Is there a best month to buy a vehicle?
When is the best time of year to buy a used vehicle?
Many drivers regard buying a vehicle as a sort of magic trick that only certain people have figured out. Between financing and incentives, it can be difficult to know if you’re getting the best deal on one of the most expensive purchases you’ll likely ever make. Before you make any purchase, it can help to do your research, and with a big purchase like a vehicle, you may want to consider looking at when the best time to buy a used vehicle is.
While the New Year is generally a time for a change, most people aren’t out looking for a used vehicle right now. Many new car dealerships are offering crazy incentives to help move last year’s models off of the lot, but you’ll still likely end up paying an arm and a leg to get one. Buying a used model during winter is a great way to ensure that you’ll have a variety of options to pick from.
[Related: Best Pricing on a Used Vehicle]
How to choose when to buy a used vehicle
When you’re looking for a used vehicle, it can be helpful to pay attention to new market trends. If there’s a new model people are buzzing about and lots of incentives, it is possible that the used market will grow once people begin trading in their old vehicles to get the next big thing. The same principle goes for holidays. You’re more likely to get a better deal on a used car during a holiday, or during the months of November and December, when new cars are loaded with a variety of incentives that draw people to them.
Even if you’re buying a used vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that you’re in a situation where you can buy one. Make a budget and do your research on which used model would best fit your needs. Once you’ve decided how much you can afford, it doesn’t really matter when you buy your vehicle. If you’re looking for a used vehicle, but don’t know how much you can afford, or if you even qualify for financing, visit OkCarz, where you can get all the financial help you need.
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Why you need to change your oil
What happens if you don’t change your oil?
There are many important components to consider when you’re driving, the first of which is what is happening on the road. However, you should also be paying attention to your vehicle. There are plenty of things that can go wrong and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. If you’re worried about your vehicle while you’re driving, the first thing to consider is how long it has been since you’ve changed or checked your oil. You don’t want to have to find out what would happen if you don’t change the oil in your vehicle.
Oil changes can be a pain, whether you’re doing them yourself, or taking your vehicle to a service station. Without a proper oil change schedule, you could end up irreversibly damaging your vehicle. The oil is one of the most important components of your vehicle. It ensures that the engine remains lubricated and helps draw away heat. Over time, the oil in your vehicle degrades, and picks up all sorts of dirt and debris, compromising the oil and making it less effective, and eventually causing engine failure as the metal parts rub against each other. This is why you need to change your oil.
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When should you change your oil?
The rule of thumb for oil changes was that you needed to get one every three months or 3,000 miles. With newer cars and synthetic oils, you can go longer between changes. For most vehicles, every five months or 5,000 miles seems to be the new point of deterioration. On most vehicles, it isn’t that difficult to change your oil by yourself.
If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, you need to make sure that everything is in working order. At OkCarz, all of our used models have been thoroughly inspected, so you don’t have to worry that the vehicle you’re buying might be a car that hasn’t seen an oil change in years. Once you’ve found your new ride, you can find ways to take care of it on the OkCarz blog.
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Should you buy your car with cash?
Are there benefits to buying a car without financing?
There are many Americans who see buying a new car the same way that they see pulling teeth: painful, but often necessary. For many, having a car is not a luxury. However, since cars are one of the most expensive purchases that people will make, it isn’t always easy to find a way to pay for a brand-new vehicle. That leaves more and more drivers behind the wheel of a used model, which can sometimes be too expensive as well. When you need a new vehicle, there are multiple ways to buy one, but there is some conflicting information on which way is best.
When most drivers go to buy a vehicle, they are either going with financing or cash in hand. Buying a car in cash in almost unheard of these days, but there are some who think that paying up front for their vehicle is the best way to go. When you buy your car with cash, you’ll be able to avoid paying interest on a loan balance, as well as not having to make monthly payments. However, there are some downsides to paying for your vehicle with cash.
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Why you should finance a vehicle
While paying for your car up front can be smart, it is also very difficult. Cars can be expensive, and when you pay with cash, you’re limited to how much you have on hand. Depending on how much you were able to save, you could end up scraping the bottom of the barrel and end up with a lackluster automobile. Putting that same money towards a down payment and then financing the rest lets you buy the vehicle that you want without having to pay for interest on the entire thing.
There are some benefits to buying a vehicle with cash, but for those who aren’t able to afford it outright, or people who are looking to build credit, financing is an excellent option. You can either financing through the dealership or through a credit union, and you’ll truly be able to find the car of your dreams. Visit one of the five OkCarz locations to learn more about how you can apply for financing, even with a less-than-stellar credit score.
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What to do when you’re driving through traffic?
How to drive safely in heavy traffic
Though there are many people who like driving, there are only a few sadists who enjoy driving while in heavy traffic. Whether you’re going somewhere for the holidays or if you just happen to be on the highway during rush hour, you’ve likely experienced at least a slight traffic jam, if not a complete standstill. No matter where you’re trying to go, these tips will help you learn how to drive safely in heavy traffic.
Don’t play with your phone
This is a basic rule that people should be following the moment that they get behind the wheel, but the dependence many drivers have on their technology may make it difficult for some to drag themselves away from their apps, especially if the vehicle isn’t moving. Even at a complete stand-still, you shouldn’t be using your phone, since traffic conditions can change at any moment.
Don’t Tailgate
When you’re driving on the highway and end up behind someone who isn’t keeping up with the flow of traffic, tailgating them is not a good option. For one, it is seen as very rude, and it will not do anything to get the slowpoke in front of you to start moving faster. When you tailgate someone, you’re putting yourself in a situation that could turn dangerous if the car in front stops suddenly.
[Related: Should you learn how to drive a stick shift?]
Resist Road Rage
While it can feel great in the moment to blare on your horn or use inappropriate gestures to express displeasure at someone’s driving, it isn’t going to do anything to improve the situation. It is likely that the person you’re admonishing is already frazzled and uncomfortable, and your displays of aggression won’t make it better for either of you.
Staying safe on the road
Whether you’re a new driver, or you’ve been on the road for a long time, there are always situations where you won’t be sure what you need to do. You can find more tips and tricks for driving safety and other topics, like vehicle maintenance, when you visit the OkCarz blog.
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When should you replace your tires?
There are few components of a vehicle that are unimportant, but if you were going to rank them from most to least important, your tires would be near the top. As the only aspect of the vehicle that is in direct contact with the road, having tires that are well-maintained can be the difference between arriving to your destination safely, and ending up in a ditch. Even if you take care of your tires, you will need to replace them at some point.
The rule of thumb for tire replacements is that you should consider new tires around 40-60,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive, this would likely equate to getting new tires every five years. If your tires are well-maintained, you may be able to go longer between tire replacements, but once you hit five years on the same set of tires, it is suggested that you take your vehicle in for a yearly professional inspection.
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How to maintain your tire’s longevity
While time and age are two ways of determining if you need to change your tires, another way is easy to do when you’re checking your air pressure. Simply take a penny and insert it into the treads of your tire so that the top of the President is facing downwards. If Lincoln’s head isn’t submerged, the tread of your tires has worn down too far, and the tires should be replaced.
To increase the time needed between tire replacements, tire care is important. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and rotate them about every six months or 6-8,000 miles. This can help tires wear evenly, and means you won’t have various levels of wear and tear. If you’re considering buying a used car, make sure to inspect the tires before purchasing, and try to find out when they were last changed. To learn more about vehicle maintenance you can do yourself, visit the OkCarz blog, which provides plenty of information about a variety of topics.
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Ice Skating Rinks in Tampa Bay, FL
Activities to do during winter break near Tampa, FL
Even though it likely won’t be a White Christmas in Tampa Bay this holiday season, there’s no reason to miss out on the winter fun. One traditional winter pastime that you can check off of your list is ice skating when you visit some of these ice skating rinks near Tampa Bay, FL, this winter.
Ice Sports Forum
Tampa, FL- $9.00
Whether you want to pick up a new way to exercise, or if you’re just looking for a way to kill time during winter break, visit Ice Sports Forum for public skating. Public skate takes place every weekend with a live DJ, and during the end of December and the beginning of January, there are additional hours available, which you can view on the Ice Sports Forum website.
Tampa Bay Skating Academy
Clearwater, Oldsmar, Countryside, FL
No matter where you want to go for ice skating in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Bay Ice has opportunities. Whether you’re going to their extensive public skating times, or if you want to sign up for classes and private lessons, there are opportunities to do so at Tampa Bay Ice. From group prices, to renting out one of their five rinks, you’ll be able to get out on the ice in Clearwater, Oldsmar, and Countryside.
Curtis Hixon Park Winter Village
Tampa, FL- $13.00 (skate rental included)
Open now through January 5, experience Florida’s only outside ice skating rink when you visit the Winter Village in Curtis Hixon Park. Finish your last-minute gift shopping and enjoy a drink and a snack at the café before you strap on your skates. Open Monday-Sunday at various times, you can enjoy winter break with a classic and fun new tradition.
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Ring in the New Year at OkCarz!
The New Year is a time for a change. Whether that change is getting out on the ice or looking at a new used vehicle, now is a great time to consider switching things up. Even if you are making a big change like a new car, there’s no need to worry about destroying your finances with credit help from OkCarz. Apply online for pre-approval, or visit one of the dealership’s five locations, including one in Tampa.
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Should you learn how to drive a stick shift?
Benefits of driving a car with a manual transmission
As everyone knows, driving a car is not all fun and games. When you’re behind the wheel of a machine, you want to make sure you’re alert and ready to take evasive action. There are some schools of thought that say that driving a vehicle with a manual transmission makes it easier for drivers to pay attention since they live with the constant possibility of having their vehicle stalled on the street.
In many cases, you’d be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that uses a manual transmission. Most drivers are looking for the security of an automatic, which does all the excess work for you. There are some who crave the physical action of putting the car in gear and letting out the clutch. Besides the reasons rooted in tradition, you might be asking yourself if there are any benefits to driving a vehicle with a manual transmission.
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Reasons to learn how to use a manual transmission
While it can be hard to find new models with manual transmission, vehicles like the Kia Soul may have a manual transmission come standard
If you have a young driver, or if you’ve just started driving, there is some validity to the fact that driving a manual will help keep a new driver off of their phone or other devices, since they’ll need all of their concentration to keep the vehicle going. A young driver in a vehicle with a manual transmission is also going to learn how to control the vehicle better since they know how much power the car needs. While learning how to drive stick can be difficult, it can pay off, as most people won’t be able to borrow your car.
When it comes to the financial benefits of driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, there are a couple. Most of the time, if a modern car has a shift stick, it is on the base trim level, which is generally the least expensive. If you’re buying a vehicle like a used Kia Soul, which has a standard manual transmission, you’ll likely get an even better price than you would with a model with an automatic transmission. In some cases, manual transmissions get better gas mileage, though that varies based on different factors.
Whether you decide to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission or not, you can find different used options at OkCarz.
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Buying a used car is much different than buying a new car. With a new vehicle, there is a price that is suggested by the manufacturer, and from there, the dealership can decide how much they can sell the vehicle for while still making a profit. You’ll also know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a new car, as it won’t have had other owners before you. That is one of the reasons that it can be harder to buy a used car.
Whether you’re just browsing for a vehicle, or if you have a specific make and model in mind, you need to be aware of how much you’re actually able to spend on your used car. If your budget is lower, trying to buy a luxury vehicle like a used Mercedes-Benz will not likely be your best plan of attack unless you’re opting for a model that is significantly older. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to make your budget before you research which models you’d like to look at.
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Used Car Pricing Tools
Once you’ve established your budget, you can begin looking for a vehicle that fits your needs. There are plenty of websites that provide conglomerations of vehicle information, which can help you determine what a fair price is for the used vehicle you’re considering. Sites like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book are able to provide information on the current market value of a vehicle.
When you’re buying used, there are plenty of other factors that can come into play, like mileage, the number of owners, and of course, age. There are plenty of things you can do to ensure that you’re getting the best version of the vehicle, but if you shop at OkCarz, you won’t have to worry about surprises. Every vehicle on the OkCarz lot is inspected before you buy and backed by a six-month, 6,000-mile powertrain warranty. View the inventory online to find the used vehicle that best fits your needs.
What is a hybrid vehicle?
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How are hybrid vehicles better for the environment?
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One of the biggest aspects that drivers are considering when they buy a car is how it will affect the environment. In recent years, there have been quite a few attempts to make a fully electric vehicle that could replace the need for traditional combustion engines, but right now there isn’t a perfect option for those who live in areas where “range anxiety” is a well-founded fear. However, many people who travel long distances yearn for a vehicle that will provide them with high fuel economy ratings, which is why many turn to hybrid vehicles.
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The first well-recognized hybrid vehicle was the Toyota Prius, which has been available since 1997. When it was first available to the United States in 2000, many people were derisive of the hybrid technology, claiming that it was for hippies and tree huggers. Now, there are many manufacturers who are focusing their efforts on creating more hybrid models.
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[Related: How Fuel Efficient is your vehicle?]
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How do Hybrid cars work?
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A hybrid uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor connected to a battery to operate the vehicle. The two engines work together while you’re driving to reduce the emissions. There are times when both are working, and other instances when only one, or none of them, are on. When you’re driving on a highway and maintaining the same speed, the combustion engine is being utilized, while the electric motor powers the vehicle when you’re driving slowly, like right after a stop. When your vehicle is completely stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor turn off, leaving the battery to power the vehicle’s systems.
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One of the things that help make a hybrid model so efficient is the regenerative braking system, which uses the energy released while braking to recharge the battery. Normally, when braking, the energy that is being used is simply wasted. On a hybrid, it is used to power the vehicle while the brakes are being applied and then converted into a source that can be stored by the battery and used later.
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If you’re truly concerned about your emissions, know that buying a used vehicle is better for both the environment and for your wallet. If you’re interested in how a used hybrid vehicle can help your carbon footprint, visit one of the five OkCarz locations.
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2017 Holiday events in Lakeland, FL
What to do this Christmas season in Lakeland, FL
Now that the holiday season has arrived, it’s likely that you’ve been binging holiday movies on Netflix and listening to Christmas carols so much that you could not possibly rock any more jingle bells. Even if you’re being a Grinch this holiday season, there’s always time to go and enjoy some holiday events in Lakeland, Florida. Take your family and go see these Christmas classics as you’ve never seen them before.
A Christmas Story
Lakeland, FL
December 8-10, 2017
You don’t need a Little Orphan Annie Decoder Pin to know that you should go see this Christmas classic performed by the Lakeland Community Theatre. Buy tickets online, and take the whole family to see the remaining performances on December 8 and 9 at 7:30 pm, or on December 10 at 2:00 and 5:00 pm.
Another Night Before Christmas
Winter Haven, FL
November 30-December 17, 2017
Take a second look at the true meaning of Christmas when you buy tickets to see Another Night Before Christmas at Theatre Winter Haven. Running every Thursday-Friday through December 17, Another Night Before Christmas is a fun and funny musical is a great way to fill yourself with Christmas cheer.
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Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Lakeland, FL
December 16-17, 2017
Start a fun holiday tradition when you go see the annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, performed by the Florida Dance Theatre. The iconic score is accompanied by incredible choreography and scenery, which you can enjoy by purchasing tickets for the shows on December 16 and 17.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! on Stage
Lakeland, FL
December 20, 2017
See the classic Christmas favorite on stage in Lakeland, FL. Everything you love about the TV special can be seen on the stage, with the music of Vince Guaraldi, and all of the iconic characters. Buy tickets online and bring the whole family to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas on December 20.
Happy Holidays from OkCarz!
No matter your approach to the holiday season, OkCarz hopes that you have a good one. If you want to start your holidays off with the right vehicle, visit OkCarz at one of five locations to view the massive inventory of used cars or to learn more about how buying for OkCarz can help your credit score.
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