as to the progress and timeliness  of the buyers payments to prevent surprises.


There are good reasons to co-sign  a loan for someone, just make sure you understand the responsibility.

Do You Have An Emergency Car Care Kit?

 You never want to be stranded along the road. A stocked emergency roadside kit may help you get back on the road quickly and safely.

Pre-assembled kits are available to purchase, but you may  want to assemble your own or customize a purchased kit.

 

Consider including the basics:

 

• Cell phone and car charger, with a list of emergency numbers
• Fire extinguisher
• Two roadside flares
• Quart of oil
• Small first aid kit
• Flashlight
• Multipurpose tool or pocket knife
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tire inflator
• Duct tape
• Rags
• Your car’s manual
• Pen and paper
• Help sign

 

If your car has more trunk space, or if you’re planning a long trip, add these to the mix:

• Jumper cables or a portable battery booster
• Gallon of antifreeze
• Extra fuses
• Extra flashlight batteries
• Basic tools: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Ice scraper
• Granola or energy bars
• Bottled water
• An approved gas container
• A road atlas

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Think about the weather, too. Will you need extra water or a warm blanket? If icy roads are likely, a bag of sand or cat litter could provide traction for a stuck tire. You might also be glad to have a folding camp shovel or warm gloves and hat.

Think about your passengers, too. If you have kids and they ride in your car often, think about having items in the emergency kit that will keep them occupied if you're stopped for awhile. Also consider additional blankets and snacks.

Check your kit occasionally to make sure it’s shipshape, the spare tire is inflated, batteries are charged, first-aid supplies are stocked, water is fresh and food is dry. Be familiar with how each tool works before you need to use it in an emergency. 

 

Car-Lotta reminds you that the most important tool you have is common sense; stopping to change a tire in the fast lane is an accident waiting to happen.