How Many Miles Are On Your Car?

Don’t let a vehicle with high mileage scare you into thinking that you need something new. One of the biggest habits of super savers and those who build real wealth is driving older vehicles. It’s a fantastic way to save money. And those miles you put on a paid-off car at 200,000 miles or more are much less expensive. At some point, the miles on your odometer may start to make you anxious. Driving a high-mileage vehicle may start to make you consider a change. Maybe you have visions of the engine blowing up late at night on a dark, mysterious road. Whatever the case, you may wonder whether you should drive the car until it dies or preempt that event by getting rid of it.Even the best vehicles break down eventually. But modern cars can surprise you with how long they last. That’s especially true if you stay on top of regular maintenance.

Would You Pay a Monthly Subscription To Wash Your Car?

Car washes are in! Car washes look much different today than they did 20 years ago when mostly teenagers would post up on corners with big signs looking for customers to fund a school trip. Now, the car wash business is big business. A car wash can cost anywhere from $3 to $20, depending on whether it’s a do-it-yourself wash or an automatic wash. Full-service washes range from $20 to $50 and detailing could range into the hundreds of dollars. Do you like to get your car washed every week? If so, then a subscription may make sense to you. If it were $10 per car wash without a subscription and $20 a month for unlimited washes with a subscription, you’d have to go to the car wash at least three times a month for a subscription to be worth it. If you only go to the car wash twice a month, a subscription would be unnecessary.

Do You Love To Drive?

Every day millions of people enter a mechanical contraption, enter a huge grid of roads in order to get from point A to point B. Driving is more than the means to get you places. It makes you feel an explorer – it exposes you to what lies beyond the vehicle itself and brings you thrills that you are able to find all of that. Driving gives your a special vibe – it makes it dynamic which is human nature, and hence it is thanks to driving that you feel part of nature, part of the world. When you are driving, you are in control of the world ahead of you. You decide what matters, you decide where to pause. What can be better than this calm yet enriching experience?

Daylight Savings Time Is Almost Here

Daylight Saving Time is upon us once again, and with it comes the ritual of adjusting clocks, includig your car. While most newer models adjust their clocks automatically, some models may still require manual intervention. Are you tackling this task yourself? If your car, SUV, or Truck doesn't adjust the clock automatically, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions. These typically involve navigating through the car's menu system and finding the clock settings. Double-check the time: Before heading out, take a moment to confirm both your car clock and your phone or watch are displaying the correct time. Enjoy the extra sunlight: Take advantage of the additional daylight hour by going for a drive, enjoying an outdoor activity, or simply relaxing in the sunshine.

What Day Do You Get Gas?

Are you filling up on the Wrong Day? You should try to fill up your tank when it drops below half-full for optimal fuel efficiency. Driving around with an almost empty tank makes the remaining gas evaporate more quickly. The gas light is a warning system triggered when the remaining fuel in your tank falls below a certain level. If you fill your gas tank only on payday, you could be throwing money away. Monday is the best day to buy gas because it costs less. The most expensive day of the week to fill up? Thursday.

Travel If You Have To

In extreme cold, you shouldn’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. Staying inside will reduce the chance of getting frostbite or risking uncertain road conditions. If you do need to leave the house, be sure to brush up on best practices for winter driving safety. Make sure you have a flashlight with fresh batteries and a full tank of gas. Carry extra blankets, clothes and an car emergency kit with food and water in case you get stuck or stranded. Winter driving definietly has its challenges and calls for quick decision making, patience and a little bit of know-how. Here are a few common mistakes of winter drivers : Tailgating Speeding Getting stuck Ice on the windshield Snow on the roof Driving with high beams on Just like other people's driving, winter weather can be unpredictable. Even the safest, most experienced drivers can get into an accident. It’s always aggravating when other drivers put you at risk. Getting stuck behind a driver who is spinning their tires or not paying attention isn’t just annoying… it’s dangerous.

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.