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Advantages of Driving a Vehicle with RWD Shopping for a vehicle? As you consider various brands and body styles, you should also consider the drivetrain. While you may already know about front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), do you know the advantages of driving a vehicle with rear-wheel drive (RWD)? Here, we will explain why many drivers like to buy cars with RWD. What is RWD? Put simply, rear-wheel drive is the opposite of front-wheel drive. While the front two wheels receive engine power in FWD, it is the two rear wheels that push the car forward with RWD. Pros and Cons of Driving RWD The big reason why RWD is so popular among drivers is due to the drivetrain offering enhanced performance and handling. Due to weight shifting to the rear, the back wheels gain more traction, thus helping push the car forward quicker. This also helps handling in that while the rear wheels are powered, the front wheels steer. As a result, RWD is commonly found in coupes and performance cars. Sometimes, you may even find this drivetrain in trucks. Now, what are the drawbacks to RWD? The major disadvantage with RWD is weather. Under normal road conditions, RWD is a great option. However, if the roads are wet, it’s far more difficult for the driver to maintain traction, making RWD vehicles not ideal for anything but dry roads. Luckily, Florida is known for offering many sunny days without rain, which means you can enjoy your RWD vehicle for most of the year if you choose to get one. Test Drive a Pre-Owned Vehicle with RWD in Florida At OKCarz, we offer plenty of fun, affordable, and reliable cars with RWD. Start your search by exploring dozens of options with our online inventory. Found one you would like to try? Test drive a pre-owned vehicle RWD at any of our Florida locations! You can find the location most convenient to you 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? When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle? What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof? < Previous post Next post >

Popular Pumpkin Patches in Central Florida Fall has arrived, which means that the fun of finding the perfect pumpkin is right around the corner! If you are ready to start decorating for autumn with the family, check out one of these popular pumpkin patches in central Florida. Southern Hill Farms 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL Website Stanley Pond Farm 15426 County Road 48, Astatula, FL Website Harvest Holler 950 Tavares Road, Polk City, FL Website The Pickin’ Patch 11000 Rolling Hills Road, Dunnellon, FL Website Be sure to follow current CDC guidelines to help keep everyone in your community safe. Also, check to make sure your selected pumpkin patch is open before arriving as some have not opened yet and/or are open during select days. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz 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? Local Restaurants Open in Tampa for Delivery, Take-Out or Dine-In < Previous post Next post >

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents, injuries, and death. To better protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, you need to resist the temptation of driving while distracted, even if your distraction will only last for a second. Here are a few tips you should follow. Put Away the Phone The biggest distraction drivers face is the phone. From calling to texting, you should never be on the phone if you are the one driving. Instead, pull over or have a passenger handle the communications for you. Instead, only use your phone for emergency reasons. rnrnrnrnrn Mute Notifications on Your Phone rnrnrnrn While you may keep your phone in your pocket or purse, knowing that someone has messaged you is a temptation you don’t want. When you drive, you should mute all notifications on your phone. Some apps will mute for you while the car is in motion. Do Not Multi-Task It doesn’t matter how good at multi-tasking you believe you are – trying to do anything other than focusing on the road is incredibly dangerous. Avoid eating, searching for a playlist, looking at your calendar, putting on make-up, or any other activity that will take your attention away from the road. Limit the Conversations and Activity Occurring in the Vehicle Not only does driving require your visual attention, it requires your audible attention as well. While it may seem like a good idea to chat with your friends in the car, it’s easy to give them a little too much attention. Instead, keep the conversations at a minimum and have your passengers be respectful of your driving by limiting their activities as well. Pull Over if You Are Drowsy Drowsy driving is just as bad as distracted driving. Your attention isn’t up to par and your reactions will likely be delayed. If you feel tired, pull over and get some rest. If you have another passenger in the vehicle that can drive, consider swapping so you can sleep and they can continue driving for you. Ready to be a safer driver? Explore the OKCarz blog for more tips on how you can protect yourself and others while behind the wheel. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz 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? How to Shop for a Car While Staying at Home < Previous post Next post >

List of Fluids You Should Monitor and Top Off If Needed Vehicles are wonderful creations that help us get from one place to the next in a short time span. For a car to function properly, it requires certain fluids to help certain parts stay lubricated, cool, and more. Without these fluids, your vehicle would present a safety hazard. To help you keep your car in check, here’s a list of fluids you should be checking in your car. Oil Coolant Power Steering Fluid Transmission Fluid Brake Fluid Windshield Washer Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Brakes How to Tell if Your Power Steering Pump is Failing What Do I Need to Replace a Flat Tire on My Car? How to Check Your Tire Tread with a Quarter < Previous post Next post >

How to Adjust Your Current Personal Budget There are many reasons why you may look at making changes to your budget. Perhaps you wish to save more money and would like to find out where to cut costs. Maybe you had an income change or are taking on new debt. Regardless of the reason, making adjustments to your personal budget is a good thing to do, as long as those changes don’t put you in financial jeopardy. Not only that, but practice makes perfect and you may notice your budgeting skills improving as well. Here are a few tips to consider when looking at improving your current budget. Consider Applying the 50/30/20 Budget Rule It’s possible that you are already using the 50/30/20 budget rule. If so, you’re at a great start! If not, consider formatting your budget to fit this rule. Basically, 50{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} of your income should be put towards necessities, 30{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} towards wants, and the remaining 20{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} towards yourself by putting it into savings or paying off debt. Track Your Expenses and Be Open to Change As we mentioned before, your budget can change due to a variety of factors. Perhaps you are expecting an expensive month soon due to birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Maybe you suddenly have more cash in hand due to paying off your loan.  If you know you will spend more money soon, take a look at your expenses and see which purchases you can cut, temporarily or permanently. If you find yourself with more money available than before, determine how much you can allocate to different categories. Of course, this process is much easier if you track your income and expenses. Doing so will help you see exactly how much money you are spending each month and where that money is going. Keep Your Head High While it’s important to follow a budget, you shouldn’t feel too restricted. Afterall, worrying about money too much can create some negative psychological effects. Instead, keep your head high and stay positive. If you feel you are struggling, know that you aren’t alone, and budgeting takes learning and practice. With enough discipline and dedication, you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? Tips for College Students Shopping for a Used Vehicle Ways You Can Minimize Credit Card Debt Tips for Choosing the Right Vehicle < Previous post Next post >

Why You Should Consider Comprehensive Insurance on Your Car Comprehensive insurance isn’t required in Florida, but you may wonder if it is really worth purchasing. While you may never have to use comprehensive insurance, it is a good idea to purchase this insurance, especially if your car is of high value or if you live in an area prone to natural disasters. Here, we will explore everything that comprehensive insurance covers as well as how it works. Damages Covered with Comprehensive Insurance Car theft and/or vandalism Fire Damages caused by a storm or other natural phenomenon, like hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, or earthquakes Falling objects, like trees or tree limbs Destruction due to civil unrest or riots Hitting or getting hit by an animal (deer is most common) Overall, it’s important to remember that comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle as a result of something beyond your control. Comprehensive insurance does not cover medical expenses for you or others. It also does not cover your vehicle if another car is involved, you swerve and hit an object like a tree or building, or the vehicle rolls over. How Comprehensive Insurance Works Let’s say you must make a claim as a result of one of the above causes. How does it work? First, you must have comprehensive insurance before the incident occurs. Adding this coverage after the damage is done won’t do you any good for that particular incident.   Next, file a claim with your insurance company. You will need to first pay your deductible and your insurance company will take care of the remaining amount. Typically, though, there is a cap to the amount of cash insurance companies will pay out. Usually, it caps at the depreciated value of your vehicle. For example, if the market value of your car is $3,000, your insurance provider likely won’t pay any more than $3,000.   Also note that coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider. It’s always a good idea to research what each provider will cover and choosing based on the coverage and cost of insurance. If you have any questions about your comprehensive insurance, ask your insurance company. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle? What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof? Why Should I Buy a Used Car Over a Brand New One? < Previous post Next post >

List of Things to Collect After a Vehicle Collision No matter if it is major or minor, car accidents can make even seasoned drivers feel anxious, angry, and confused among other emotions. Following a car accident, the first thing you should do is make sure everyone is safe and call for medical help if someone is injured. Additionally, you will need to call for the police to arrive. Then, a step dreaded by many, talk to other drivers involved to exchange information. Granted, if you have never gotten into a car accident before, you probably don’t know what to give out and what to ask for. Here’s our list of things to collect after a vehicle collision. Full Name Contact Information (Phone is Recommended) Insurance Company and Policy Number License Plate Number Vehicle Type, Model, and Color Location of the Accident Information You Should Not Exchange While you should provide the needed information listed above, there is some information that other drivers should not know. Providing too many details may lead to a risk of retaliation or identity theft when the info isn’t necessary. Instead, you should relay those details to the law enforcement officers responding to your accident. Do not allow other driver(s) to snap a photo of your driver’s license Do not provide your home address or driver’s license number Note that if the other driver does not have car insurance or doesn’t own the vehicle they are driving, you will then need to get their address, phone number, and driver’s license number. However, this will likely be the only instance where that information will need to be shared. Additionally, it’s a good idea to help keep the situation calm by not talking about who is at fault, even if you believe you were the cause. The insurance companies will determine that once they receive the facts they need. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz 10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident How can I make my car insurance less expensive? How to Find Best Deals on Auto Insurance as a Teenager What to Do if Your Vehicle Was Broken Into < Previous post Next post >

SUV vs Minivan Comparison While you may have decided that you need a family vehicle, you are now left with an important question: should I buy an SUV or minivan at OKCarz? Both options are fantastic choices for families of all sizes, but each body style presents different benefits. With our SUV vs minivan comparison, we hope to help you decide which type best fits your household. Performance and Off-Road Capabilities Overall, SUVs are known for offering better performance and towing capabilities than minivans. While minivans are great for hauling and towing, SUVs often offer powerful V8 engine options while minivans typically provide V6 engines.   If you plan on driving off-road, you are much better off with an SUV. SUVs are higher off the ground and many models offer 4-wheel drive. Minivans are low to the ground and typically offer front-wheel drive, although recent minivan models like the Chrysler Pacifica are now incorporating available all-wheel drive. Cargo and Passenger Volume and Accessibility Both minivans and SUVs are incredibly spacious for both passengers and cargo. However, if you are looking for as much cargo capacity as possible, you will want to purchase a minivan. Due to being lower to the ground and many models offering seats that fold into the floor, drivers can more easily load and unload large and heavy items.   Which body type is more accessible, you may wonder? Minivans are known for being much easier to enter and exit. Again, this is due to being low to the ground, which means that older passengers won’t have to worry about having to climb as much into the vehicle. Minivans also come with sliding rear doors, making it easy to enter and leave when parked close to another vehicle and offering more space for passengers to make way to the third row. Price, Appearance, Comfort, and Safety Other things you should consider in a minivan or SUV include the price, appearance, comfort, and safety. If your family is on a budget, you will find that minivans are more affordable. In fact, some fully-equipped minivans are more affordable or equal to in price when compared to base full-size SUVs!   Looking for something stylish? SUVs provide the more athletic and sporty visual appeal. Regarding comfort, both SUVs and minivans provide about the same, so it’s more of a matter of selecting the right model and trim. Both SUVs and minivans also offer roughly the same safety features. However, minivans are known to be a bit safer as they are less likely to roll over due to being close to the ground.   Interested to own an SUV or minivan? Still unsure of which body type to choose? Contact us at OKCarz and we will help you find the right vehicle for the right price. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Differences Between LED and Halogen Headlights What’s the Difference Between an Automatic Transmission and a CVT? What are the Differences Between Crossovers and SUVs? What are the Differences Between Coupes, Sedans, and Hatchbacks? < Previous post Next post >

Tips for Parents Teaching Their Teen How to Drive a Car As exciting as it is to learn how to drive or see your child do so, it can be a very nerve-racking experience for both parties. So, what is the best way to help your child learn to drive? Here are some tips we recommend parents follow when teaching their teen how to drive a car. Be Patient and Stay Calm Remember back when you first started learning to drive. Chances are, there were times where the experience got frustrating. When teaching your child to drive, it’s best to be patient and stay calm. Getting angry or overacting to their faults can cause your driver’s confidence to plummet and can be dangerous if they are still driving. Instead, gently explain what they’re doing wrong and tell them how to fix it. You want them to see you as someone there to help. Decide Where to Drive Before They Drive Some streets aren’t suitable for beginners. Before you and your teen take a drive, decide where you will go and base that route on their skill level. Start small, like an empty parking lot, and slowly work your way up. It’s not a good idea to make your teen drive in a busy intersection on their first day, after all. Be Clear with Your Instructions You can reduce the stress of getting behind the wheel by providing clear instructions on what you want your driver to do. Say “correct” instead of “right” as “right” can be interpreted for “turn right”. If they need to brake, tell them to “brake” instead of “slow down” or “be careful”. Also, make sure to remind them here and there to look beyond the car in front to avoid “tunnel vision”. Practice, Practice, Practice Your teen will not be good at driving after one day of practice. It takes hours to master the skill and trying to cram all those hours into a short time-span isn’t helpful nor is it safe. Plan driving sessions over multiple days and consider limiting their time behind the wheel, such as one hour. If they’ve been driving for awhile and want to stop, let them stop and continue the session later.   rn Set an Example rnrnrnrn Even when they are young, your kids will notice how well you drive, including whether you drive above the speed limit, wear your seat belt, use your phone behind the wheel, and stay a safe distance from the car in front. As a role model, you should set an example of what good driving looks like by always following traffic laws and practice safe driving. Sign Them Up for Driving School While parents should help their kids learn how to drive, it isn’t an alternative to driving school. Driving school instructors are trained on how to properly teach your teen how to drive and notice common mistakes you may have missed. Before your teen starts driving, be sure to sign them up at your local driving school. Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? What are the Signs of a Failing Transmission? 10 Things You Need To Do After a Car Accident How Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Loan? < Previous post Next post >

Haunted Houses in Florida While the current pandemic may have put a damper on the year, you can still enjoy a scary and thrilling experience while staying safe. Below are a few haunted houses open in Florida for 2020 you should consider! Mortem Manor 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida Website A Petrified Forest 1360 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, Florida Website Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail 2837 South Frontage Road, Plant City, Florida Website Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz Fun Activities to Do at Home During Fall 2020 Where to Take the Kids to Buy Pumpkins in Florida What Can I Do for Labor Day 2020 with the Family? Local Restaurants Open in Tampa for Delivery, Take-Out or Dine-In < Previous post Next post >

Tips for Keeping Your Car Battery Healthy Ever go to your car and have trouble starting the engine? Chances are, there’s something wrong with your battery. To avoid stressful and inconvenient situations like this, as well as to save yourself as much money as possible, it’s vital to ensure that your car battery is being properly maintained. Here are a few tips to help keep your car battery healthy and hopefully help it last a long time. Drive Your Car Every Two Weeks It’s very important to make sure that you drive your vehicle once in a while. Unfortunately, having to stay home more often due to quarantine isn’t helping. If you don’t get out much, make sure to drive your car at least once every two weeks to help it recharge your battery. Of course, short drives won’t help as they don’t provide enough time for your battery to charge. It’s recommended that you drive it for at least 15 minutes. Check for Corrosion If you haven’t looked at your battery in a while, check for corrosion. Corrosion is the result of gases being released from inside the battery. While it’s normal for corrosion to occur, letting too much corrosion build up can create blockages in the electric current. If you notice any flaky white or blue substances on your battery terminals, you can clean this corrosion right at home. Learn how to do so safely here. Always Turn Off Electronics When the Engine is Off Whether you are leaving your vehicle or have turned off your engine while waiting for someone, you should always turn off electronics when the engine is off. Of course, we don’t mean power down your phone. Rather, the electronics you should be concerned about are the ones powered by your car battery, such as the radio, air conditioning unit, interior lights, and headlights. Leaving any of these on for too long can drain your battery and may lead to trouble starting your car back up. Secure Your Battery Your battery shouldn’t move while the vehicle is in motion. Sometimes, driving over bumps or running over something can cause things like your battery to move out of position. Leaving a battery unsecure can cause it to vibrate, potentially leading to internal damage or short circuits. Ensure it is in its proper place and secure your battery if needed. Even with the proper care, car batteries don’t last forever. Drivers can expect to replace their car batteries every 3 to 5 years. If you suspect your battery is failing, get it tested to see if you need to get a replacement. 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 What are the Signs of a Failing Transmission? < Previous post Next post >

Benefits of Purchasing a Pre-Owned Vehicle at OKCarz Are you in the market for a reliable and high-quality vehicle? Chances are, you’re debating whether or not you should buy a used car over a brand new one. To help make your decision easier, we will explore the benefits of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle at OKCarz. rn Less Depreciation rnrnrnrn Did you know that new cars depreciate by roughly 10{e443ec709150c73baf180d3d8e0a41d703fa022f47b2bb5516b57735b7c7f19e} the moment it leaves the lot? That means if you bought a new vehicle that cost $25,000, that vehicle will automatically be worth $2,500 less by the time it reaches your driveway.   Thankfully, this isn’t the case with used vehicles. While vehicles will continue to depreciate until it reaches the value of the metal itself, used vehicles depreciate far slower than new. Slower depreciation will ultimately benefit you, as the owner, if you choose to sell that vehicle later. Afterall, you will want to get as much money back for it as possible when you are done with it. More Affordable Prices Like mentioned before, when you buy used, you aren’t the one taking on the majority of depreciation that occurs with a vehicle. Even if a vehicle is only driven for 10,000 miles before being traded in, the price for that vehicle will be much more affordable to you since it has had a previous owner. Not only that, but many used vehicles are in like-new condition. Basically, you can find a used car that looks brand-new for a price that is far less than the giant brand-new tag. Financing Options for Those with Poor Credit New car dealerships have a reputation for selling their vehicles to drivers with great credit. Since drivers with poor or moderate credit scores are often rejected, it’s very difficult for these drivers to purchase or lease a new model. Here at OKCarz, we are proud to help drivers of all credit backgrounds finance for the right vehicle at the right price, including those with no or poor credit. If you are ready to get behind the wheel of your next vehicle, our team at OKCarz is here to help. Contact us at your preferred location and we will be happy to help you get started! Sharing is caring! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest More from OkCarz What is the Debt Snowball Method? When Should I Buy a Different Vehicle? What’s the Difference Between a Sunroof and a Moonroof? How to Help Your Child Learn to Drive < Previous post Next post >