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Where to Go to Watch Movies During the Pandemic

Drive-In Movie Theaters in Central Florida We are several months into 2020, and the pandemic has brought many activities to a halt. One of the countless industries impacted was the movie industry, with movie theaters closing and movie studios stopping production. Luckily, there is still a way you can support a local business while enjoying a movie away from home. If you are itching to leave the house and want to watch something fun with the family, check out these recommended drive-in movie theaters in central Florida. Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre 16414 US-301 Dade City, Florida Website Ocala Drive-In 850 S. Pine Ave. Ocala, Florida Website Ruskin Family Drive-In 5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North Ruskin, Florida Website Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida What Can I Do for Labor Day 2020 with the Family? < Previous post Next post >

5 Places to Go Car Camping in Central Florida

rnrn rn rn There seem to be two major definitions for what exactly car camping is. A lot of people consider car camping anywhere that you can drive your vehicle right up to your campsite, while other people take things a little more literally defining it as going camping with your car as your resting place rather than having to put up a tent etc. In Central Florida, there are all sorts of places you can visit for car camping by either definition, but we figured we’d just put together 5 of the top places you can do it. rnrnrnrnrnrnrnrn rnrnrnrn Lake Louisa State Park rnrnrnrn Located between Dixie and Hammond Lake, Lake Louisa State Park features 60 full-facility campsites, a pair of bathhouses, a pair of piers upon which you can fish and even a pavilion. These campsites are even pet friendly, and there are options for glamping, equestrian camping and primitive camping in addition to car camping. Lake Louisa State Park is located in Clermont. rnrnrnrn rnrnrnrn Magnolia Park rnrnrnrn Our next option is Magnolia Park in Apopka, which has 1.5 dozen campsites for RVs and/or tents. Each campsite features things like firepits, grills, picnic tables and even water and electricity, plus more. There is also a pair of group sites, access to the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, 24-hour access boat ramp and, as long as you register them properly, the park is pet friendly. rnrnrnrn Kelly Park rnrnrnrn Kelly Park is also in Apopko, part of the same series of parks. It has a little over 2 dozen campsites and is otherwise very similar to Magnolia Park. rnrnrnrn Wekiwa Springs State Park rnrnrnrn Located in a sandhill habitat in Apopko, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers 60 campsites similar to Lake Louisa. The park features a dump station, a pet-friendly policy, accommodations for RVs up to 50 feet long and hook-ups for water and electricity on each site. But, be careful, as the Florida black bear is native to the area. rnrnrnrn Lake Mills Park rnrnrnrn Our fifth and final option is Lake Mills Park located in Chuluota. With 50 acres of land, it offers both primitive camping and pavilion rentals. rnrnrnrn Wherever you decide to go car camping here in the Central Florida area, we simply hope you have a good time. rn Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest rn rn rn More from OkCarz rn rn rn rn rn Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 rn rn rn rn rn Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida rn rn rn rn rn What Can I Do for Labor Day 2020 with the Family? rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn < Previous post rn Next post > rn rn rn rnrn rn

Tips for Protecting Your Car’s Paint

Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Looking Good rnrnrnrn How old is your current car? Does it look like-new or like it has been through a lot? Nowadays, drivers are keeping their cars longer than ever before. While part of that is due to vehicles being large investments for buyers, but also to the fact that manufacturers are constantly finding ways to enhance the quality and lifespan of their vehicles. Of course, cars don’t last forever, and neither does the paint. Thankfully though, there are ways to help preserve and protect your car’s paint to keep it looking good. Here are a few tips. Wax Your Vehicle Regularly While modern vehicles tend to come with some protection in the form of clear-coat paint, your vehicle is still vulnerable to some damage, such as fading from the sun’s UV rays. Car wax offers an extra layer of protection for your vehicle if you wax your vehicle regularly. It’s recommended that drivers wishing to wax their car do so every three months as wax will break down eventually. Clean Bird Droppings and Tree Sap Quickly Bird droppings and tree sap are notorious for damaging the paint of cars. Bird droppings are acidic and can eat away at your paint while tree sap hardens over time, staining your car and making it more difficult to remove the longer it sits. If you notice either of these on your vehicle, you will want to wash it off as soon as you can. Shelter Your Car If Possible Of course, the easiest way to avoid having to clean your car as often is to shelter it in a garage or other covered structure. This will help prevent harmful environmental factors from reaching your vehicle. Use a Car Cover Parking under a covered structure isn’t an option for everyone. So, what do you do in this situation if you don’t wish to wax or wash every time a bird flies by? Car covers are great options for those that must park outdoors as they provide extra protection for an affordable cost. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery < Previous post Next post >

Local Restaurants Open in Tampa for Delivery, Take-Out or Dine-In

You may be missing some of your favorite meals or are looking to support your local restaurants to help keep them in business during this difficult time. Whether you wish to treat yourself to delicious food or would like to support small businesses, there are many local restaurants open in Tamp for delivery, take-out, and dine-in. Here are a few places to consider. Duffy’s Sports Grill – Dine-in, Pickup, Delivery Datz Tampa – Dine-in, Pickup, Delivery Columbia Restaurant – Dine-in, Pickup, Delivery Tokyo Japanese & Chinese Restaurant – Pickup, Delivery Ulele – Dine-in, Pickup Bahama Breeze – Dine-in, Pickup Rusty Pelican Tampa – Dine-in, Pickup, Delivery Maggiano’s – Dine-in, Pickup Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida What Can I Do for Labor Day 2020 with the Family? < Previous post Next post >

Video Shows Off Easy Ways to Remove Oil Stains from Your Concrete Garage Floor

rn rn rn Tips and Tricks for Removing Oil Stains in Your Garage rnrnrnrn We’ve all been there, no matter what kind of car, truck or SUV we’ve got in a garage – eventually it’s probably going to leak a little oil on the garage floor. So, what happens then? How do we get that stain off of our garage floor? Well, it may seem like a tough task but it’s actually a pretty clean up process – as long as you know what you’re doing. And you’ll be able to easily figure out what you’re doing with the video below, which shows you all the tips and tricks you need to know to remove oil stains in your garage. rnrnrnrnrnrn rnrnrnrn Watch Now: All You Need to Know to Get Oil Stains Off Your Garage Floor rnrnrnrn We promised you a video showing you all you need to know about getting oil stains off of your garage floor, and that’s what you’re going to get. Enjoy! rnrnrnrn rnrnrnrn If you’d like to learn more automotive tips and tricks, or if you’d like to learn more about the high quality used cars, trucks and SUVs here at OkCarz in central Florida, please contact our staff. rn Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest rn rn rn More from OkCarz rn rn rn rnrn rn How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes rn rn rn rnrn rn What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter rn rn rn rn rn How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn rn < Previous post rn Next post > rn rn rn rn rn rn

10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident

What Should You Do if You Get in a Car Accident? When you get behind the wheel of your Toyota RAV4, there is always a risk that you find yourself in a car accident. No matter how it happens – it is important to know what to do in that event. Many new drivers and drivers who have been behind the wheel for years want to know – what should you do if you get in a car accident? Find out with this list of 10 things you need to do after a traffic accident created by OkCarz! READ MORE: Tips on Lowering Your Car Insurance Payment 1. Check Yourself and Passengers for Injuries The first – and most important – thing to do when you are involved in a car accident is to check yourself and passengers for serious injuries. Do not move if you have any neck or back pain unless there is immediate danger – wait for paramedics and first responders to arrive. 2. Check the Immediate Area Assess the area and situation around you to make sure there is not any additional danger. Are you in a safe place? Is there a risk of fire? Do what you need to do to ensure that you are safe from additional danger. 3. Move Your Car to a Safe Place In the event that it is a minor accident, and your vehicle is still operational, it is important to move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Do not leave the scene of the accident – wait for first responders. 4. Check On the Driver and Passengers of the Other Vehicle If there is another vehicle involved in the accident, make sure you check on the occupants of the other vehicle and call 911 if there are any injuries. Make sure to check for traffic when you exit your vehicle. 5. Call Police and First Responders It is important to have a police report for insurance companies. Contact emergency services immediately after the accident when there are injuries, or the accident is a traffic hazard. Provide police offers with your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. 6. Be Aware of Your Emotions Traffic accidents can lead to many emotions – anger, confusion, frustration and more. Make sure to take a moment and rein in your emotions when you interact with first responders, police and other drivers. 7. Exchange Insurance Information In the event of a traffic accident – it is required by law – to exchange information with the other parties involved in the collision. Provide your name, address, phone number, email address, insurance company and insurance policy numbers. Take photos of the documents provided for your records. 8. Photograph and Document the Scene To avoid issues with insurance, it is important to photograph and document the scene. Take pictures of the damage on all four sides of your car, property damage, skid marks, road conditions and anything that may have had an impact on the accident. 9. Visit Your Doctor With the adrenaline rush that comes with a car accident, it can be easy to overlook any injuries that you may have sustained, and many minor injuries can become major without the right medical attention. Visit your doctor or an urgent care clinic after the accident. 10. File an Accident Report and Contact Your Insurance Company Following the accident, it is important to file an accident report with the police or with your local DMV office. Accident reports may be available online. Make sure to contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident. READ MORE: How To Pick a Car Based on Your Budget What should you do if you get in a car accident? Do you know? Here is a list of 10 things to do if you are ever in a traffic accident. Visit the OkCarz online inventory today to find a used car that will fit your budget! Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work? 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 >

What are the Pros and Cons of AWD?

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a bit misunderstood. Some people think it gives them all the power they need to get out over any terrain and out of any kind of problem, but that is not true. A well-designed AWD system simply enough sends torque to all four wheels, allowing the vehicle to get traction when it otherwise wouldn’t. That being said, there are drawbacks to AWD vehicles, and numerous advantages, so read more of this post to learn about the pros and cons of AWD. Tips for Protecting Your Car’s Paint What are the Pros of AWD? Snow/Ice/Sand/Mud AWD is fantastic for winter driving. Since heavy snowfall and ice aren’t as common of issues here in Florida as they are in other parts of the Country, AWD is also useful for driving in sand, on slick or oily roads, or anywhere else where a wheel or two might just start spinning because it can’t get traction. r Advanced AWD Systems Highly advanced AWD systems will use computers to automatically adjust how much torque needs to go to each wheel so the right wheels get enough traction to get you over rocks or through mud and sand. Advanced systems will also turn torque down for wheels that slip. Otherwise, wheels that spin freely draw power away from the wheels that need it most. What are the Cons of AWD? Video Shows Off Easy Ways to Remove Oil Stains from Your Concrete Garage Floor Reduced Fuel Efficiency If you compare to vehicles that are otherwise identical except for their drive type, you will notice that there is a correlation between drive type and fuel economy. AWD systems require a bit more fuel to operate, so you might find yourself filling up a little more frequently. Even part-time AWD drive systems that basically operate as Front-Wheel Drive unless the system detects a need for AWD still use up more fuel overall. What to Do if Your Engine Starts to Overheat Overconfidence Another con comes in the form of driver over-confidence. Drivers who know they have a capable AWD system might find themselves stuck in situations they underestimate or may find they don’t know how to drive in low-traction situations as well as they thought. Human error may be the biggest issue with AWD, so if you are planning to get a vehicle with AWD, don’t do it because you think it will make your vehicle unstoppable. The main goal of AWD is to help drivers out of tough situations, not let them get through anything. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work? What is the Debt Snowball Method? When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle? What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof? < Previous post Next post >

Is It Time to Replace Your Air Filter?

Symptoms of a Bad Air Filter In Your Car Just like with your own body, your car can develop symptoms that may suggest something is wrong with it. Depending on what those symptoms are and where they are located can help you determine what exactly is wrong with your vehicle. So, when it comes to the cabin air filter in your vehicle, what sorts of symptoms should you be watching out for? Well, keep reading, as we’ll dive into some of the most common symptoms you can expect.   Of course, nothing replaces getting your vehicle looked at by professionals. So if you have any concerns, be sure to have your car looked at by an automotive technician. Signs of a Bad Cabin Air Filter Sometimes you can tell if your air filter is dirty just by looking at it. If you know how to remove the filter from your vehicle to take a look, and you know it’s been a while since you’ve done so, maybe consider checking it out.   If not, you can still determine dirty air filter problems from a few different signs. For example, if you notice that your gas mileage or engine power has been decreasing, it could be for a number of reasons, including a dirty air filter. In addition, if you have trouble starting up your car, it could also be from the air filter, believe it or not.   Some more severe signs could also present themselves, such as particularly dark exhaust smoke. In other cases, something as general as a check engine light could also mean you’re having some issues with your cabin air filter.   If you suspect there are any issues with your vehicle’s air filter, be sure to get it looked at as soon as you are able. For more automotive tip, check back to the OKCARZ blog. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery < Previous post Next post >

Safety Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

How to Watch for and Drive Near Motorcycles Summer may be over, but in sunny places like Florida, you may notice that motorcycles are still present on the road. To help avoid a collision with a motorcycle, it’s important to know how to spot a nearby motorcycle and what to do when driving near one. Pay Attention to Blind Spots The danger with driving a motorcycle is that they are much smaller and harder to see than a car. When you change lanes or turn onto a street, it’s crucial to pay attention to your blind spots to ensure that a motorcyclist isn’t approaching. Additionally, it’s important to never cut off a motorcycle, even if it’s unintentional. Forcing a motorcyclist to brake hard can cause them to slip and fall, potentially resulting in injury to that person. Give Motorcycles Extra Space There are two important things to remember when driving near a motorcycle. First, they can stop far quicker than a car can. If you follow a motorcycle too closely, you risk hitting them if they are forced to stop. Second, many motorcyclists slow down by either rolling off the throttle or by downshifting, thus not activating their brake lights. You can make sure you are giving them plenty of space by staying behind them by approximately 3 to 4 seconds. Don’t Try to Share a Lane with a Motorcycle You should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle just because they are small. Just like you, motorcycles deserve to have the entire lane. When you see a motorcyclist moving throughout the lane, it is usually to avoid debris and compensate for wind and passing vehicles near them. Mind Their Turn Signals Unlike most cars, the turn signals on a motorcycle typically don’t automatically turn off after making the turn. Especially with drivers new to driving a motorcycle, they may forget to turn it off manually. Be patient and make sure that they are actually turning. Wherever you travel, we hope that you stay safe on the road! For more tips and tricks like this, browse the OKCarz blog. Searching for a vehicle that you can depend on and afford? Explore our large online inventory here. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Keep Yourself from Driving While Distracted How to Protect Your Child from Suffering Heatstroke in a Car Is Driving Under the Speed Limit Dangerous? How to Shop for a Car While Staying at Home < Previous post Next post >

What Can I Do for Labor Day 2020 with the Family?

Labor Day Activity Ideas for Adults and Kids With summer officially over, Labor Day is nearly upon us. Looking for fun ways to celebrate this holiday? Here are a few suggestions you should consider doing for Labor Day 2020 with the family. Grill a delicious meal Play yard games with the kids Enjoy family game night Watch a fun family-friendly movie Go fishing or swimming Mix fun cocktails for the adults and colorful non-alcoholic drinks for the kids Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Which Haunted Houses are Open in Florida in 2020? Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida Local Restaurants Open in Tampa for Delivery, Take-Out or Dine-In < Previous post Next post >

How Often Should I Get a Coolant Flush?

How to Tell That You Need to Flush Your Radiator Like other fluids in your car, maintaining a good level of clean coolant is vital to the health of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important for drivers to stay on schedule with their coolant flushes. So, just how often should you get a coolant flush? It’s recommended that drivers flush their coolant every 30,000 miles or five years, whichever one comes first. Of course, if you aren’t sure when you had your last coolant flush, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the various signs that indicate that your car needs a flush. Here’s how you can tell that you need to flush your radiator. Debris in the Coolant Over time, debris will collect in your coolant. You can check if there is debris floating in this fluid by inspecting for particles that are black or brown in color. Coolant Levels are Low In order to cool your engine, your vehicle needs to have enough coolant in its system. You should regularly check your coolant levels and top off as needed. However, if you notice that your coolant levels drop quickly, you may have a leak on your hands. While topping off frequently will help keep your engine safe, not taking care of the issue can lead to lots of wasted coolant and frustrations down the road. It’s highly recommended you get a leak taken care of right away. Overheating Engine The most obvious and dangerous sign of a coolant issue is an overheating engine. Your temperature gauge will spike, and you may even see steam coming from under the hood. Very quickly, the engine can damage itself due to the intense heat it creates. If the coolant is contaminated or low, you will likely find your engine getting too hot the next time you drive. Pull over to a safe location, turn off your engine, and allow it to cool before you pop the hood. Searching for more ways to take care of your car? Explore the OKCarz blog for various vehicle maintenance hacks, financing tips, and local fun! Looking for an affordable car you can depend on? Browse hundreds of options with our online inventory. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter How to Properly Maintain Your Car Battery < Previous post Next post >

Is Waxing Your Vehicle Really Necessary?

Pros and Cons of Waxing a Car One question car owners wonder is whether or not you should wax your car. While car waxes were more common in the past, the practice has diminished with only a fraction of drivers waxing their car today. To help understand if waxing your vehicle is really necessary, we will explore the pros and cons of waxing a car as well as what could happen if you don’t. Advantages of Waxing a Car Helps protect the paint from exterior elements, such as rain, snow, road salt, tree sap, insects, bird droppings, and UV rays Makes the exterior appear shinier and newer Can help improve resale value Is fairly easy to use and doesn’t require a professional – simply follow the instructions on the wax container Disadvantages of Waxing a Car Wax doesn’t last long While wax helps protect the exterior, it is only a thin layer of protection To avoid clouding, wax should be applied to wax-free surfaces – cars will need to be stripped of any previous wax before getting a new coat What Happens if I Don’t Wax My Car? Now that you know the pros and cons of waxing your vehicle, what would happen if you don’t wax your car at all? Basically, you just leave your car a bit more vulnerable to the elements, which could result in your exterior not looking quite as nice as a vehicle that gets waxing done. While it’s not necessary for your vehicle to properly function, waxing your car is something you should consider. While it’s a good idea to wash your car regularly and store it under shelter if possible, these are even more important if you choose to not get your car waxed.   For more helpful posts like this, be sure to browse and follow the OKCarz blog! If you or someone you know is in need of an affordable and dependable vehicle, check out our current inventory here. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work? What is the Debt Snowball Method? How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes How to Tell if Your Power Steering Pump is Failing < Previous post Next post >

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