Pennsylvania Auto Dealers

You have probably observed the “Move Over” Law when driving on Pennsylvania roads and not even known about it. Most states already have similar traffic laws which are designed to protect police officers and other emergency personnel who are on the side of the road.

The law requires motorists to either move one lane over or slow down when they see “an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle” on the side or shoulder of the road. Although it seems like common sense for most drivers, the lawmakers wanted something that they could enforce in case they needed to do so.

Failure to move over or slow down when an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing or where road crews have lighted flares will result in a fine of up to $250. Other traffic fines are also doubled in these conditions and drivers could have their license suspended if their violation leads to a worker or workers being injured. Even if police officers are not present when a driver commits a violation in a work zone, the workers may report any violations to the proper authorities.

Your Trenton area VW dealer encourages you to look out for emergency personnel and road workers when traveling the state’s roads this summer. It’s for their safety and for your safety as well.

Joining an auto club has many benefits. When I moved from Michigan to California a few years ago, I joined AAA and got a 20 percent discount on my rental car. Within a week, my membership fees were paid for because I the amount of the discount was greater than what my membership cost. Here are some other great reasons for joining an auto club.

• Trip Planning Services – If you are not the type of person that likes to take the time to plan your summer vacations, an auto club is for you. Clubs like AAA plan your entire trip complete with maps and books that list nearby hotels, restaurants and other attractions. All the guesswork is done for you so you can just sit back and enjoy.
• DMV Services – Some auto clubs offer DMV services so you can skip the long lines at your local DMV and go straight to your auto club to take care of vehicle registration and more.
• Auto Insurance – AAA offers auto insurance at an affordable price, but it is only for members. You can take care of your auto insurance needs and DMV services all in one place!
• Safety Courses – If you take a driving safety course through your auto club, you can often save up to 10 or 20 percent on your insurance premiums!

Your Conshohocken area Toyota dealer encourages you to take advantage of an auto club. In addition to all the services they provide, the peace of mind you will feel as part of the club is priceless.

Many drivers get scared at the thought of driving right next to or near an 18-wheeler. With their humongous size and unpredictability, they are an ominous vehicle to some drivers. However, you do not need to be afraid of these large trucks if you take some precautions. Here are some tips you should use if you find yourself driving your VW car near an 18-wheeler.

• Keep a safe distance behind the truck. If you decide to follow the 18-wheeler for any reason, stay at least 50 feet behind it. You never know when a tire is going to blow out. If that happens, it could launch other debris into the air and that debris could come right through your windshield.
• Do not stay next to an 18-wheeler any longer than necessary. Drivers in these large trucks have limited visibility due to their height and positioning in the cab. If you stay next to them, they may not see you and decide to change lanes before you can do anything about it.
• Allow a truck to pass instead of pulling out in front of it. When coming out of a parking lot or an entrance ramp, give the 18-wheeler the right of way. They cannot stop quickly so if you pull out in front of them, they may not have time to stop.

Your Allentown area VW dealer wants to help ensure your safety on the roads during this travel season. Being safe around 18-wheelers is just one way you can be sure your trip will be fun and exciting!

On Wednesday, we told you some things that valet parking attendants have been known to do when parking cars. Today, we would like to offer some tips on how to minimize problems when you choose to have an attendant park your car. Here are some ways to protect yourself in these situations.

• Be patient. You do not want to be impatient or rude with a person who holds the keys to your Toyota.
• Do not leave anything valuable in your car. Valet services claim they are not responsible for lost or stolen items so make sure you take things with you if you want to still have them at the end of the night. It just saves a bunch of hassle in case something comes up missing.
• Report any damage or missing items immediately. Make sure you get a copy of the report and the contact information for the company’s insurance provider.
• Park your own car if the valets are parking on the streets. You never know if they are going to park your car illegally and you will be stuck with the ticket if they do.
• Tip the valet when you drop the car off. This will go a long way in getting your car taken care of in a respectful manner.

Your Doylestown area Toyota dealer wants to make sure you are protected when you want to have a classy night on the town. Follow these tips and your night will not be ruined due to an incident with the valet parking service.

On Monday, we discussed some options for you to consider if you find that you cannot make your car payments. Today, we would like to discuss what happens when the repo man comes to town. You have probably seen those shows on TruTV (one popular one is simply reenactments, by the way) where the repo man comes to a person and bullies them until they get their keys. But according to research by Edmunds.com, repo men are not always like that.

• Most repo agents are not big bullies. Instead, according to one expert, they are simply “hard-working Americans like you and me.” Their job just entails going to peoples’ homes and taking one of their most prized possessions.
• Repo men are commonly referred to as “recovery agents” or “adjusters.”
• Recovery agents are only paid if they recover the vehicle. They work on commission.
• Recovery agents get information about the debtor through a variety of channels. They may ask an ex-spouse, neighbors, family members or even employers about the person in order to find the car they need to repossess.
• After the repo man takes your car, it typically goes to an impound lot for 30 days so the owner can have a chance of bringing the payments current.

Don’t let this happen to you. Visit your Trenton area VW dealer for an affordable car that you can make the payments on. You’re sure to find something that suits your financial needs!

The researchers at Edmunds.com recently did a story about what goes on when you have your car parked by a valet attendant. When they began their research, they figured they would hear about a few dinged doors and other minor stuff. They had no idea what they would find once they got into the story, though. Here are some incredible findings that their “valet informant” let them in on.

• There are basically three categories of valet attendants. The first includes college students with little work experience anywhere else. The second category is people who need a second job to help pay their bills. The third group is comprised of people who cannot hold a job. This group is more likely to treat customers rudely and damage your car.
• Some valet companies will employ attendants who do not even have a valid driver’s license.
• According to the informant, many valets will “see what your car can do.” This means they may take it out for a joyride and test it before parking it.
• Some valets have been caught speeding around parking structures.
• Many valets go through the customer’s personal belongings just to see what they have in their car.
• Some valet attendants have even been caught stealing personal information from vehicle registrations and other documents.

Your Glenside area Toyota dealer just wants you to know that this kind of stuff could go on when you have a valet attendant park your car. Sometimes it is just better to park the car yourself.

With today’s economic turmoil and uncertainty, some people are having trouble making their car payments. Too often they must decide between buying food for their family or making their next payment on their car. Unfortunately, many people simply ignore their payments until it the problem just gets worse. Here are some options to consider so you can hold on to your car.

• Contact the financing company. The finance company does not want the vehicle back unless it is absolutely necessary. They would rather work with you on your payments because it’s too much of a hassle for them to take it back and try to resell it. If you call your lender, they will likely offer several options to help you out.
• Tell your lender your financial situation. If you have specific details about why you cannot make your payment, the lender is more likely to work with you and offer affordable options.
• Sell your car before it’s too late. If you have decided that you simply cannot afford the vehicle anymore, sell it and use that money to pay it off. Doing this is much better than getting it repossessed.

Your Philadelphia area VW dealers want you to know that there are options if you are in a car loan that you cannot afford. You can always visit us and trade in your current vehicle for a more affordable option, too!

Buying a new car is undoubtedly an exciting experience in anyone’s life. But if you do not do your homework, it can also be an overwhelming experience. Most people want to get something stylish, but they also want something that fits their lifestyle and needs. Here are a few tips to consider when shopping for a new car so you can find the perfect one for you!

• Decide how much you can afford. This is probably the most important thing to consider when shopping for a new or certified used car. If you can just barely make the payments, it’s probably too expensive because you also have to consider fuel, insurance and maintenance.
• Consider the option of leasing. Leasing is a great way to get more car for your money. However, you will also have a car payment for as long as you lease. Decide if that is right for you or if buying is your best option.
• Make a list of desirable and necessary options. You do not always have to get every option available on your new car. Instead, realistically consider the ones you need versus the ones you simply want. If you can afford a few extras that will just make your new car even more awesome, go ahead and spring for some fun options.

These are just a few things to consider when purchasing a car at your Conshohocken area Toyota dealer. Once you take the time to research and find the perfect car for you, life will seem so much sweeter.

Have you been looking at a car at your Trenton area VW dealer but it just seems to be out of your price range for purchasing it? Have you considered leasing? While both buying and leasing have their pros and cons, leasing a vehicle offers several advantages that you cannot get with buying one. Here are some facts and benefits about leasing a car that you may not have considered.

Lower Down Payment
When you buy a car and turn it in after a couple years to get a new one, you often owe more on your current car that what it is worth. That means you either have to pay off the balance or finance it into your next deal. That can make the payments astronomical. But with leasing, you can turn your car in every couple years without worrying about the depreciation. Simply pick your next car and be rid of your old one for good.

Lower Monthly Payments
Since you are leasing the vehicle instead of buying it, you do not have to finance the entire cost of the vehicle. This means lower monthly payments for you. If you want to, you can even get more car for your money!

Extensive Warranty Coverage
Your vehicle is covered under an extensive warranty for as long as you are making payments on it. That type of peace of mind does not always come with financing the purchase of a new car.

If you are taking a trip to the Southwest this vacation season, there are some things you need to do to prepare. Driving through the desert landscape offers breathtaking views, but the 120 degree heat can also wreak havoc on your car and your body if you are not careful. Here are some precautions and tips to consider if you plan on visiting the desert region.

Have Your Route Planned
The last place you want to get lost is the desert. In addition to being hot and steamy, gas stations and services are rare. Sometimes they can be 50 miles or more apart from each other which can be bad news if you do not stay on a planned route.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full
As mentioned, gas stations are far apart when driving through many parts of the desert. It is a good idea to start looking for a gas station when your tank reaches the halfway mark.

Get Your Car Inspected
Before going into the western oven, make sure your radiator is in good working condition and your fluids are topped off. This is especially true for your engine coolant. Also, make sure there are no leaks or cracks in your engine’s hoses and belts.

Bring Water or Gatorade
If you get a flat tire or get stranded, you will want to have some water or Gatorade on hand. Even if you are just stuck for a few minutes while changing your tire, you can get dehydrated in the hot desert sun if you are not prepared.

You can be sure you are prepared for the hot desert by visiting your Doylestown area Toyota dealer and getting a new car for your trip. There’s no better way to enjoy a cross-country vacation than in a new Toyota vehicle!