What Do You DO??

You’re sitting calmly in traffic drumming your fingers on the steering wheel when you hear the sound of brakes screeching from behind. Glancing in the rearview mirror, you see a car barreling toward you and brace for the crash. More than 5.25 million Americans a year experienced an auto accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While we can’t always prevent accidents from happening, we can prepare for what to do when they occur. A car accident is just that, an accident. If you find yourself in the aftermath you might notice that as the adrenaline drops off, your brain starts to whirl with questions. Often, the loudest one is, what now? First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If your vehicle can be moved out of the roadway, do so. No matter what, be sure to turn on your hazard lights. Next, remember to stay calm. Take some deep breaths. Then: Call the police to report the accident. If someone needs medical attention at the scene, call 911 If your vehicle needs to be towed, be cautious of predatory towing companies. Using them may result in expensive out of pocket charges. ERIE has a towing program, and you can request an accident tow by using your mobile app. If using a towing provider at the scene, be sure to obtain the towing company name, operator, contact information and location to where the vehicle is being towed. Document the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get: Date, time and location Description of what happened, while it’s still fresh in your mind Contact information of those involved and any witnesses Insurance information, driver’s license number and license plate information of all drivers involved Identifying information of all responding officers Photos of the involved vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. Copy of final accident report If your accident was the result of a hit and run, the steps don’t vary much. Record any details you may recall about the vehicle that hit you and gather witness statements and contact information. Finally, contact your insurance agent directly to begin the claims process.

Make An Appointment- Keep It- Or Call

We Know - Life gets crazy. Keeping up with appointments can be overwhelming amid the chaos of a busy life -IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, JUST CALL- When a customer fails to show up for their automotive appointment, it can significantly impact the business. First off, the company may have incurred costs associated with special ordering the required part for the customer's vehicle, which now must be returned. This can lead to financial loss due to restocking fees or shipping costs, as well as the time and effort invested in the ordering process. The missed appointment represents a lost opportunity for the business to generate revenue during that time slot, potentially disrupting the scheduling of other appointments and affecting overall productivity. The company's reputation and customer satisfaction may be at stake if such occurrences become frequent, as it can lead to dissatisfaction and mistrust among both existing and potential customers. If you find yourself unable to make a scheduled appointment, reach out to them promptly. Making a courteous phone call, send a text or email to notify them of your inability to attend, you show respect for their schedule and allow them the opportunity to make alternative arrangements. A simple act of communication shows that you value their time and are considerate of the impact your absence may have on their operations. It also helps to maintain a positive and professional relationship with the company, building trust and understanding.

What is Comprehensive Insurance ?

What is Comprehensive Insurance ? Comprehensive insurance is an optional type of car insurance coverage that pays for damage to a vehicle caused by non-collision events that are beyond your control. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage due to falling objects, fire, theft, flooding, vandalism, wind, and more. Without comprehensive insurance, you risk having to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle should an incident occur. Things to Know About How Comprehensive Insurance Works: • You can purchase comprehensive insurance from any auto insurance company, as it is a very common type of insurance. • You will likely be required to purchase collision insurance when you get comprehensive coverage, since most insurance companies do not sell comprehensive insurance by itself. • Comprehensive insurance is not required by law, but a lender or lessor might require it. • You can file a comprehensive insurance claim by calling your insurance company and providing them with all the information you have about the accident. You may also be able to file your claim on your insurer's website or app. • You will always file comprehensive claims with your own insurance company. • When you file a comprehensive insurance claim, you will be responsible for paying a deductible. • If your insurance company approves the claim, you will pay your deductible directly to the repair shop.

Are You A Sunday Driver ?

What does the phrase Sunday drivers mean? A person who drives slowly and leisurely or overcautiously What is the origin of the Sunday driver? The use of the automobile for the Sunday drive began in the 1920s and 1930s. The idea was that the automobile was not used for commuting or errands, but for pleasure. There would be no rush to reach any particular destination. The practice became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century. Why is it called a Sunday drive? A catchphrase that made specific reference to people who broke the Sabbath by driving their automobiles, especially during church services, Sunday driving stood as a metaphor for what many believed was a nationwide decline in morality.

Does Your Auto Have An Easter Egg?

Easter eggs in cars are fun, hidden gems with symbolic or deeper meanings. Most car Easter eggs are free, Tesla drivers can pay $175 for an optional key fob, which is also a hidden gem. While many vehicles hide Easter eggs, Jeeps and Teslas use the most hidden features in their vehicles. From functional to simply fun, easter eggs provide a little more character and often show off an automaker's playful side. Easter eggs might not influence sales numbers too much but they do help buyers engage with their vehicle. Some are purely based on having a little fun with the design while others are intentionally functional. Which is your favorite though? That’s our question of the day. Easter eggs in the automotive sector come in a variety of forms but just as their namesake might suggest, they’re somewhat hidden from plain view. You often needs to go looking for them to find them. Does Your Auto Have An Easter Egg?

If You Replace Your Windshield What Happens To Your State Inspection Sticker?

Understanding Windshield Replacement and Inspection Stickers in Pennsylvania In the state of Pennsylvania, the process of replacing a windshield can sometimes lead to confusion regarding inspection stickers and their transfer between the old and new glass. It is essential for both auto glass shop customers and service stations to understand their responsibilities in this situation to ensure compliance with the law and avoid unnecessary issues. When a windshield replacement is performed in Pennsylvania, an auto glass shop is not legally obligated to transfer inspection stickers from the old windshield to the new one. While some auto glass shops may make an effort to save and transfer the stickers as a courtesy to their customers, it is important to note that any damage to the stickers during the replacement process is not the shop's responsibility. According to Pennsylvania regulations, inspection stickers are considered the property of the vehicle owner rather than the auto glass shop. As a result, it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their inspection stickers are replaced. In cases where the stickers cannot be saved or are damaged during the replacement process, the customer may need to visit the service station that inspected their vehicle to obtain new replacement stickers. Auto glass shops are required to cut out the inspection stickers from the old windshield and hand them over to the customer. The customer can then take the stickers to the service station for replacement, bearing in mind that they may incur additional costs for the new stickers.

Do People Decorate Their Cars for Weddings ?

Do People Decorate Still Their Cars for Weddings ? Typically the best man, with the help of the maid of honor, groomsmen, and bridesmaids sneaks out of the wedding reception about halfway through to decorate the wedding car. Sometimes, even the bride and groom like to be included. Decorating the wedding car is definitely a fun and creative way to honor (or even embarrass) the new couple! Old shoes were tied to the back bumper because leather was thought to ward off evil spirits, and would keep the young couple safe. Sometimes tin cans were also tied to the back of the car, to make noise and call attention to the happy newlyweds. Now, more couples are renting limousines and are aware that shaving cream might damage the paint and rental companies discourage tying anything to the car. There are many other alternatives now available that won’t harm the car in any way.

Spring Forward..... and Change The Clock In Your Car

Daylight saving time has gotten easier since the smartphone has replaced so many wristwatche. In cars, GPS-linked navigation systems often change the time automatically in the same way. They will be able to synchronise the car's clock with the global positioning satellite signal and so they will automatically change the time according to the zone you're in. Some folks have a clock in their car that not only needs adjusting manually but is often the most complicated function in the entire car. As all cars operate differently the first thing you should do would be to check the manufacturer's manual. As a general rule the dashboard buttons will help you set the time right in your car as its clock is usually connected to the radio. You will need to push the "menu" or the "clock" button to access the time setting menu. By tapping the "volume" buttons you will be able to adjust the hour and minutes. Once you are finished make sure to tap the "set" or "clock" button again and you're good to go. Saturday while you’re running errands, don’t forget to turn the clock an hour back. The time doesn’t officially change until 2 a.m. Sunday, but you don’t want to head to work Monday an hour earlier than you need to.

Are You Thinking Spring?

Springtime is often associated with house cleaning, but here at Carlotta, we think it’s a great time to focus on your car as well. Routine, seasonal maintenance checks will help your car perform its very best, as you turn the corner from winter to spring. With the weather warming up, early spring is ideal for getting your car prepared for road trips, more frequent driving or even that epic summer vacation that’s only a few months away.

Why Won't My Car Start??

Winter weather is tough on vehicles. When temperature drops below freezing and you get in one morning and turn the key, only to find your vehicle won’t start. What are you supposed to do? WHY CARS AND COLD WEATHER DON’T GET ALONG.... We tend to think about our vehicles as machines, but there’s also a lot of chemistry involved. Car problems related to the cold are usually caused by a combination of chemical and mechanical malfunctions. A battery that worked fine during the spring, summer and fall can fail as the mercury drops. Your battery runs on a chemical process, one that gets slowed down by low temperatures. The colder it gets, the less power the battery will produce. If your battery’s condition is marginal, it may not be able to start your vehicle as temperatures drop toward single digits. When you turn the key, you may hear the starter running very slowly, or not at all. If you think your battery might be at fault, kill everything else that would draw power from it. Turn off the lights, the heater and the stereo. Unplug any phone chargers. And, if you have a manual transmission, hold the clutch down. If you think your battery might be at fault, kill everything else that would draw power from it. Turn off the lights, the heater and the stereo. Unplug any phone chargers. And, if you have a manual transmission, hold the clutch down. Now turn the key in the ignition, or push the start button. Hold it for about 10 seconds, but no longer. If all goes well, your engine should start. If not, wait a few minutes and try again. If this doesn’t work, try to tighten or clean your battery cables, or get a jumpstart. If you have some timeyou can remove the battery and take it indoors where it can warm up. If all else fails... get a tow to your mechanic.

What will your vehicle cost be over the next 5 years?

When you consider the prices in the vehicle market over the past few years, you may feel that buying a vehicle today is an expensive. Prices of used cars will continue to drop, but you should consider when buying a car is the true — and overall — cost of ownership. What Vehicles Will Cost You the Least After 5 Years? 5-Year Cost to Own projections reveal the overall financial costs associated with a vehicle, including the price tag and other hits to your wallet down the road. Consider the car costs for you to drive it off the lot, maintenance, fuel, insurance, repairs and its market value after five years of ownership. Let’s take a look at vehicles with the most favorable five-year costs overall....a range of 2023 model classes, including subcompact SUVs, midsize cars, hybrids and more. Here’s What A Few Vehicles Are Projected To Cost Over the First 5 Years Make and Model Vehicle Class 5-Year Cost to Own 2023 Toyota Tundra Fullsize Pickup Truck $48,254 2023 Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV $31,686 2023 Subaru Forester Compact SUV $37,367 2023 Subaru Impreza Compact Car $31,041 2023 Honda Accord Midsize Car $36,732 2023 Lexus LS Fullsize Luxury Car $83,727 2023 Lexus ES Midsize Luxury Car $53,063 2023 Subaru BRZ Sports Car $39,908 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hybrid Car $30,207 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric Car $28,610 2023 Toyota Sienna Minivan $42,669

Can You Sign and Drive ?

What defines sign and drive? A sign and drive deal is an extremely popular pay structure amongst lessees since it allows the consumer to drive off in a car without paying anything at signing. It is literally called a “Sign and Drive deal.” but it's actually more of a sign THEN drive deal. Instead of putting your savings as a down payment, a Sign and Drive lets you bundle the leasing costs into your monthly payments.

Planning A Winter Road Trip?

Is it time to head for warmer temperatures? Get ready and take advantage of off-season rates and smaller crowds. Whether you head west or east, you’ll find great places to stay and enjoy some natural beauty on these three winter road trips. Winter Road Trip #1 – Southern California Average Temperature (December to March): 65-73°F high, 38-50°F low Winter Road Trip #2 – Arizona Average Temperature (December to March): 60-70°F high, 33-48°F low Winter Road Trip # 3 – Florida Average Temperature (December to March): mid-70s F high, 53-66°F low

How Do You Protect Your Auto From Theft?

Did you know a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022? What is the best protection against car theft? Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle. Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle. ... Close the windows. ... Park in well-lit areas. ... Install an audible alarm system and anti-theft device. ... Install a vehicle immobilizer system. ... Install a tracking system. ... Don't leave valuables in your vehicle especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Can Snow Cause Damage To Your Car?

Snow can be hazardous to any type of vehicle, large or small. Heavy snow build up, in addition to the exposure to salt from the roads, can affect your vehicle's performance in a major way. Heavy amounts of snow can put a strain on your windshield and cause it to become loose from the weight of the snow. Cacks or breaks may appear and you will have to replace your windshield before getting back on the road. To avoid damage to your windshield from the snow, avoid parking under trees and shovel snow off of your car when possible. Snow can cause damage to your car's frame by leaving dents from heavy snow if proper measures are not taken. This typically occurs on the roof or hood of your car, where large weights of snow left for long periods can cause the most damage. If this happens, it can damage the value and appearance of your car. Keep your car in great shape by shoveling snow when necessary or parking your car inside a garage when snowing. In some cases, snow does cause your car to rust. Snow can cause rust by pools of water sitting on top of your car for extended periods or corrosion from road salt. Rust can be a major problem for your vehicle as it slowly corrodes the metal of your vehicle’s frame and inner parts. The best way to avoid damage to your car from snow and rust is to take preventative measures before the winter months hit. By doing so, you ensure your car is prepared and protected from extreme weather conditions and likely preventable damages. But never to fear, there are many things you can do to protect your car from the snow, including: - Washing your car frequently - Driving safely - Avoiding ice or large puddles in the road - Installing winter snow tires - Not driving in deep or heavy snow - Avoid parking on the street

Making Good Travel Decisions

When making travel decisions during inclement weather, you should keep in mind that major roadways are the first to be cleared. It is unusual for conditions on rural and county roads to be better than those on major roadways. While drivers are encouraged to use all available information when making winter travel plans, even the latest, most accurate forecast information could change with little or no warning. If weather conditions appear to be too severe to travel, they most likely are. The majority of winter driving crashes can be attributed to drivers going too fast for the roadway conditions. When this happens, drivers can lose control and begin to leave the roadway. Driving slow on snowy and icy roads allows the driver a longer reaction time. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy weather. Drivers should be prepared to look ahead and begin braking well in advance of an intersection. Remember: Active winter weather and hazardous traveling conditions create the greatest demand for police and EMS services. Please do not tie up telephone lines and dispatch personnel by calling to request weather or travel information.

Using Your Tax Return for Buying a Car?

The average refund is usually enough to cover a big part of the down payment. If you're not wanting to get a brand-new car, truck, or SUV, you can also utilize your income tax refund to pay off a part or the entirety of your existing auto loan. Our financing specialists recommend paying a considerable down payment to help you get a car loan for your next automobile purchase. Having a substantial deposit can help reduce your monthly payments. By using your refund as a down payment, you might receive better vehicle funding options. Using your tax refund to repay an existing car loan is always a great idea. Customers can make use of that extra money to significantly lower the existing balance on their existing vehicle financing. You can do this either by making a few extra payments or by making a principle only payment. Paying off or considerably reducing the remaining balance will reduce the amount of interest that would have been paid with time.