Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales Blog

August is National Traffic Awareness Month. August, a month often filled with travel, late-summer events, and end-of-season vacations, unfortunately, sees an increase in alcohol-related traffic accidents. Safe driving is crucial for ensuring that you, those around you, and first responders make it home safely. Our roads are dangerous because many people prioritize speed and distractions over safety and attentiveness. Even if you are the only one in your car, remember that you are not the only one on the road. It's time to prioritize safety on the road. Whether you're a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, staying alert can save lives.It’s a great time to be reminded of driving safety tips! One of the most important rules for safe driving is to maintain a safe following distance, as rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident! August offers key observance: Stop on Red Week- August 4–10 - Stop on Red Week aims to educate the public about the dangers of running red lights. Intersection safety is not just a public traffic issue; it’s a workplace concern for any employee who drives as part of their job. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over August 14 – September 2 -The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlights the deadly consequences of impaired driving.

It's hard to believe that it is August already- Where is the summer going??? No worries, you still have time to sneak in a road trip or two. No matter where your trip takes you, Having a plan is a hugh help. Start with packing..... Consider using a packing checklist, and try to avoid packing at the last minute to avoid any frustration so that your trip goes off without a hitch. Where do you start when it comes to packing you car? There are multiple things you should consider when packing your vehicle. First is safety. When you’re packing you don’t want to pack up too high in the back. You don’t want to lose visibility through your windows. You should secure loose objects in the back end of the vehicle. If you have to hit the brakes hard, loose items may cause a problem. Trunk organizers can help secure loose items while also providing help with keeping organized. Pack an overnight bag that's accessible if you have multiple stops on your trip. This prevents you from unpacking the entire vehicle for a quick hotel stay or night camping. Be prepared for any situation that arise. Pack an emergency road kit, first aid kit, and extra device charger. Digital navigation is great but if you’re in a remote area and lose service a paper map can help get you to your destination. Ready.... Set.... Travel Safe!

Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because their body temperatures rise much faster than adults. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise dramatically in a short amount of time, even on relatively mild days, making it a dangerous environment for anyone left inside. Heatstroke can occur quickly, leading to serious health consequences, including death. Some automakers include rear occupant alert systems to address concerns over children and pets being left unattended in vehicles. These systems are designed to remind drivers to check the back seat before exiting their car. Always check the back seat: before exiting the vehicle Develop a routine: where you physically look in the back seat every time you exit. Place a vital item: like your phone or purse in the back seat to remind yourself to look before you lock. In Pennsylvania a piece of legislation that was signed a few years s ago called the “Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act” better known as the “Hot Car Bill.” The bill went into effect in December 2018. This allows law enforcement or emergency personnel to break into a person’s car if they have a good-faith and reasonable belief that a person or animal is imminent danger if not immediately removed.

First things first. It’s never a good idea to drive on flooded roadways even when you’re caught unexpectedly. The top tip for staying safe when driving during and after rainstorms: don’t drive through standing water. It’s often deeper than it looks.If water splashes up and into your engine compartment, it could stall your vehicle for good. Six inches of water is enough to hit the bottom of most passenger cars, flooding the exhaust and leaving you stranded. If you must, be sure to..... Drive Down the Center Take Turns With Other Cars Only Cross When the Water is Extremely Shallow Drive Slowly Drive in Low Gear If your car floods do not try to restart the engine. It can cause severe damage.

Where is this summer going?? With many schools returning in August or early September, you still have time to squeeze in a summer trip. Remember, destinations that offer cooler temperatures or unique experiences can be ideal. Road trips offer a unique travel experience with benefits, including flexibility, freedom, and opportunities to discover hidden gems. They allow for a more relaxed pace, the ability to explore at your own pace, and the chance to bond with people you travel with. Do you prefer mountains, beaches, or historic towns? Use a navigation app or map to plan your route and identify potential stops along the way. Book in advance: Popular destinations can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. Check road conditions and closures: Some scenic routes may have seasonal closures or restrictions. Pack essentials including sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and any necessary medications.

We thank our brave heroes who fought for the freedom we are enjoying today. Let’s commemorate their memory by spreading goodwill to all. Happy 4th of July to everyone. Our offices will be closed today so our employees can spend the holiday with their families. We will re open on July 5th at 9:00 am

Regular car maintenance is important. Ever wonder how you know when your car needs service? Here are a few signs to look for : Unusual Noises: Listen for any strange sounds while driving, which may indicate mechanical issues. Dashboard Warning Lights: If any warning lights, like the check engine light, illuminate, it’s a sign that your car needs attention. Fluid Leaks: Check for any puddles or spots under your car, which could indicate leaks. Strange Smells: Unpleasant odors, such as burning or sweet smells, can signal problems. Vibrations: If you feel unusual vibrations while driving, it may indicate issues with the tires or suspension. Regularly monitoring these signs can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Keep an eye out for these warning signs the next time you’re behind the wheel!

Hot summers mean battery failures, air conditioning repairs, tire replacements and a higher demand for emergency roadside assistance. Heat interferes with your car’s ability to operate. Fluids evaporate, circulation is diminished, and pretty much everything has to work a little harder. Extreme heat can hinder the chemical processes inside your car battery, making it hard for it to hold a charge and produce enough power. Hot temperatures can even cause your battery fluid to evaporate faster than normal which can degrade the battery’s interior components, making it more likely to corrode. When road temperatures are extremely it may affect tire pressure, which can cause uneven wear and shorten the life of a tire. Driving on underinflated tires can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. To avoid heat-related vehicle breakdowns, check your battery at least twice a year. If your battery is running low, change it before it dies. Check tire pressure and condition monthly. Check tire pressure after your car has been resting. Readings are less accurate when evaluated right after a drive.

It's finally starting to feel like summer! Did you know there is a Proper way to us your air conditioning? Air conditioning is great, but you can do more than to turn it on. The way your air conditioner is set up can change how fast your auto cools down. If you want to do cool as quickly and efficiently as possible there are a few things you can do. Make sure the A/C is on the coldest setting, and then that the climate control is set to draw in external air. Then, open the windows slightly, and set the A/C to come out of the lowest vents. Since cold air is heavier than hot air, it’ll make sure the hot air gets pushed up and out of the window. Once the air coming from the vents feels cooler than the outside air, shut the windows and switch to recirculated air. Your A/C will do its thing and keep you nice and cool.

Talking (and scrolling) on your phone while driving will be illegal in Pa. Effective June 5, 2025, the law - known as “Paul Miller's Law” - prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban(opens in a new tab) that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations. For more information you can visit the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety

The metal logo on a car is commonly called a hood ornament, car mascot, or emblem. It's a decorative element, often placed on the hood or grille, that identifies the car manufacturer. They were originally used to disguise the radiator cap and add a touch of luxury and style to vehicles. They also served as a decorative element and a way for automakers to communicate their brand's identity and communicate speed, power, or prestige.In the early days of automobiles, radiator caps were functional but not aesthetically pleasing. Hood ornaments helped to mask their appearance and create a more visually appealing front end. The shapes and designs of hood ornaments were inspired by various sources, including animals, mythological figures, and the automakers' logos. Automakers use hood ornaments to differentiate their vehicles and convey a specific image. Some have become synonymous with luxury and prestige, many are seen as a symbol of wealth and status. Some hood ornaments, like those on heavy trucks, served a more practical purpose, such as helping with lane positioning or providing a visual cue for drivers.

Remembering the Fallen. 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 26th in observance of the holiday. We will re open on Tuesday, May 27th at 9:00 am.

Operation Yellow Jacket is back! PennDOT and PSP are working together to keep Pennsylvania highways safe for all motorists and maintenance crews. Troopers monitor traffic in PennDOT maintenance trucks traveling within PennDOT’s designated work zones. If the trooper observes a violation, they communicate to another trooper in a marked PSP patrol unit to initiate a traffic stop. Last year 1,250 crashes occurred in work zones in Pennsylvania – resulting in 22 fatalities and 550 serious injuries. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Police are reminding motorists about Operation Yellow Jacket and the importance of slowing down in work zones throughout this year’s construction season.

Life can get busy, and sometimes that means eating on the go. You can be on your comute to work, running some errands, or on a road trip, eating in the car can be a convenient way to fuel up when time is limited. With so many fast food options and long commutes, it's no surprise that most people eat behind the wheel on a regular basis. Recent surveys show around 56.7% of Americans regularly eat or drink while driving. When it comes to eating in the car, not all foods are equal. Some are easier to manage and less likely to cause a mess than others. Choose foods that are: Easy to eat with one hand Neat and non-greasy Not prone to crumbling Pre-portioned for convenience Some great options include pre-cut fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, and snack bars.

Americans waste a lot of their lives in traffic, with the average urban auto commuter spending 35 hours a year idling It's understandable to feel frustrated with traffic, as it can be a source of stress and wasted time. Traffic often stems from a high volume of vehicles on the road. While there's no magic solution to eliminate traffic completely, there are strategies you can use to manage the stress and potentially mitigate its impact. Manage Stress and Stay Calm: Listen to music or podcasts: Engage in activities that can help you relax and de-stress while stuck in traffic. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing or meditation can help you manage anxiety and frustration. Focus on the positive: Try to find something enjoyable about your commute, even if it's just enjoying the scenery or the sounds of nature.

When the sun is shining in the middle of a gorgeous summer day, you may want to be out and about in your car. Did you know that the blazing sun may actually be bad for your car's exterior? Excessive sunlight can cause damage to car paint. UV rays from the sun break down the chemical bonds in paint, leading to fading, oxidation, and sometimes peeling. Darker paint colors, like black, red, or blue, are particularly susceptible to damage. UV rays impact automotive finishes by Paint Fading which ccurs as UV radiation alters paint pigments. Oxidation which is caused by the breakdown of paint’s chemicaol compounds, leading to a dull and lifeless surface. Indications of UV damage include: Color Fading: Paint color appears less vibrant and uneven. Surface Oxidation: A chalky, dull surface replaces the glossy finish. Small Cracks: Tiny fissures may form on the vehicle’s surface. Protecting your car’s paint from the sun’s harmful rays not only keeps it looking pristine but also preserves the overall value of your vehicle. Try and park the car in a shaded spot or under cover so it is not in direct sunlight.

Finding an Easter egg in a car can be tricky, but more cars are adding them. An Easter egg in a car is a hidden feature you might not notice if you’re not looking for it. They usually offer a symbolic or deeper meaning than the typical eye sees. Surprisingly, many cars hide these features or symbols that you probably overlook. Coolest Car Easter Eggs Tesla Keys Tesla Light Show Chrysler 200 Car Mats Chevrolet Secret Storage Jeep Hidden Icons Ram 1500 T-Rex Mercedes-Benz Ambient Lighting Hyundai Veloster Video Games Volvo XC-90 Seatbelts Ford GT40 100th Anniversary Headlights GMC Hummer EV Nissan Ariya Cherry Blossom Sadly, not all cars come with hidden Easter eggs. Many cars offer Easter eggs but Jeeps and Teslas use the most hidden features in their vehicles. The easiest way to know if your car uses any Easter eggs is by quickly searching the internet. However, the fun way to do it is by searching around your car and pressing different buttons.

It may feel like a major task to decide which car to purchase, especially if you're choosing between a sporty sedan or suv. Most people assume SUVs are safer — both the size and weight of an SUV play a crucial role in reducing collision fatalities. Sedans and SUVs are equally equipped with life-saving crash protection features, and many sedans have excellent safety ratings. Living in a colder climate, an SUV with all-wheel drive (AWD) is typically best for driving on icy roads. Though it is available for smaller cars, several sedans on the market also come with AWD. Smaller cars are easier to maneuver around the city, while SUVs can better navigate icy and wet roads. If most of your commute is on small roads in the city, a sleeker sedan may be more appealing. Large SUVs can carry more people, they have bigger tanks with fewer miles per gallon. A sedan or a small crossover if gas mileage and fuel economy is important to you. Sedan vs. SUV: Which is right for you? Most SUVs and sedans are designed with comparable features, so it's all about the driver's needs. Ask yourself a few important questions to help you decide on a SUV or sedan: Will I use this vehicle for off-roading or towing? Will I drive this vehicle mainly in the city or on tighter roads? Am I more comfortable with the height and control of an SUV? Do I need more space for cargo? Are the safety features updated?

Looks like winter is almost over - it's a good time to wash your car to remove salt and debris that can damage your vehicle's paint and undercarriage. Wait for temperatures to be above freezing before washing your car to avoid frozen water and potential damage. Remember to: Rinse the car with a high-pressure spray to remove loose debris and salt from the undercarriage and wheel wells. Use a car wash soap specifically designed for winter conditions, avoiding household detergents. Use one bucket for soapy water and another for clean water to prevent scratching the paint. Start from the roof and work downwards, allowing the soap to soak into the grimiest areas. After washing, dry the car thoroughly to prevent water from freezing in crevices. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, where salt and grime tend to accumulate. Clean the tires and rims with a degreaser and brushes, then apply a tire shine product. Inspect the vehicle for any damage caused by winter weather, such as rust or corrosion. Remove carpets and vacuum and vacuum the interior, including cup holders, seat crevices, under child car seats, the trunk, and floor. Use hot water in a spray bottle to remove salt stains, avoiding pouring water directly onto the stain. Use a glass cleaner to remove any grime or streaks from the windshield and windows. Use an interior cleaner to clean the dashboard, console, and other interior surfaces. Inspect the interior for any damage caused by winter weather, such as mold or mildew.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.