Are You Aware Of The Motorcycles On The Move?

As the number of motorcycles on the road increases, so does the opportunity for motorcycle crashes. There are more motorcycles on the road now than a decade ago. Are you aware of the unique hazards that motorcycles present, including the risk of accidents caused by a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle? Drivers should consider the following when sharing the road with motorcycles: Mtorcycles can be difficult to see and can disappear in your blind spot. Also, it can be easy to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed. Look twice to make sure a motorcycle is a safe distance from your vehicle. Follow motorcycles at greater distances, as motorcycles can stop more quickly than automobiles. Car-Lotta reminds you that summertime hazards require drivers to be extra alert and share the road.

Are You Ready For Summer Driving And Increased Traffic?

Summer Construction Brings Increased Traffic Increased traffic on our roads is an unmistakable hazard of summer driving. It is important for drivers to be patient and alert, and to share the road. To ensure the highest safety in work zones, drivers should: Avoid known work zones or anticipate the delay and allow extra time. Use alternate routes or adjust their work schedule to avoid hazards or delays. Follow signs and remember merge early before entering the work zone. Expect the unexpected: slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. CarLotta wants you to be aware of these summer hazards and know how to share the road safely.

What Is Your Favorite Road Trip Snack??

The open road is calling your name! Aside from comfy clothes, great company and an epic playlist, road trips pair best with some tasty snacks. Need some snacking inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few snack ideas, many of which can fit in your cupholder. No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars Skip the dry, crumbly, store-bought granola bars and make this recipe for No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars. All you need to make these is peanut butter, honey, some quick-cooking oats, chopped walnuts, raisins and a touch of salt… and a refrigerator for them to chill in. In no time, you’ll have a delicious snack to nosh on while you roll down the highway! Roasted Honey-Dijon Pecans Prcans are both filling and nutritious and make great road trip snacks. This recipe for gives these pecans a sweet and savory jolt. To make this recipe, you’ll need raw pecans, some avocado oil, honey, Dijon mustard and sea salt. After roasting these treats, let them cool and put them in your favorite reusable container so you can reach for them when you’re hungry, but the next roadside restaurant is a bit too far away. There’s no better road trip vehicle than a car from Car-Lotta. We hope you have a summer to remember!

Memorial Day

This U.S. federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military. Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind. Car-Lotta Car Sales will be closed on Monday, May 31st, in observance of the holiday. We will re open on Tuesday, June 1st at 9:00 am.

What Is That Smell?

When you smell something stinky in your automobile, the first step is to find the source of the odor. Check in pockets, under seats, on and under floor mats, in the glove box, and in the side doors for anything that could be causing the smell like old food, spills, spoiled beverages, etc. Don’t forget under any seat covers. If your vehicle smells like something is burning, it may be that it’s overheated or you may be in need of an oil change. Park your car in the shade, open the windows, turn the floor air vents on, use the fresh air setting, and keep your eye on the car temperature gauge and also check your oil level. If you or a passanger is a smoker or purchased a used vehicle from someone who smokes, that could be the source of a smell. Cigarette smoke can get everywhere, including the vents and can be difficult to remove completely. If a child or pet got sick or had an accident, it could still cause odors even after you’ve cleaned it up. A deeper clean may be necessary to fully get rid of the smell. Mildew can be another source of unpleasant smells, caused by a buildup of condensation, a leak (like through a cracked window), or even spilled liquids. Another source of mildew smell could be your air conditioning system. Check if your floor mats are damp near the air conditioner, which can be a sign of an air conditioning unit condensation.

Do You Text While You Drive?

Picking up your phone to read or answer a text while you’re behind the wheel puts everyone’s safety in jeopardy. It’s estimated that around 660,000 drivers are on their phones at any point during the day. In the United States, texting and driving causes a quarter of all car accidents. Teen drivers are Four times more likely than adults to have accidents or near-accidents when they’re on their phones. Did you know that you are SIX times more likely to cause an accident when you’re texting behind the wheel than a drunk driver? Here are some tipe that can help you ‒ or a driver you care about ‒ overcome the temptation while doing your part to keep the roadways safer. TIPS TO STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING: Before you start the ignition, put your phone on silent mode and make sure it’s not on vibrate or turn your phone off altogether. Both options will eliminate the temptation to check your screen every time it rings, pings or buzzes. On most smartphones, you have the option to turn on some form of a do not disturb mode while you’re driving. There are even some apps you can download to block texts while you’re behind the wheel, including ones specifically geared toward teen drivers. Make it out of sight, out of mind. Rather than having your phone in your cup holder, your center console, or your hand, put it in a spot where you can’t see or reach it. If you have a passenger or two with you, ask them to keep an eye on your phone and handle any calls or messages you receive. If you’re a passenger rather than a driver, volunteer for the job ‒ and call out the driver if they’re being unsafe. If it’s absolutely vital to respond to a message, find a place to safely pull over, then park and answer. Model safe behavior. Talk to your kids about the dangers of texting and driving, explain the ways they can avoid it. If you have a teen driver, make your expectations clear about how they’re allowed to use their phone in the vehicle and be very specific about what will happen if they break those rules. Car-Lotta wants every driver expects to reach their destination safely.

Is There A Benefit To Put Money Down When You Buy A Vehicle?

There are benefits to putting a large down payment when financing it include: Lowers the overall amount financed saving on interest and finance charges. Decreases the loan to value which greatly increases your chances of being approved. Shows your commitment to the loan which suggests you’re less likely to default on the car loan. Lowers your overall monthly payment. You can finance for a shorter term and pay it off quicker. Less likely to be in a negative equity or upside down situation.