Close up of an orange reflective triangle with a white car pulled over in the background

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.

 

[ READ MORE: Howrnto Replace a Flat Tire ]

 

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

 

[ Shop for a Used Vehicle | Read the OkCarz Blog ]

 

Man next to his car calling for help on his phone

 

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Two 2020 Toyota RAV4 vehicles driving next to each other on a road

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.

 

[ READ MORE: Learn about the usedrnToyota RAV4 Crossover SUV ]

 

Touchscreen and Phone Connectivity

 

Close up of the touchscreen display in the 2020 Toyota RAV4

 

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

 

Close up of a person using Push Button Start in the 2020 Toyota RAV4

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.

 

[ Shoprnfor a Pre-Owned Toyota RAV4 in Central Florida ]

 

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.

 

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Front angle of a white 2020 Ford Fusion driving in a city

 

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.

 

[ READ MORE: Research the UsedrnFord 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.

 

Front passenger aerial angle of a white 2020 Ford Fusion parked on the side of a street

Rear driver angle of a black 2020 Ford Fusion plugged in and charged at a home

 

 

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Drivers find the perfect fuel-efficient used car in Tampa, FL at OkCarz

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Ram 2500 towing a trailer

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. 

[Model Research and Review: Ram 2500] 

 

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 

 


Ram 2500 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine

 

Ram 2500 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine

 


 

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 

 


 

[You May Also Like: Ram 1500] 

 

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Man replacing a tire on his blue car

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.

 

[ READ MORE: Emergency Items to Keep in your Car ]

 

How to Change a Flat

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. 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!

 

Man replacing the tire on a silver car

 

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Christmas graphic with Santa sitting by a fireplace and the text

2019 Christmas Photos with Santa in Lakeland, Florida

 

Christmas is almost here, which means that Santa is in town! Before Santa returns to the North Pole to deliver presents on Christmas Eve, bring your kids to get some Christmas pictures! Here are a few dates and times that you can visit Santa this year in Lakeland, Florida.

 

[ Keep up on more local events in Lakeland, FL! ]

 

Meet Santa at Tribute Realty

Gril sitting on Santa's lap and tell him what she wants for Christmas

 

On December 14th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Santa will be at Tribute Reality in Lakeland to meet with your kids. Pictures will be free, so bring the entire family! Hot chocolate will be served for anyone meeting with Santa. For more details, visit the event listing on Facebook here.

 

Breakfast with Santa at Family Fun Center

 

Want to eat a good meal with Santa? On December 14th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am, head to the Family Fun Center for breakfast and photos with Santa himself. Tickets for the event cost $12.99 each. This event can only hold a limited number of people, so get your tickets early! For more details and to buy tickets, check out the event listing here.

 

Pet Photos with Santa

 

If you have pets, then you won’t want to leave them out this holiday season. Santa will be at Petco on December 15th to take pictures with your pets! With a $9.95 donation, you will get a digital photo of you and your pet with Santa. For more details, visit the Facebook event posting here.

 

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Front driver angle of a white 2019 Toyota Yaris driving down a street

Most Affordable 2019 Sedans for Drivers on a Budget

 

Buying a car is a big commitment. Shopping for one is even harder if you are on a tight budget. Thankfully, there are many great options available for those that want to save extra cash. Here’s our top 10 list detailing which cars were the most affordable for drivers in 2019.

 

[ READ MORE: Most Fuel-Efficient Sedans for 2019 ]

 

Top 10 Most Affordable 2019 Vehicles

 

    1. Nissan Versa – $12,460

 

    1. Chevrolet Spark – $13,220

 

    1. Mitsubishi Mirage – $13,795

 

    1. Ford Fiesta – $14,260

 

    1. Hyundai Accent – $14,995

 

    1. Kia Rio – $15,390

 

    1. Chevrolet Sonic – $15,420

 

    1. Toyota Yaris – $15,600

 

    1. Honda Fit – $16,190

 

    1. FIAT 500 – $16,495

 

As you browse this list, you may notice some interesting observations. It’s important to realize that none of these brands appear in the top 10 twice. This shows that if you love a particular brand, chances are you can find a vehicle that fits in your budget. The next observation to make is that every car on this list is compact. As a vehicle increases in size, the price will also increase. If you are an individual looking for an affordable option, any of these cars can get you to where you need to be.

 

We also want to mention again that these vehicles are all of the 2019 model year. If affordable and new is what you want out of a car, then each of these options are great contenders to research. However, if you have a family, enjoy extra space or better performance, then you will want to buy used. No matter what you are looking for, contact us here at OkCarz and we will help you find the vehicle you want at a price you can afford. We offer a large variety of used vehicles that are as recent as 2019. Curious to research some models? Check out the OkCarz blog!

Front driver angle of a silver 2019 Nissan Versa parked outdoors

2019 Nissan Versarn

Front passenger angle of a blue 2019 Chevrolet Spark

2019 Chevrolet Sparkrn

 

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rn Man and woman signing paperwork in a car dealership with a salesperson sitting across the desk

What paperwork do you need to bring when buying a used car? 

 

While buying a car can seem difficult, it can actually be quite simple as long as you know what you need to have when you make your purchase. There are some things you should have taken care of before even showing up at the dealership, like deciding on a budget, how you’re going to pay for the vehicle, and what style of vehicle you want. Even if you’re buying a used vehicle, you’re going to spend a lot of time going over paperwork, so it’s important to know what you need to bring with you. 

 

[Related: How to make a budget]

 

Paperwork to bring with you to the dealership 

 

Driver’s License 

 

While this may seem obvious, you’ll probably want to double, or even triple check your wallet before you leave for the dealership. Before you drive off of the dealership lot, they need to know that you are actually legally able to drive the vehicle home. If you’re paying by check or getting financing, it’s likely that you’ll need to provide identification, either with your driver’s license or another form of valid identification.

Proof of income and residence 

 

Speaking of financing, while it is possible to apply for pre-approval or to finance through a third party if you’re going to the dealership to secure financing, you’ll likely need to bring proof that you’ll be able to pay for the monthly installments. Proof of income can be a pay stub from your job or a bank statement. You’ll also need to show proof of residence by bringing a utility bill or a lease or mortgage agreement, so the dealership knows that you live at the address you say that you do and that bills will not be sent to the wrong address.  

Proof of insurance 

 

Before you drive off of the lot, you need to have insurance, not only for the dealership but for your own protection as well. Once you leave the dealership in your new vehicle, you are the owner of the car and are at fault for anything that happens. Before you go to the dealership, contact the insurance company of your choice to see how they advise you to proceed. You’ll also need to bring proof of insurance when you’re registering the vehicle, as most states require you to have insurance 

 

 

 

Sales man and couple shaking hands while the salesman hands them a key for a vehicle

 

Buying a used car at OkCarz 

 

In order to make buying your used vehicle as painless as possible, you’ll want to do your research. While these are some basic things to bring with you, you might need to bring other paperwork with you to the dealership. Before you go to buy your vehicle, contact the dealership to see if there is anything you need to bring with you before you’ll be allowed to drive away in your new ride. At a dealership like OkCarz, you can find a variety of used vehicles in the online inventory, making it easy to do your research and prepare for your purchase before you visit the lot.  

 

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Front driver angle of a grey 2020 Mazda3 sedan

Coupe vs Sedan vs Hatchback

 

As you shop for a car, you’ve probably come across coupes,rnsedans and hatchbacks. Even if you haven’t seen each of them, you likely havernat least heard of them. So, what are the differences between coupes, sedans,rnand hatchbacks? Here’s a brief overview of each of these similar body types.

 

[ READ MORE: Whatrnis the Difference Between All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive? ]

 

Size and Visual Differences

 

Size is a big difference between the body styles of coupes,rnsedans, and hatchbacks. Coupes have the smallest interior space compared tornsedans and hatchbacks. Sedans meet in the middle while hatchbacks offer thernlargest interior volume. It is important to note that the extra space forrnhatchbacks is located in the trunk. Many sedans and hatchbacks will share similarrnpassenger space while hatchbacks can hold more luggage. Both sedans andrnhatchbacks are great family options. Coupes, on the other hand, are great forrnindividuals but won’t be able to hold families.

 

Because of distinctive sizes, the visual appeal willrnfluctuate. Coupes typically will have two doors while sedans and hatchbacks oftenrnhave four. Coupes also tend to look the sportiest of the three while hatchbacksrnare the least sporty.

Blue 2020 Honda Civic Coupe

2020 Honda Civic Coupern

 

Red 2020 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

2020 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

Black 2020 Kia Soul Hatchback

2020 Kia Soul Hatchback

 

Test Drive a Used Car at OkCarz

 

To sum all that up, coupes excel at sporty looks but don’trnoffer much space. Hatchbacks are the opposite in that these vehicles providernplenty of space while the visual appearance isn’t very sporty. Sedans provide arnbalance of being both sporty and roomy.

 

No matter which body type you like best, you can find arnvariety of used cars here at OkCarz. Interested in a coupe? Check out our currentrncoupe inventory here. Are sedans more your style? We have plenty of sedanrnoptions right on our website. Maybe you are looking for that extra cargornspace in a hatchback. We got plentyrnof hatchbacks available as well! If you have any questions about any of ourrnavailable models, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

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Thief breaking the glass of a car

Steps You Should Take When Someone Breaks into Your Car

 

Getting your car burglarized or vandalized is never fun.rnUnfortunately, it is something that happens to drivers every day, especially inrnlarge cities. If your car was broken into, the first thing you should do is makernsure you are safe and stay calm. Once you’ve taken a moment to breathe, followrnthese steps you should take after someone breaks into your car.

 

[ READ MORE: Whatrnto Do if Your Car is Stolen ]

 

List of Things to Do After Your Car is Burglarized

 

  1. Take pictures and make a list of missingrnitems. It’s very important to take pictures of all the damage caused by thernbreak-in the way you found it. After you get all the pictures you need, make arnlist of missing items. You’ll likely feel flustered with emotions while doingrnthis, so make sure you write or type everything down so you don’t forget later.
  2. Contact the police. This may seem like arnno-brainer, but you should always contact the police after a car break-in. Callrnthe non-emergency number to request an officer to your location. When theyrnarrive, file a police report with them and ask for a copy.
  3. If necessary, contact your financial institutions.rnCredit cards, phones, and paperwork with personal information are veryrnvaluable to thieves. If you lost your phone, contact your phone company, lockrnor erase the contents on your phone remotely, and change any passwords thatrncould be saved on your phone. If you are missing credit cards or personalrninformation, contact your banks and credit card companies to freeze and put arnfraud alert on your accounts.
  4. Consider contacting your insurance company.rnDetermine the losses you just incurred. If your deductible is higher than yourrnlosses, it isn’t logical to contact your insurance company as you won’t get anyrnmoney. In addition, filing a claim may increase your insurance rates. If you decidernto contact them, any comprehensive insurance linked to your vehicle can cover thernvandalism. Your renters or homeowners insurance can help cover missing itemsrnlike laptops and phones. Remember the police report from earlier? Mostrninsurance companies will want proof of the break-in and will ask for this copy.
  5. Move your vehicle somewhere safe and get itrnfixed. Park your car in a secure location like a garage until you get itrnfixed. Burglarized cars left on the street are bigger targets for auto theft.

 

Did you find this post helpful while handling your stressful situation? If so, follow the OkCarz blog for more tips and tricks like this.

 

Robber with a flashlight looking into a car

 

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