How to Select the Right Car Brand
Tips for Researching Various Car Manufacturers
Every car brand appeals to a specific audience. Therefore, not every brand will be right for you. How do you choose? It comes down to what you are looking for in a vehicle. Here are a few tips you should consider when researching various car manufacturers.
[ READ MORE: Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle at OKCarz ]
Calculate your Budget
Consider how much you can afford. Before shopping for a vehicle, calculate your budget. That amount will automatically eliminate several options. For example, if you are on a tight budget, you won’t want to research luxurious brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. Instead, consider a used model.
Evaluate your Lifestyle
Next, evaluate your lifestyle. What do we mean by that? In simple terms, you need to determine your requirements. For example, if you live in a household of six people, a compact sedan won’t be large enough to carry everyone. If you are an individual or only live with one or two others, a smaller vehicle may be the way to go.
In addition, reflect on your hobbies. If you are a nature lover that loves to travel to remote locations that are difficult for the common vehicle, consider popular brands like Jeep or Subaru. If you plan on hauling or towing frequently, a truck will get the job done. A few popular brands that manufacturer durable and powerful trucks include Ford, RAM, and Toyota.
Research a Brand’s Reliability
Cars are expensive, and you will want one that will last you for years to come. Some brands have better reliability ratings over others as those vehicles rack up more mileage before finally reaching the end of its life. We suggest reading reviews and speaking with a local mechanic to get an idea how often certain vehicles may run into major problems early on. Examples of some reliable brands to consider include Mazda, Honda, Kia, and Toyota.
Take a Test Drive
New or used, you should always take a vehicle out for a test drive before completing the purchase. This will give you an idea of how that vehicle feels as well as that car’s overall quality.
Ready to start shopping for your next car? Browse hundreds of vehicles right on the OKCarz website. Need help finding the right car for you? Don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always happy to help.
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Farmers Markets in Lakeland, Orlando, and Tampa, FL
Recommended Farmers Markets in Central Florida
Excited to get out of the house? Want to support your local farmers during this difficult time? Looking to bring home fresh produce and gifts? Many farmers markets around Central Florida are reopening for the summer. Here’s a few popular farmers markets located in Lakeland, Orlando, and Tampa, FL. Of course, don’t forget to continue practicing social distancing as you shop!
*Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, farmers markets can reopen and close at any given time. Be sure to check that the farmers market is open prior to visit its location.
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Vehicle Emergency Kit Checklist
No one wants to end up stranded on the side of the road due to unfortunate circumstances such as a flat tire, broken down engine, or dead battery. Depending on how severe the situation is, as well as how long it will take for help to arrive, it’s always a good idea to stay prepared. Here’s our emergency kit checklist detailing items you should have on hand.
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Tool kit (lug wrench, screwdriver, etc.)
- Multipurpose tool
- Duct tape
- Car fire extinguisher
- Antifreeze
- Oil and paper towel
- Windshield washer fluid
- Jumper cables
- Poncho
- Water
- Phone and phone charger
- Non-perishable food
- Reflective triangles
- Car escape tool
- Owner’s manual
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Fun Things to Do for Father’s Day 2020
Activity Ideas for Father’s Day While Social Distancing
Father’s Day is coming up quickly! Do you have this exciting day planned? Wondering which fun things you can do for Father’s Day 2020? Here are some activity ideas that dad will enjoy while social distancing.
- Go camping, hiking, and/or fishing
- Make breakfast for dad
- Let dad grill his favorite meal
- Host a picnic in the backyard
- Play board games, card games, or yard games
- Taste various beers or wine
- Watch dad’s favorite movie or TV show with the family
- Make Father’s Day crafts
- Video chat with your dad, grandfathers, uncles, and any other father figures
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Step by Step Guide on How to Replace Wiper Blades
How to Change Your Windshield Wipers
Over time, your windshield wiper blades will start going bad. Whether it starts forming cracks or no longer conforms to the shape of your windshield, it’s important to replace these pieces of rubber so you can continue to see clearly the next time you drive in rain. Thankfully, replacing windshield wipers is one of the cheapest and easiest tasks you can do right at home. Here’s our step by step guide on how to replace wiper blades.
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- Find the correct wiper blade size. Wipers are only effective if the size matches your vehicle. You can determine this by measuring your current wiper blades or by consulting your owner’s manual.
- Remove the old blade from its holder. To do so, life the arm. On the underside of the wiper where it meets the arm, depress the tab. This will release the blade so you can simply slide it out by pulling on it downward.
- Replace with your new blade. You will need to pull the wiper blade tight onto the arm. Listen for a clicking sound as this will indicate it is in place. Gently lower the arm back onto the windshield. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second wiper blade.
- Test the wipers. Once you are finished, turn on your wipers to check they are working properly. It’s a lot better to do this now than find out that they aren’t working right in the middle of a storm.
Looking for more tips on keeping your car healthy? Follow the OKCarz blog for everything automotive! Do you need a reliable vehicle? Browse our large selection of quality pre-owned vehicles right on our website.
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Tips to Keep Your Kids and Pets Safe Inside a Vehicle During the Summer
Now that summer is here and the weather is hotter than normal, it’s more important than ever to make sure that your child isn’t left alone inside a hot car. Here are a few things you can do to protect your child and pets from suffering from heatstroke inside a hot car during the summer.
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Create Reminders
Unfortunately, most kids or pets that die in a hot car are forgotten about and left behind by the parent, guardian, or caregiver. To help keep them in your mind, it’s very important to create reminders. Here are a few ways you can do so.
- Keep an important item, such as your purse, phone, or bag in the backseat near the child but not within their reach.
- Keep a toy in the child seat when unoccupied and move the toy up front with you when you have a child in the car.
- Set reminders on your phone to alert you to check on your child approximately when you expect to park.
- Do not be distracted while driving or exiting the vehicle. Keep the phone away until you and your child are someplace safe.
- Have someone call you. If you are dropping your child off at daycare, by a babysitter, or with a family member, give that person your phone number and tell them to call you regarding the child if you are more than 10 minutes late.
Keep Your Car Locked and the Keys Out of Reach
Even if you do everything right and remember to check on your child after reaching your destination, it’s important that your child doesn’t accidentally get inside your car while you aren’t looking. Always keep your vehicle locked while you are at home and stash the keys in a safe place that they cannot reach. Teach your child that your car keys are not toys and make sure they don’t see your vehicle as a place to play. This can help prevent your child from entering without your knowledge and accidentally locking themselves inside.
Have an Adult Stay Inside the Car with the A/C Running
A five-minute errand can easily turn into twenty. What if there’s a long line at the store? What if you can’t find what you are looking for? Even if you only plan to leave your child inside your car for two minutes, always either bring them with you or have a trusted adult stay inside the car with the A/C running. This will prevent any possible kidnappings and will keep them from getting too hot. Cracking a window will not help your child stay cool.
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Fun Activities to Do for Fourth of July 2020
Things to Do with Family for Independence Day
Looking for fun activities to for the Fourth of July? While it may look a little different due to the current global health crisis, there are still plenty of things to do with the family for Independence Day this year. Here are some examples.
- Decorate the house with red, white, and blue
- Grill your favorite barbeque foods
- Host a picnic in the backyard
- Help your child write a letter to a soldier
- Watch fireworks from your car
- Watch a virtual fireworks show
- Go fishing or hiking
- Make red, white, and blue cocktails for the adults
- Watch a patriotic movie
- Bake red, white, and blue treats like cupcakes or cakes
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Tips for Teaching a Child How to Save Cash
Every parent wants their children to be successful as they grow up. You can help them accomplish this by teaching them best practices for managing their money. Below, here are some of the best ways you can help your kids learn to save money based on their age.
Teaching Young Children About Money
It’s never too early to start teaching your children about handling money, and there are many easy ways in doing so. For example, instead of a piggy bank, use a clear jar. This way, your child can see the money grow as they continue to add to it or shrink if they choose to buy something. If your child wants to buy an item, like a toy, help them get the money out of the jar and have them give it to the cashier. It’s also very important to set a good example for your kids. Try paying for things with cash instead of credit card while they are watching.
If your children are older in the pre-teenage years, enforce how important it is to earn money. For instance, help your kids save by giving them commissions on chores done well rather than allowances. If they want to purchase an expensive item, such as a new video game, let them know that while they may be able to afford that game, they may not be able to buy something else, like a new pair of shoes. Help them avoid buying impulsively by telling them that they can buy that same item with their own money the next day.
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Teaching Teenagers About Money
As your kids reach their teenage years and start getting more freedom in how they spend their cash, it’s very important that you start shifting responsibility onto them. Help them move the money they saved into a bank account. Have them download a budgeting app and help them set up a simple budget.
In addition, talk with them about their future. Are they old enough to get a job? Are they planning to go to college? Steer them towards part-time (or full-time if not in school) opportunities to get that cash flow moving. Encourage them to put some of those earnings into savings or a college fund. Also, teach them how to properly manage a credit card to avoid debt.
Finally, don’t forget to teach your teens to be content with what they have. For example, if they own an old car and want to buy a new one, remind them that while it may not be the nicest one on the street, it is in working condition and has been reliably getting them from point A to point B. Remind them that owning this cheaper car is saving them lots of money to spend on other things.
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How to Select a Car Based on Your Budget and Requirements
Whether you are a first-time car buyer, or you are shopping around for a different one, buying a car is a big deal. Vehicles are big investments, and many are better suited for different drivers. Looking for some tips for choosing the right vehicle? You should always select a car based on your budget and requirements. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
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Set a Budget and Stick to It
Before shopping around for vehicles, you should always determine how much you can afford. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it so you don’t accidentally overspend beyond your means. To help you set your budget, consider using the 20/4/10 budget rule as a guideline.
Determine Your Requirements
Every shopper will have certain requirements. For example, if you have a family of six, you’ll likely to be shopping for a vehicle that can seat at least six, such as an SUV. If you are an individual that doesn’t require much space, a smaller car like a sedan might be better for you. If you love to drive off-road or require extra power for towing, you’ll want to consider vehicles designed for these capabilities like trucks.
Shop and Research
Once you set your budget and requirements, you are ready to start shopping. Be sure to eliminate any options that exceed your budget. If you find a vehicle that is within your budget and offers the requirements you set, add it to a list. Once you find a few different options, research these models. As you narrow down further, consider inspecting the car in person and taking it out for a test drive.
Here at OKCarz, we have a large diversity of affordable and reliable pre-owned vehicles available. With many brands and models to choose from, finding the right vehicle with us is easy. Contact our team and we will be happy to assist.
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Common Reasons Why a Car Would Be Leaking Oil
Eventually, every vehicle will leak some oil. While very minor leaks are often more of an inconvenience and don’t always require repair, bigger leaks indicate a bigger problem that you would need to address. What exactly can cause my car to leak oil, you may be wondering? Oftentimes, a car would leak oil due to a degraded engine gasket, damaged oil pan, or poor installation of parts.
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Degraded Gasket or Oil Pan
An engine gasket is a type of seal that helps keep oil inside your vehicle while keeping debris out. Over time, the engine gasket inside of your vehicle will degrade, creating a leak that may start small and get bigger over time.
The oil pan inside of a vehicle is the reservoir for your car’s oil. As you drive, your car may kick up debris and hit your oil pan. In other cases, you may accidentally hit something or run over something that damages your oil pan. If your oil pan is damaged, there will likely be dents or cracks that allow the oil to escape.
Improper Installation
It’s important to remember that mechanics are people too and can make mistakes. Improper installation of parts that work with oil can also lead to oil leaks. For example, perhaps you got the wrong size oil filter the last time you had it replaced or it wasn’t installed correctly.
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If you suspect that your vehicle is leaking oil, place some cardboard underneath your vehicle to catch the oil. When you are able, take your car to your local shop to have an expert take a look. Be sure to monitor your oil levels as an oil leak will make your oil levels drop more quickly. If you found this information helpful, explore more ways to maintain your vehicle at the OKCarz blog.
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