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.