Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales Blog

What is Comprehensive Insurance ? Comprehensive insurance is an optional type of car insurance coverage that pays for damage to a vehicle caused by non-collision events that are beyond your control. For example, comprehensive insurance covers damage due to falling objects, fire, theft, flooding, vandalism, wind, and more. Without comprehensive insurance, you risk having to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle should an incident occur. Things to Know About How Comprehensive Insurance Works: • You can purchase comprehensive insurance from any auto insurance company, as it is a very common type of insurance. • You will likely be required to purchase collision insurance when you get comprehensive coverage, since most insurance companies do not sell comprehensive insurance by itself. • Comprehensive insurance is not required by law, but a lender or lessor might require it. • You can file a comprehensive insurance claim by calling your insurance company and providing them with all the information you have about the accident. You may also be able to file your claim on your insurer's website or app. • You will always file comprehensive claims with your own insurance company. • When you file a comprehensive insurance claim, you will be responsible for paying a deductible. • If your insurance company approves the claim, you will pay your deductible directly to the repair shop.

What does the phrase Sunday drivers mean? A person who drives slowly and leisurely or overcautiously What is the origin of the Sunday driver? The use of the automobile for the Sunday drive began in the 1920s and 1930s. The idea was that the automobile was not used for commuting or errands, but for pleasure. There would be no rush to reach any particular destination. The practice became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century. Why is it called a Sunday drive? A catchphrase that made specific reference to people who broke the Sabbath by driving their automobiles, especially during church services, Sunday driving stood as a metaphor for what many believed was a nationwide decline in morality.

Easter eggs in cars are fun, hidden gems with symbolic or deeper meanings. Most car Easter eggs are free, Tesla drivers can pay $175 for an optional key fob, which is also a hidden gem. While many vehicles hide Easter eggs, Jeeps and Teslas use the most hidden features in their vehicles. From functional to simply fun, easter eggs provide a little more character and often show off an automaker's playful side. Easter eggs might not influence sales numbers too much but they do help buyers engage with their vehicle. Some are purely based on having a little fun with the design while others are intentionally functional. Which is your favorite though? That’s our question of the day. Easter eggs in the automotive sector come in a variety of forms but just as their namesake might suggest, they’re somewhat hidden from plain view. You often needs to go looking for them to find them. Does Your Auto Have An Easter Egg?

Understanding Windshield Replacement and Inspection Stickers in Pennsylvania In the state of Pennsylvania, the process of replacing a windshield can sometimes lead to confusion regarding inspection stickers and their transfer between the old and new glass. It is essential for both auto glass shop customers and service stations to understand their responsibilities in this situation to ensure compliance with the law and avoid unnecessary issues. When a windshield replacement is performed in Pennsylvania, an auto glass shop is not legally obligated to transfer inspection stickers from the old windshield to the new one. While some auto glass shops may make an effort to save and transfer the stickers as a courtesy to their customers, it is important to note that any damage to the stickers during the replacement process is not the shop's responsibility. According to Pennsylvania regulations, inspection stickers are considered the property of the vehicle owner rather than the auto glass shop. As a result, it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their inspection stickers are replaced. In cases where the stickers cannot be saved or are damaged during the replacement process, the customer may need to visit the service station that inspected their vehicle to obtain new replacement stickers. Auto glass shops are required to cut out the inspection stickers from the old windshield and hand them over to the customer. The customer can then take the stickers to the service station for replacement, bearing in mind that they may incur additional costs for the new stickers.

Do People Decorate Still Their Cars for Weddings ? Typically the best man, with the help of the maid of honor, groomsmen, and bridesmaids sneaks out of the wedding reception about halfway through to decorate the wedding car. Sometimes, even the bride and groom like to be included. Decorating the wedding car is definitely a fun and creative way to honor (or even embarrass) the new couple! Old shoes were tied to the back bumper because leather was thought to ward off evil spirits, and would keep the young couple safe. Sometimes tin cans were also tied to the back of the car, to make noise and call attention to the happy newlyweds. Now, more couples are renting limousines and are aware that shaving cream might damage the paint and rental companies discourage tying anything to the car. There are many other alternatives now available that won’t harm the car in any way.

Daylight saving time has gotten easier since the smartphone has replaced so many wristwatche. In cars, GPS-linked navigation systems often change the time automatically in the same way. They will be able to synchronise the car's clock with the global positioning satellite signal and so they will automatically change the time according to the zone you're in. Some folks have a clock in their car that not only needs adjusting manually but is often the most complicated function in the entire car. As all cars operate differently the first thing you should do would be to check the manufacturer's manual. As a general rule the dashboard buttons will help you set the time right in your car as its clock is usually connected to the radio. You will need to push the "menu" or the "clock" button to access the time setting menu. By tapping the "volume" buttons you will be able to adjust the hour and minutes. Once you are finished make sure to tap the "set" or "clock" button again and you're good to go. Saturday while you’re running errands, don’t forget to turn the clock an hour back. The time doesn’t officially change until 2 a.m. Sunday, but you don’t want to head to work Monday an hour earlier than you need to.

Springtime is often associated with house cleaning, but here at Carlotta, we think it’s a great time to focus on your car as well. Routine, seasonal maintenance checks will help your car perform its very best, as you turn the corner from winter to spring. With the weather warming up, early spring is ideal for getting your car prepared for road trips, more frequent driving or even that epic summer vacation that’s only a few months away.

Winter weather is tough on vehicles. When temperature drops below freezing and you get in one morning and turn the key, only to find your vehicle won’t start. What are you supposed to do? WHY CARS AND COLD WEATHER DON’T GET ALONG.... We tend to think about our vehicles as machines, but there’s also a lot of chemistry involved. Car problems related to the cold are usually caused by a combination of chemical and mechanical malfunctions. A battery that worked fine during the spring, summer and fall can fail as the mercury drops. Your battery runs on a chemical process, one that gets slowed down by low temperatures. The colder it gets, the less power the battery will produce. If your battery’s condition is marginal, it may not be able to start your vehicle as temperatures drop toward single digits. When you turn the key, you may hear the starter running very slowly, or not at all. If you think your battery might be at fault, kill everything else that would draw power from it. Turn off the lights, the heater and the stereo. Unplug any phone chargers. And, if you have a manual transmission, hold the clutch down. If you think your battery might be at fault, kill everything else that would draw power from it. Turn off the lights, the heater and the stereo. Unplug any phone chargers. And, if you have a manual transmission, hold the clutch down. Now turn the key in the ignition, or push the start button. Hold it for about 10 seconds, but no longer. If all goes well, your engine should start. If not, wait a few minutes and try again. If this doesn’t work, try to tighten or clean your battery cables, or get a jumpstart. If you have some timeyou can remove the battery and take it indoors where it can warm up. If all else fails... get a tow to your mechanic.

When you consider the prices in the vehicle market over the past few years, you may feel that buying a vehicle today is an expensive. Prices of used cars will continue to drop, but you should consider when buying a car is the true — and overall — cost of ownership. What Vehicles Will Cost You the Least After 5 Years? 5-Year Cost to Own projections reveal the overall financial costs associated with a vehicle, including the price tag and other hits to your wallet down the road. Consider the car costs for you to drive it off the lot, maintenance, fuel, insurance, repairs and its market value after five years of ownership. Let’s take a look at vehicles with the most favorable five-year costs overall....a range of 2023 model classes, including subcompact SUVs, midsize cars, hybrids and more. Here’s What A Few Vehicles Are Projected To Cost Over the First 5 Years Make and Model Vehicle Class 5-Year Cost to Own 2023 Toyota Tundra Fullsize Pickup Truck $48,254 2023 Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV $31,686 2023 Subaru Forester Compact SUV $37,367 2023 Subaru Impreza Compact Car $31,041 2023 Honda Accord Midsize Car $36,732 2023 Lexus LS Fullsize Luxury Car $83,727 2023 Lexus ES Midsize Luxury Car $53,063 2023 Subaru BRZ Sports Car $39,908 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hybrid Car $30,207 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Electric Car $28,610 2023 Toyota Sienna Minivan $42,669

What defines sign and drive? A sign and drive deal is an extremely popular pay structure amongst lessees since it allows the consumer to drive off in a car without paying anything at signing. It is literally called a “Sign and Drive deal.” but it's actually more of a sign THEN drive deal. Instead of putting your savings as a down payment, a Sign and Drive lets you bundle the leasing costs into your monthly payments.

Is it time to head for warmer temperatures? Get ready and take advantage of off-season rates and smaller crowds. Whether you head west or east, you’ll find great places to stay and enjoy some natural beauty on these three winter road trips. Winter Road Trip #1 – Southern California Average Temperature (December to March): 65-73°F high, 38-50°F low Winter Road Trip #2 – Arizona Average Temperature (December to March): 60-70°F high, 33-48°F low Winter Road Trip # 3 – Florida Average Temperature (December to March): mid-70s F high, 53-66°F low

Did you know a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022? What is the best protection against car theft? Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle. Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle. ... Close the windows. ... Park in well-lit areas. ... Install an audible alarm system and anti-theft device. ... Install a vehicle immobilizer system. ... Install a tracking system. ... Don't leave valuables in your vehicle especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Snow can be hazardous to any type of vehicle, large or small. Heavy snow build up, in addition to the exposure to salt from the roads, can affect your vehicle's performance in a major way. Heavy amounts of snow can put a strain on your windshield and cause it to become loose from the weight of the snow. Cacks or breaks may appear and you will have to replace your windshield before getting back on the road. To avoid damage to your windshield from the snow, avoid parking under trees and shovel snow off of your car when possible. Snow can cause damage to your car's frame by leaving dents from heavy snow if proper measures are not taken. This typically occurs on the roof or hood of your car, where large weights of snow left for long periods can cause the most damage. If this happens, it can damage the value and appearance of your car. Keep your car in great shape by shoveling snow when necessary or parking your car inside a garage when snowing. In some cases, snow does cause your car to rust. Snow can cause rust by pools of water sitting on top of your car for extended periods or corrosion from road salt. Rust can be a major problem for your vehicle as it slowly corrodes the metal of your vehicle’s frame and inner parts. The best way to avoid damage to your car from snow and rust is to take preventative measures before the winter months hit. By doing so, you ensure your car is prepared and protected from extreme weather conditions and likely preventable damages. But never to fear, there are many things you can do to protect your car from the snow, including: - Washing your car frequently - Driving safely - Avoiding ice or large puddles in the road - Installing winter snow tires - Not driving in deep or heavy snow - Avoid parking on the street

When making travel decisions during inclement weather, you should keep in mind that major roadways are the first to be cleared. It is unusual for conditions on rural and county roads to be better than those on major roadways. While drivers are encouraged to use all available information when making winter travel plans, even the latest, most accurate forecast information could change with little or no warning. If weather conditions appear to be too severe to travel, they most likely are. The majority of winter driving crashes can be attributed to drivers going too fast for the roadway conditions. When this happens, drivers can lose control and begin to leave the roadway. Driving slow on snowy and icy roads allows the driver a longer reaction time. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy weather. Drivers should be prepared to look ahead and begin braking well in advance of an intersection. Remember: Active winter weather and hazardous traveling conditions create the greatest demand for police and EMS services. Please do not tie up telephone lines and dispatch personnel by calling to request weather or travel information.

The average refund is usually enough to cover a big part of the down payment. If you're not wanting to get a brand-new car, truck, or SUV, you can also utilize your income tax refund to pay off a part or the entirety of your existing auto loan. Our financing specialists recommend paying a considerable down payment to help you get a car loan for your next automobile purchase. Having a substantial deposit can help reduce your monthly payments. By using your refund as a down payment, you might receive better vehicle funding options. Using your tax refund to repay an existing car loan is always a great idea. Customers can make use of that extra money to significantly lower the existing balance on their existing vehicle financing. You can do this either by making a few extra payments or by making a principle only payment. Paying off or considerably reducing the remaining balance will reduce the amount of interest that would have been paid with time.

If you've been wanting to buy that new car, then 2024 may finally be your year. Some say 2024 will be the best year for consumers to buy that car- truck or suv since the have been wanting since before the pandemic. What are you waiting for? Start the process at https://carlottacredit.com/online-credit-application. We will be closed on Monday, January 1st in observance of the Holiday. We will re open at 9:00 pm at 1/2 at 9:00 am Happy New Year from all of us a Car-Lotta Credit and Car Sales.

The holiday season is a time when fantasies come to life – including the fantasy of giving or getting a car as a gift, wrapped in a giant red bow. Dream becomes reality for so many people. Automobile gift sales make up 10 percent or more of December sales for some automakers. If surprising someone with a gift car feels about as merry as visits from three Christmas ghosts, it may be because cars are generally the second-biggest purchase most people make in their lives, and is one that’s not as easy to exchange as a pair of socks. IF you are still looking for a great gift for that special someone- We Got You! On Saturday, December 23rd we will be open until 12:00pm- for your last minute shoppers We will be closed on Monday, December 25th to celebrate the holiday. Merry Christmas from all of us at Car-Lotta Car Sales.

Are you looking for great holiday gift idea for car lovers and enthusiasts? Not every present has to be a big ticket item, and sometimes a simple stocking stuffer says it all. Driving Gloves Sunglasses Air Fresheners/Car Spray Seat Organizer Dashboard Decor Phone Mount Custom Gear Toppers Toy Cars: Hot Wheels or Matchbox Dashboard Wipes Tire Repair Kit New Windshield Wipers We hope this list has given you excellent ideas on what to buy a car lover for the holidays. Happy Holidays from Car-Lotta Car Sales!

Is winter weather in the forecast? Here are a few tips for safe driving this winter season. If you don't have to travel in bad weather, DON'T. If you must.... Preparation is also key to successfully navigating winter roads. Winter weather can bring unexpected conditions, so make sure that both you and your vehicle are ready for ice and snow. Make sure someone else knows where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Carry a winter emergency travel kit. Keep your gas tank at least half full. Slow down and increase following distance. Avoid sudden stops and starts. Beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen, often referred to as "black ice." Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, where ice can often form without warning. Carry a cellphone. Do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads. Turn on your headlights when your wipers are on. Use your low beams in particularly bad weather, especially in cases of heavy or blowing snow. Remove ice and snow from windows, mirrors, and all vehicle lights before you drive and as often as needed. Remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Do not park or abandon your vehicle on snow emergency routes. Do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line. If you do become stranded... Stay with your vehicle until help arrives. Run the engine every hour or so, but make sure the tailpipe is clear and keep the downwind window cracked open.

It does.... in more ways than one might expect: Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids. It takes longer for an engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since a vehicle spends more of a short trip at less-than-optimal temperatures. Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power. Warming up a vehicle before starting a trip lowers fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on a vehicle, especially at highway speeds. Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance. Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends. Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for the alternator to keep the battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. In severe winter weather, mpg can drop even further. Icy or snow-covered roads decreases the tire's grip on the road, wasting energy. Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph. Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.

Is Black Friday a good day to buy a car? Black Friday can be an excellent time to buy a car — Vehicle inventory is still tight, which can make finding a deal on your dream vehicle more of a challenge. If you want to save money and are flexible on model, the holidays can be a great time to buy. Car-Lotta is open at 9:00 am today- You can always start the application process online at www.carlottacredit.com for a 30 minute approval

Raise your hand if you’ve ever lost something. Whether it’s your wallet, your keys or your sunglasses, you’ve misplaced or left something at some point in your life. But........ what do you do if you lose the key fob to your car? And how do you replace your key fob while spending as little as possible? For many of us, access to our cars is as necessary to daily life as our smartphones. A simple Google search should give you a lot of guidance on how much your key fob replacement should cost based on the specific make and model. Amazon eBay Independent shops Car dealerships for that brand Program it yourself online (Tesla, for example) Locksmith Battery stores (Batteries Plus, for example) are a few place to start looking. It’s also possible that your roadside assistance company like AAA can help you, especially if your car only requires a key instead of a technologically advanced fob. Your car insurance company may be able to replace the key or key fob as well, although you probably don’t want to file that type of small claim during a period in which insurance premiums are skyrocketing. How Much Will It Cost To Replace My Key Fob? It’s difficult to pinpoint a good price on a replacement car key or key fob because there are so many variables. J.D. Power estimates $50 to $500 depending on the type of key, make and model of your vehicle, location, time of day and more. Some key fobs are required to start your vehicle or work as part of anti-theft design rather than just being used to lock and unlock your car. Even basic remotes may require special programming with computer software. Replacement costs ranged from as little as $150 for a 2017 Honda Accord to $2,000 for a crystal fob included with some Aston Martin models. Battery replacement for key fobs typically costs $10 or less. Losing your keys can be an absolutely terrifying experience. It causes so much trouble in our lives that, in some cases, it is enough to send some of us into a complete panic. There are simply few things more frustrating than not being able to use your vehicle, especially when there’s somewhere you really need to be. Thankfully, this once-harrowing ordeal doesn’t have to be the end of the world for you

Fall means more deer on the road: 4 ways time of day, month and year raise your risk of crashes Deer still cross roads at any time It’s important to remember that deer-vehicle accidents can occur at any time of day or night, on any day of the year – and that deer can show up in urban areas as well as rural ones. They are most active at dawn, dusk, and for a few hours after the sun sets. They're also more prevalent during mating season, which runs from October to January. Animal strike claims are more than twice as likely in November than any other time of the year. Car-Lotta reminds you how to avoid deer at night It's imperative to stay alert if you're driving at night. Here are a few tips to help you spot deer on the road and avoid an accident. Upgrade your headlights. Choose LED or HID bulbs instead of traditional halogen. Both produce a brighter light that makes it easier to spot animals in the distance. Be wary of the woods. If you're driving on a road that's wooded on one or both sides, deer could be lurking just out of sight, waiting to make a run for it. Slow down. Deer don't usually travel alone. If you spot one, chances are, there are more nearby. Slow down and watch out for the rest of them. Look for glowing eyes. Deer have yellow eyes that look like they glow in the dark. If you catch a glimpse of yellow, assume it's a deer and slow down. Pay attention to road signs. If you see a deer crossing sign on the road, it means you're in an area with a large deer population. Use your high beams. If you're driving in a low-light area with few or no streetlamps, turn on your high beams for greater visibility. Just be sure to turn them off if you see another car coming. Look out for recently killed deer. Deer typically travel in groups. If you see a deer on the side of the road that was hit recently, others could be nearby.

Fall Back! Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, which was meant to lower fuel costs during the First World War. The law also established a standard time and allowed the federal government to create five time zones. Millions of us will turn back their clocks on Nov. 5 at 2 a.m marking the end of daylight saving time in 2023. We will "fall back," turning our clocks back to 1 a.m., gaining an extra hour of sleep.

Each year, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties — and candy and drinks. Unfortunately, the night often includes drunk drivers on the streets. Here are some tips to keep Halloween safe. Safety Tips for Drivers: Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. On Halloween there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives. Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop, wait for them to pass. Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement. See you at the Wilkes-Barre Trunk or Treat event this SUnday! https://www.wilkes-barre.city/halloween