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Is it dangerous to drive without wearing shoes? As the old adage goes, “It’s only illegal if you get caught.” While this isn’t the best way to operate when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are some things that are thought of as illegal but are in reality only ill-advised. As the weather heats up, it is likely that you’ve been considering driving while wearing flip-flops or sans shoes, but you probably reconsidered, since most people think that driving with flip flops on, or without shoes, is illegal.   While there are valid reasons as to why you shouldn’t drive without shoes or while wearing flip flops, there is no legal precedent stopping you from doing so, unless you’re on a motorcycle in Alabama. In all fifty states, you’re legally able to drive with your feet in any state of undress. Dangers of driving while wearing flip-flops Though you won’t get in trouble for driving without shoes, should you cause an accident while shoeless or while wearing flip-flops, you may pick up a ticket for negligence if the authorities decide that your choice of footwear was a contributing factor to the accident. In many cases, you might be safer driving without shoes, rather than wearing flip-flops. When you’re wearing flip-flops, it can take longer for you to move your foot from the gas to the brake. There is also the possibility that your shoe will get caught under the pedal.   When faced with the question of driving with or without shoes, it is always a better idea to wear your shoes. While barefoot driving is slightly safer than driving with flip flops, you could encounter problems if your vehicle is in an accident, leaving your feet unprotected. Even though you aren’t doing something illegal, it is smart to wear shoes while driving. Learn more about the best methods of driving when you take a look at the tips and tricks section on the OkCarz blog.rn Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? < Previous post Next post >

Recommended Florists in Central Florida that Sell Valentine’s Day Bouquets Need some last-minute flower shopping for your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Thankfully, there are many florists in the Central Florida area that will surely bring a smile to your sweetheart’s face! From Orlando to Tampa, here are a few recommendations for various florists you can buy flowers from this Valentine’s Day. In Bloom Florist Address: 325 West Gore Street   City: Orlando Website Flowers by Edith Address: 229 South Florida Avenue   City: Lakeland Website Jennie’s Flowers Address: 2730 W Columbus Drive   City: Tampa Website Robert Anthony Florist Address: 26 Broadway   City: Kissimmee Website Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season Restaurants Offering Veteran’s Day Discounts in Florida Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? < Previous post Next post >

Pre-Owned Kia Optima Safety Technology and Features Kia prides itself in offering innovative safety technologiesrnto protect its drivers and passengers. The Kia Optima is no exception, as this reliablernsedan offers some of the most advanced safety and driver assistive features yourncan find in a used car. Let’s explore how safe the used Kia Optima sedan is byrnreviewing some of its safety technology and features. Driver-Assistive Technologies in the Kia Optima Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. You might look away for arnbrief second as you have a child in the back. You may underestimate therndistance of the parked car behind you as you try to parallel park. Thernpre-owned Kia Optima is packed with driver-assistive technologies to helprnprevent accidents like these. Here are some examples you may find in a usedrnOptima. Blind-Spot Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance withrnPedestrian Detection Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure Warning Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go High Beam Assist Parking Distance Warning Driver Attention Warning Safety Features in the Kia Optima While each of these driver-assistive technologies can helprnprevent a collision, not all accidents will be avoided. So how will the KiarnOptima protect you if you get involved in a crash? There are many safetyrnfeatures built in the Kia Optima if such a situation were to occur. These canrninclude: Advanced Airbag System Advanced High Strength Steel Frame Electronic Brake-Force Distribution LATCH And more Some driver-assistive technologies and safety features varyrnon the year and trim level. To find the used Kia Optima that provides the levelrnof protection you need, browse our inventory onrnthe OkCarz website. Need more information about any of our Optima vehicles?rn Contact us and we will provide arnlist of safety features you can expect in the Optima you are interested in. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work? What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover? How to Keep Yourself from Driving While Distracted Safety Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Motorcycles < Previous post Next post >

How to Determine a Vehicle’s Condition Trading in your vehicle can drastically lower your paymentsrnfor a replacement. However, it’s not always clear how much you should expect inrnreturn for your previous vehicle. Brand, year, model, condition, and mileagernall play roles in determining its value. How do you know how much your car isrnworth? Here at OkCarz, we provide estimates that make budgeting for your nextrnvehicle much easier. Get an Estimate of Your Car’s Value at OkCarz The key to calculating the value of your vehicle is to be honest with yourself. Are you exaggerating your car’s condition to make it seem better than it is? Is it considered “good” or “clean”? Of course, this is all subjective. Despite this, you can still get in the ballpark rather accurately if you understand what each category entails. Here are some examples to help you determine your vehicle’s condition. Excellent/Very Clean Used vehicles rarely fall under this category. For a car tornbe deemed “excellent” or “very clean”, the car must appear new. That includesrnno fading, stains, paint damage, rust, or dents. Mechanically, the vehicle can’trnhave any issues with the powertrain or features. Very Good/Clean Drivers that take good care of their vehicles may have theirrnvehicle fall under the “Very Good” or “Clean” category. Vehicles may have minorrnwear from being used over the years, like some scratches or even some dingsrnthat could use some touchup. Mechanically, the powertrain is free from anyrnmajor problems. Average Most used vehicles are placed under the “Average” category. Wearrnis consistent with age, but the car may have some problems that need fixing. Fadingrnon the exterior or interior is common. There may be cosmetic defects likernscratches, dents, and rust. Recent repairs may have been done on vehicles inrnthe “Average” category. Overall, the car is still safe to drive but isn’t veryrnclean. Rough/Fair Vehicles in this category are often very old, worn, orrndamaged. There are signs of a previous accident or mechanical problems thatrnwill require plenty of investment to fix. Sometimes, vehicles in this categoryrnare deemed unsafe to drive, making them only good for salvageable parts. To get your free estimate of your vehicle’s value, fill out this online form and we will give the most accurate estimate we can based on the information you provide. Still not sure? Bring it in so one of our experts can take a look. If you have any questions about the trade-in process, contact us and we will reach out to you. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Select the Right Car Brand Why Do Vehicles Quickly Lose Value? Things You Should Know When Shopping for Your First Car How to build credit quickly? < Previous post Next post >

Pre-Owned Honda Pilot Passenger and Cargo Capacity Families looking to transport many passengers and lots ofrncargo can find what they need in the used Honda Pilot.rnThis SUV offers comfortable seats and a large cabin so you can fit as manyrnpeople and belongings as possible. No matter if you are planning a move, familyrnvacation, or a road trip with some friends, you’ll love the amount ofrnversatility and space inside the used Honda Pilot. Interior Dimensions of the Used Honda Pilot To understand just how spacious the used Honda Pilot is, let’srnexplore the interior dimensions this SUV offers. First, it’s important to noternthat the size of the Honda Pilot varies depending on the year you select. Forrnexample, the 2003 Pilot offers up to 90.3 cubic feet of cargo room while thernrecent 2020 Pilot provides up to 83.9 cubic feet.   Chances are, you’re likely looking to buy a recent model, sornwe will have a look at Pilot models from 2016-2020. If you are shopping for arnPilot within this range, here are some dimensions you can expect: Legroom – 40.9”/38.4” Headroom – 40.1”/40.2” Hip Room – 59.1”/57.3” Shoulder Room – 62.0”/62.0” Wondering about seating capacity? The Honda Pilot isrndesigned to seat up to eight passengers, making this SUV a popular choice amongrnlarge families and drivers that love to carpool.   Not only can the interior dimensions vary by the year, but they can vary based on the trim level as well. The best way to know which Honda Pilot is right for you is to contact our team at OkCarz. We’d be happy to show you the cabin inside one of our many Pilot vehicles. Want to see what we have before you stop by? Browse our current pre-owned Honda Pilot inventory here. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Used Honda Pilot crossover SUV models are loaded with family-friendly technology and comfort features < Previous post Next post >

Technology systems available in used vehicles Many drivers have a hard time putting down their phones when they’re behind the wheel. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for getting in an accident, and in many of those, the distracted party is looking at their phone for many reasons. In order to help curb this problem, many new vehicles have added screens and other features that can help drivers stay connected and focused on the road.    While these features are exciting for drivers who are buying new cars, those who are looking for a used vehicle may feel like there is no way that they’ll have access to features like that. However, many models, like the Nissan Sentra, have had infotainment systems available as early as 2010. Those who are searching for an older used model may have a more difficult time finding a vehicle equipped with a Bluetooth ® system, as they weren’t standard equipment at that time, but it isn’t impossible. Which used car models might have Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ®? While infotainment systems are quite impressive, and can do a lot for keeping driver’s attention on the road ahead of them, there are some drivers who would rather use a system that provides a similar interface to their cell phone, as well as many of their favorite apps, which might not be available on the manufacturer’s interface. This is where Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ® come into play. Drivers can use the systems that they are used to by downloading the app and connecting their device via USB cord.     Many manufacturers have just started adding Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ® to their systems, but that doesn’t mean that used car buyers can’t find them. There are many vehicles from 2014 or 2015 that were equipped with Apple CarPlay ® or Android Auto ®. Vehicles with Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ® 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 2016 Chevrolet Impala 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2017 Ford Escape 2017 Ford Focus 2017 Ford Mustang 2017 GMC Acadia 2016 GMC Sierra 2017 Kia Cadenza 2015 Kia Optima 2014 Kia Soul 2016 Volkswagen Golf 2016 Volkswagen Passat 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Find a used vehicle at OkCarz These are only some of the models that are available with Android Auto ® and Apple CarPlay ®, and many of them may also have Bluetooth ® connectivity or other interfaces on even older models. To see all of the vehicles available at the five OkCarz locations, visit the inventory online, and find information about other technology features and used vehicles on the OkCarz blog. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Which Cars Were the Most Affordable for Drivers in 2019? Pre-Owned Chevrolet Impala Comfort Options and Technology Top technology features to look for in a used car What are the Most Fuel Efficient Pre-Owned Cars? < Previous post Next post >

5 Tips for Buying Your First Vehicle For many teens, earning a driver’s license is an excitingrnmoment. Now that you have your license, it’s time to start shopping for yourrnfirst car. As to be expected, most young adults looking to purchase a vehiclerndon’t know the best methods to approach. Here are five things you should knowrnwhen shopping for your first car. Know Your Budget Before you visit a dealership, decide your price range. What’s the maximum amount you are willing to spend? Is it $5,000? Is it $10,000? Are you planning on taking out a loan or purchasing outright? If you plan to loan, calculate how much you can afford to pay every month. Research What Kind of Car You Want Every new car buyer should understand what kind of car you want. For example, there are big differences between driving a sedan and a truck. It’s a good idea to take some time to research different vehicles to get an idea of what you are looking for. Most first time buyers purchase a sedan as these cars are the most affordable and first-time buyers usually only need a reliable commute. Take the Vehicle Out for a Test Drive Cars are expensive and repairs are costly. If you find a car you are interested in, inspect the interior and exterior for damage or areas of concern. Next, take the vehicle out for a test drive. Listen for anything that sounds off and play around with the features like the air conditioning and radio. It’s better to say no to an offer than to pay for costly repairs later. Consider Cosigning You are young and likely have little to no credit. Something every first car buyer should consider is a cosigner. This should be someone you trust, like a parent. By cosigning with someone, both people agree to pay off the loan on time. Have a serious conversation with your parents if you are considering cosigning. Finalize the Deal and Pay on Time Finally, once you find a car you like at the price you can afford, it’s time to finalize the deal. Solidify your payment plan with the seller and make payments on time every month until the vehicle is fully paid off. Here at OkCarz, we will be honored to be your first dealership. You can start browsing our inventory right on our website. Have questions about one of our vehicles? Contact us and we will be happy to help in any way we can. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Maximize the Trade-In Value of Your Car < Previous post Next post >

What Should I Always Keep Inside My Car? Emergencies can come at any time. To reduce the stress ofrnyour emergency, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a list of essential itemsrnto keep in your car for emergencies. Emergency Kit List Vehicle escape tool (keep up front with you) First aid kit Jumper cables Jack Tool kit Lug wrench Spare tire Wheel wedges Duct tape Antifreeze Fire extinguisher Flashlight Reflective triangles Poncho Extra clothing Non-perishable food Water Cell phone and charger Owner’s manual Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Keep Yourself from Driving While Distracted Safety Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Motorcycles How to Protect Your Child from Suffering Heatstroke in a Car Is Driving Under the Speed Limit Dangerous? < Previous post Next post >

Technology Amenities in the Pre-Owned Toyota RAV4 Long or short, drives shouldn’t have to be boring. Many usedrnToyota RAV4 models offer a variety of entertainment and convenience features tornmake your driving experience more enjoyable. Let’s take a look at somerntechnology amenities you may find in a pre-owned Toyota RAV4. Touchscreen and Phone Connectivity As technology constantly continues to advance, technologyrnfeatures incorporated into vehicles have now become mainstream. Those lookingrnfor a modern crossover SUV should consider the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 offers manyrnadvanced, modern, and innovative technologies to keep you engaged. One example ofrna technology feature you may find in a used Toyota RAV4 is the infotainmentrnsystem. Connect your phone, select your favorite music, view navigation, andrnmore all on an HD touchscreen display.   What kind of software is offered in this infotainment system?rnBoth Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® are common to find with this infotainmentrnsystem, so the brand of smartphone you own won’t matter. Recent versions canrneven connect to your Amazon Alexa! Other connectivity features you may find inrna used Toyota RAV4 include Connected Services and Remote Connect, which offerrnconveniences like remote start and roadside assistance. Convenience Technology rnrnrnrn Technology in used RAV4 models can also make simple tasksrnfeel even easier. For instance, the Multi-Information Display is offered inrnmany RAV4 models to bring important information like alerts, directions,rnvehicle speed, and more right in front of you on the dashboard. The Smart KeyrnSystem with Push Button Start is another popular and modern technology featurernthat you may find in your used Toyota RAV4. With this, you can enter and startrnup your engine without the need to put the keys into the ignition. Need torncharge your phone? Some recent RAV4 models offer the Qi-compatible wirelessrncharger. As we mentioned earlier, technology features will vary byrnthe trim level and year of the pre-owned Toyota RAV4 vehicle you are interestedrnin. Looking for certain technology features in your next ride? Let us know which features you expectrnout of your next crossover SUV and we will recommend the RAV4 we think bestrnfits your requirements. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest < Previous post Next post >

Pre-Owned Ford Fusion Fuel Economy Ratings As gas prices rise and the fight for environmentalrnpreservation continues, drivers are more concerned than ever about the fuelrneconomy of their vehicles. Shopping for a used vehicle that can provide the greatrnfuel economy ratings can be difficult if you don’t know which models to research.rnIf you are looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle that is fuelrnefficient, we recommend the used Ford Fusion. Ford Fusion Gasoline and Hybrid MPG Drivers shopping for a fuel-efficient sedan can find whatrnthey’re looking for in a used Ford Fusion. With many gasoline and hybrid modelsrnmade, the Ford Fusion provides excellent fuel economy for anyone looking tornsave some gas money. Here are some gasoline and hybrid MPG ratings for recent FordrnFusion models. 2.5L Duratec® Engine – Standard in manyrnrecent Fusion models, this engine provides 21 city mpg and 31 highwayrnmpg. 1.5L EcoBoost® with Auto Start-StoprnTechnology – This available option provides a bit more power whilernincorporating advanced technology to save fuel. With this engine, EPA estimatesrnthe Fusion to give 23 city mpg and 34 highway mpg. 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine – This available enginerngives drivers plenty of power while still saving gas. Recent Fusion models withrnthis engine will offer 245 horsepower while giving 21 city mpg and 31rnhighway mpg. 2.0L Atkinson-cycle I-4 HYBRID Engine andrnElectric Motor – Under the hood of many hybrid Ford Fusion models,rnthis engine and motor generates roughly 43 city mpg and 41 highwayrnmpg. Additional eco-friendly drive modes let recent plug-in hybrid models offerrnup to 109 city mpg and 97 highway mpg using this same engine andrnmotor. Of course, these engines are offered in some of the most recent Ford Fusion models and may not be available in older Fusion vehicles. To learn more about our current Ford Fusion inventory and the fuel economy offered in each, contact us at OkCarz. For more informational posts like this, visit our blog to read about a large diversity of vehicles we have available. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Which Sedans Have the Best Fuel Economy Ratings for 2019? Drivers find the perfect fuel-efficient used car in Tampa, FL at OkCarz < Previous post Next post >

Ram 2500 Tow Rating If you’re looking for a powerful used pickup truck that can offer you the towing capacity you require to pull large trailers, you’ve just found the perfect model. The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty truck that delivers incredible power and capability. Thanks to two different engine options, you’ll be able to get the horsepower and torque you need to tow your trailer. With plenty of towing power, the Ram 2500 pickup truck is an excellent choice for used truck shoppers who are looking for incredible capability. Ram 2500 Towing Capacity 6.4-liter HEMI® V8 – This powerful engine comes standard in all of the Ram 2500 pickup truck trim levels. With 410 horsepower and 429 lb -ft of torque, you’ll have the power you need to pull that large and heavy trailer of yours. Whether it’s a boat, camper, trailer or one of your favorite weekend toys, the Ram 2500 pickup truck with this engine will give you the power you need to tow it. Towing Capacity = 17,580 lbs. Maximum Payload Capacity = 4,050 lbs 6.7-liter CUMMINS® Turbo Diesel I6 – When opting for this available diesel engine, you’ll get an impressive 370 horsepower and an incredible 850 lb -ft of torque. Towing Capacity = 19,780 lbs. Maximum Payload Capacity = 3, 260 lbs Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest < Previous post Next post >

Step by Step Guide on How to Replace a Flat Tire on your Car As you are driving, you may get a sharp object stuck in your tire. Before you know it, your tire isn’t holding the air it needs and the tire goes flat. What do you do to change it? Here’s a step by step guide on how to replace a flat tire on your car. How to Change a Flat Get somewhere safe. Before changing a flat tire, you need to be in a safe location away from traffic. Move far enough away from the road and turn your hazard lights on. If you have orange hazard triangles in your vehicle, lay them out behind your car so drivers can see you easier. Ensure your vehicle doesn’t roll. Apply the parking brake and insert wheel wedges to keep your wheels from turning as you work. If your flat is in the front, firmly place the wedges behind the rear wheels. If the flat is in the back, place the wedges in front of the front tires. Remove the wheel cover and loosen the lug nuts. To get to your lug nuts, remove the wheel cover if there is one. Then, loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them yet. Place the jack under the vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct location on where to place the jack for your specific wheel. Once it is in the right place, raise your tire until it is about six inches off the ground. Never put any body part underneath the vehicle or tire while you continue. Unscrew the lug nuts and replace the tire. Place the spare tire on the lug bolts and tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car until the tire is on the ground but doesn’t have the vehicle’s weight on it. Tighten the lug nuts using a wrench as much as you can. Fully lower the vehicle and replace the wheel cover. Check tire pressure and take back all equipment. Make sure your spare tire is good for the trip to the technician while you get a new tire. Put away your wedges, triangles, and tools. Don’t forget that your vehicle will have its parking brake applied before you leave. Looking for more tips and tricks like this? Check out the OkCarz blog for more useful posts! Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Tips to Stay Fit During the 2020 Holiday Season What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? < Previous post Next post >