How Does The Heat Affect Your Automobile ?

You hear a lot  about winter driving conditions and how cold weather affects a vehicle’s performance. Summer heat can also 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 those hot summer months.

Checking your tire pressure is an important things to  do year round— 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.

Everybody knows that cold weather can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. 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.

We call  it “antifreeze” during the winter and  “coolant” during the summer. 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 

 

 

Is Your Vehicle On The Most Stolen List ?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that a vehicle is stolen every 45 seconds in the United States.  No one ever wants to think about having his or her car stolen. It was reported  that  689,527 vehicles were stolen in 2013. While everyone should take caution with their car, the owners of the 10 most stolen cars might want to be extra vigilant. 

Here is a list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in 2014 :

10. Nissan Maxima
9. Acura Integra
8. Nissan Altima
7. Dodge Caravan
6. Dodge Pickup (full size)
5. Toyota Camry
4. Chevrolet Pickup (full size)
3. Ford Pickup (full size)
2. Honda Civic
1. Honda Accord

 _________________________________________________________________________________ Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales  wa:nts to make sure you  protect your vehicle by making sure you always lock your car and by having the right auto insurance.

How Will You Be Spending the 4th of July?

July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. Typical festivities range from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales will be closed on Monday July th in observance of the holiday.  We will re open on Tuesday, July 5th at 9:00am

Why Buy From Car-Lotta?

Here are just a few of the benefits of purchasing your next vehicle from Car-Lotta Credit...

* Selling cars to people with credit issues, is our only business. This is  what we do since 1986 every day! Nothing you have to say is going to embarrass you or surprise us. We will make you feel comfortable and try to see if we can help you with your vehicle needs. No pressure to buy.

* All vehicles are serviced in our shop by qualified technicians. In fact, we spend for repairs and reconditioning on average over $1000 on every car we sell!

* All cars come with the exclusive Car-Lotta Credit 6 month/ 6 thousand mile warranty.

*  Since the successful completion of your loan is our goal...we aim to have every vehicle, and payment affordable to your individual situation.

* Our cars are vehicles you can be proud to own.

* At Car-Lotta Credit, your on time payments can help you improve your credit rather quickly. We report to the credit bureau monthly, to give you the fastest improvement possible. Most of our competition DOES NOT report to the credit bureaus.

*   Our 3 convenient locations make your vehicle shopping very easy.

* Our web site offers on line credit info submission,  our blog, and a convenient way to make your payment 24/7 from the comfort of your own home.

This is only  a few reasons to make Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales the place to buy and finance your next car!
CarLotta, www.carlottacredit.com

Should you Co Sign?

 What is a Co-Signer on a Car Loan?

This is not the legal definition of a co-signer, so please get advice on your own if have additional questions...but 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 possesion of the vehicle.

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

You Pay HOW MUCH For Auto Insurance?

Have you checked your auto insurance bill lately?

* Sorry to say, but your driving record is an important part of your insurance cost. If you try to...obey posted speed limits, avoid parking tickets, stay alert and undistracted (like cell phones and nooooo texting),  drive slowly and defensively...you will have a lower rate than someone who does not do these things.

* Shop your policy around with different agents, on line insurance companies and types of policy. All you need is an internet connection these days to see what prices you can get. Just Google..."low cost car insurance" and see what comes up.

* Raise your deductible. This can save you money, but be sure if you have a car loan on your car, that you abide by the bank or finance company deductible maximums. Also, don't raise the deductible so high that you are not able to pay it and get your car fixed in the event of an accident.

* Combine your home or apartment insurance with you car insurance for an additional discount. Some companies will give you more of a discount if you give them more of your business.

These are just a few ideas. Give them a try. We all would like to have a few dollars in our pockets right now. At Car-Lotta Credit & Car Sales we are always looking for ways to help you save money...

How Do You Drive In Rainy Weather ?

Storms can crop up suddenly and present substantial hazards on the road; especially during Summer. Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience.

Skids are scary but hydroplaning is  nerve-wracking. Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires. 

  Prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

  Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.

 Taking  simple tips into account can save your life.

Car Lotta Credit and Car Sales reminds you to buckle up and drive safe!