Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales Blog

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you’ve seen it before, you know that the imagery is very accurate. Instrument clusters in modern vehicles are packed with so many warning lights that it can be difficult to keep track of what they all mean. All those lights and symbols tell you what your car is up to and, more importantly, if something is wrong. The 6 Things A Warning Light Can Indicate: The severity of an issue A DTC may or may not be stored A system is active A system is disabled Emission levels have increased Component damage is imminent It’s amazing how such a simple warning system can have so much thought and design behind it. From Our Car-Lotta family to yours, have a Merry Christmas!

Planning to go all out with your holiday decorating this season? You still have time. Why not intall some Christmas lights on your car? This may be a fun way to show off your Christmas spirit. Remeber that there may be local laws that technically prohibit having any kind of distracting lights on a car. However, if you’re doing it for a specific event, like a parade or a tailgate party, go for it! It can be tempting to want to completely deck out your car with lights on your first try. However, it is best to begin with a small fixture that you can easily remove in case something goes wrong during installation. To make your car decorating process even more foolproof, use battery-powered lights instead of the ones that need to be plugged in. Here’s a quick guide on how to put Christmas lights on a car. You’ll need: Power inverter Christmas lights (quantity and length based on your choice) Zip ties Electrical tape Ladder or stool Not fgeeling so techy but still want to show some holiday sprit? You can also: Add a wreath to your spare tire Clip-on antlers Add Christmas decals

The holidays are officially upon is. For many, this means parties and gatherings with friends and family. Many will likely be packing up food to share. You should not leave food in your car for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses can double every 20 minutes at room temperature. If you do need to leave food in your car, you can try these tips to keep it safe: Use a cooler Take perishable items home right away: Don't leave food in the trunk: Don’t travel with hot and cold foods together. Keep hot foods hot by packing them in insulated bags or containers. Keep cold foods cold by packing them in coolers with ice, frozen water bottles or ice packs to maintain safe temperatures for as long as possible. You should also avoid eating while driving. It can be bad for digestion and increase the risk of choking

The best time to leave to avoid traffic on a long drive is before 6 am. If you are traveling by car you should aim to avoid rush hour congestion by starting your road trip first thing in the morning.It's best to be on the road before 7 am to avoid unwanted delays. The busiest time to drive is between 4 pm and 7 pm in the evening from Monday to Friday. Heavy traffic is due to a large number of commuters driving home and other road users traveling for social reasons. You should drive early in the morning rather than late at night in order to prevent the risks associated with driver fatigue. The roads will be quieter during the night which may reduce your journey time but safety should always be your priority. Leaving first thing in the morning when you are rested will lead to a safe and comfortable trip.

The day following Thanksgiving—commonly referred to as Black Friday—has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the United States. National chain stores traditionally offer limited money-saving specials on a wide variety of goods in an effort to lure shoppers into stores while offering similar deals online. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39% of private-sector workers get a paid holiday, with 69% of public-sector workers also enjoying the day as a paid holiday It is a state holiday in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia. In Nevada, the day is known as Family Day. In Indiana, the day after Thanksgiving celebrates Lincoln's birthday while Georgia observes Robert E. Lee's birthday The popularity of this holiday is understandable. As Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday many add this day as a holiday to create a four-day weekend. Shops are open and this day has come to mark the start of the Christmas shopping period. Black Friday is followed by other shopping holidays, including Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to visit local retailers, and Cyber Monday, which promotes shopping online. Giving Tuesday has also emerged to spur charitable donations.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is next week? For most, spending time with loved ones and indulging in feasts is on most people's mind. It's also a day for making lasting memories. For many families, it is the most significant gathering day of the year. In this time excitement and festivities—it's crucial to prioritize safety Thanksgiving Travel Safety on the Road If you’re driving, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. This includes checking brakes, lights, and tires. Watch the weather: Pay attention to the forecast at home, at your destination, and everywhere in between. Be prepared to take extra time if storms or hazardous conditions (like icy roads) are in the forecast, and study up on how to handle winter driving conditions. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.  Have a car emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, first aid supplies, and a warm blanket for chilly breakdowns. Avoid Distracted Driving- it’s easy to get distracted. Stay focused on the road and avoid using your phone while driving From all of us at Car-Lotta- May your blessings be many, your troubles be few, and your Thanksgiving be Wonderful.

If you park your car outside overnight during the winter chances are there may be ice on your windshield. Before you call it a night during frosty seasons, grab some cooking spray from your kitchen. A light spray on your windshield and wipers can make a huge difference. This creates a barrier that prevents ice from bonding strongly with the glass, Doing this will help to have less scraping to do in the morning. Just make sure to wipe away any excess spray to keep your windshield clear and streak-free. You can use a indshield cover or a sheet, towel, or tarp can be placed over your windshield to prevent ice buildup. Your wiper blades can be used to hold the cover in place. Got an onion? The idea of using a vegetable may sound strange, but rubbing half an onion over your car windows and windshield at night will stop frost from forming in the morning. Cut the onion lengthwise and apply it the night before. The oil from the onion line the glass with a coating that works wonders. Remember.... Before you hit the road .... NEVER clear a tiny space and then drive off with only a small area cleared. Spending a few minutes will save you a lot of time and keep you, and others, a little safer on the roads.

Daylight Saving Time ended last week. With the change comes increased risks on roads as a result of limited visibility and drowsy driving. Drivers need to be aware of increased drowsiness resulting from disturbed sleep patterns and reduced visibility from daylight changes. Drowsy driving is more likely to cause a crash. When you drive without adequate sleep, your motor skills are impaired. Drivers who’ve only slept 3 to 5 hours in the last 24 hours are unfit to drive. Most people understand it’s risky, but don’t think about the consequences. Drowsy driving is likely to cause a crash. Like drunk, drugged, and distracted driving, drowsy driving is a real public health issue, causing thousands of car crashes each year. Carlotta encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when they are alert and refreshed. Our goal is to help people get the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep-deprived.