Dye Autos Denver Area Truck and Automotive Blog
The holiday season is upon us. As you might suspect, the holidays are, indeed, less safe than typical driving periods. According to a recent study, holidays see, on average, a 34% increase in crashes. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve are even higher. You owe it to yourself, your family, your friends, and even other drivers on the road to dedicate yourself to driving safer during this holiday season.
We’ve compiled a list of holiday safe driving tips to mitigate mishaps and help you enjoy your holidays.
1. Avoid peak travel times.
AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel will be busiest in 12 years. With more travelers comes — you guessed it — more traffic. Travel times could be a whopping four times longer than usual. The worst congestion is expected in the evenings Thanksgiving week.
And the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, avoid if at all possible — it is historically the busiest travel day of the year.
The day before Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas Eve tend to be the busiest travel days so avoid traveling during peak hours.
2. Leave early.
If you’re in a rush, or impose a strict time deadline, you’ll be inclined to drive faster or neglect certain safety standards to meet that deadline. Wake up a little earlier, manage your time, and don’t be afraid to be a little late if it means driving safer.
3. Buckle up.
A seat belt won’t prevent a collision, but it will save a life.
4. Stow your cell phone.
Many distractions exist while driving during the holidays. Cell phones are already top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day but during the holiday, it’s even worse.
Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you. Keep your phone stowed away so you’re not tempted. It can save your life!
5. Avoid eating while driving.
Everyone is busy during the holidays and everyone enjoys holiday food.
Finishing your breakfast or enjoying a holiday brownie on your way to pick up family from the airport may seem like a time-saver, but it means you are less attentive to the drivers around you. Food spills are a major cause of distraction.
6. Remain alert and awake.
If you feel any deviation in your normal levels of wakefulness or alertness, don’t drive. If you’re tired or distracted, your risk of being in a collision will increase. Don’t push through just because you want to get home faster. If you are drowsy, pull off the road. Even 20 minutes of sleep can help you feel more alert, and prepare you for a safer drive.
7. Avoid alcohol consumption.
This is the season for family get-togethers and company Christmas parties and if you think you might be tempted to let loose with a beverage or two, plan ahead.
Even a couple of drinks—which will likely put you below the legal limit for driving—can instantly double your risk of being involved in a collision. At and above the legal limit (0.08 BAC; 0.02 BAC if you’re under 21), your risk triples.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft make it super easy to avoid driving while you’re impaired.
8. Be prepared for an emergency.
If you are involved in an accident, it pays to have an emergency kit ready. This is especially important during winter months, when you’re more likely to be stranded (and when conditions are harsher). Make sure you have emergency flares and lighting, water, jumper cables, and a phone charger or other way to get help.
And finally, practice patience.
The holidays are a time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones. By planning ahead, driving safer and having a little extra patience when out on the road, you can ensure that this holiday season is a safe and happy one with plenty of comfort and joy.
If it’s a truck you wanna buy, you’d better call Dye!
Call us at (303) 286-1665.
We’re heading into the winter months and as Thanksgiving is just around the corner, people often reflect on the things they’re thankful for. It may sound crazy but there are pretty good reasons to be thankful for your pickup truck.
1. Your Pickup Truck Handles It All.
All it takes is a couch or armoire that needs to be moved from “here” to “there,” and next thing you know, you’re thinking you really should own a pickup truck. There are so many other activities that a pickup truck is perfect for:
- Trucks are the perfect weekend adventure vehicle.
- Trucks have the power to tow whatever you need.
- Trucks haul everything from groceries to lumber to tools.
- Trucks are a camper’s dream.
- Pickup trucks help you work hard and when it’s time to relax, they help you do that too!
Think of all the incredibly cool things you could be doing with a pickup truck that are impossible with the car you might be driving now.
2. Your Family Rides in Safety Without Sacrificing Luxury
While all vehicles these days are loaded with safety technologies such as airbags and side impact beams, driving a pickup truck is still a safer bet. Why? Sitting up high offers great visibility of the road and other drivers.
Most pickup trucks are heavier than a coupe or sedan and many SUVs. Physics will tell you that when two objects collide, mass does matter. Pickup trucks are the larger of the two vehicles, thereby increasing the chance that you’ll walk away unharmed.
“In its studies, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that a heavier vehicle will typically push a lighter one backward during the impact,” explains Edmunds.com. “As a result, there is less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on those in the lighter vehicle, according to IIHS. The organization’s fatality data bears this out.”
Today’s pickup trucks come with all the creature comforts you see on luxury car models.
If you have a family or want to take a group of people with you, you don’t have to contend with cramped rear seats. Models with cabs make it easy for adults to get in and out. The middle rear seat isn’t some pathetic cushion only large enough for a teddy bear – it can accommodate a full-grown adult.
Legroom, headroom and shoulder room are also ample, which is a luxury you just don’t get in many vehicles.
3. You Can Make Extra Money with Your Pickup Truck
Pickups are the BEST vehicles to own for a side hustle or a small business.
From hauling to delivering, a pickup truck is a versatile piece of equipment that’s got plenty of business opportunities…if you just get a little creative.
Many people are already paying for a pickup truck and even though dealers like us at Dye Autos have lots of affordable pickups, it’s still a monthly expense. But using the following money-making ideas, your pickup can pay for itself – plus some!
You can even turn some of these into a lucrative side hustle or small business for part or full-time income.
- Get paid to haul stuff away
- Provide local business deliveries
- Haul building supplies
- Make garage sale deliveries
- Offer landscaping services
- Snow plowing service
- Large appliance repair pickup and delivery
‘Tis the Season to Give Thanks…
Pickup trucks are invaluable. Anyone who’s been stuck in the snow, needed to haul stuff, or uses their truck for work understands the benefits of driving one. As we take time this year to give thanks, don’t forget to include your trusty pickup truck!
Pickup trucks are affordable. Used pickup truck models are especially affordable and often retain their value. At Dye Autos, we’ve got a large inventory of affordable pickup trucks for every budget.
Are you ready to take advantage of all these pickup truck benefits? Call us at (303) 286-1665.
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Curious if you can qualify for a car loan? Get the answers to your most frequently asked pickup truck financing questions right here.
What is APR?
This is the Annual Percentage Rate. The interest rate is the percentage of the principal that a lender charges you to borrow the money.
How is my APR decided?
There are many variables associated with defining APR rates.
- Current economic/market conditions govern bank rates.
- Credit score and payment history.
- Your down payment amount.
- The amount you finance.
- The type of vehicle you’re financing.
- Length of your finance contract.
What is a co-signer or co-applicant and why would I need one?
A co-signer is a person who guarantees timely payments of monthly car loan installments and assumes responsibility for payment if a borrower misses payments. You may need a co-signer if you have negative credit or no credit history and want to get approved for a lower interest rate.
Is my trade-in considered a down payment?
Yes, when buying a car or truck, your trade-in vehicle can serve as your down payment. However, there are factors to consider in that decision such as whether or not it’s paid off (there is no loan on the vehicle) and how much equity you might have.
What is a good down payment on a pickup truck?
A down payment isn’t always required for purchase, but it’s definitely a good idea. Consider these two important factors to determine how much your down payment should be.
- Credit Score: your score will help the bank determine what they require. The higher your score, the lower your down payment amount needed.
- Monthly budget: the higher your down payment, the lower your monthly payment will be.
Can I qualify for a car loan if I have bad credit?
Buying a pickup truck with bad credit can be intimidating. If there was ever a good example of the phrase, “Knowledge is power,” it’s in taking on the process of buying a pickup truck when your credit is less than perfect. The first thing you need to know is – it’s not hopeless.
- Talk to your dealer first. Get the right information instead of assuming you won’t qualify.
- Work on your credit before you start shopping.
- Get Pre-Approved (we have an easy way to do that here)
Can I get a car loan after bankruptcy?
- Look for the lowest interest rate but be realistic.
- Keep your expectations low and your possibilities open on the type of vehicle.
- Do your homework on which dealership to work with.
A dealer with a lack of experience and skills in working with people who need to buy a car after bankruptcy can very often cost the consumer hundreds of dollars. Choose to work with a dealership that has a proven track record with helping people buy a car after bankruptcy.
If I apply for a loan, does it hurt my credit?
Your credit score will be affected when you apply for a pickup truck loan. A majority of lenders run credit checks to assess the risk of lending you money. If you apply to many different places, there will be inquiries from all of them.
A good solution is to work with a dealership like Dye Autos in the Denver area (Wheat Ridge). Why? Because through our many years helping people buy pickup trucks, we know which bank will work best for you and your specific circumstances.
Is it safe to submit my information over the Internet?
Yes, your information is kept safe and secure. No unauthorized person or entity can access it because our advanced online application has encrypted security features built into it.
What haven’t we answered for you?
We’re here to answer any question you have about getting a pickup truck or car loan. If you have an unanswered question, please get in touch with us!
Dye Autos is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at (303) 286-1665 or contact us >>>here<<<.
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When you’re buying a new or “new to you” vehicle, whether you’re getting your auto loan through an independent lender or through a dealer, you’ll need to decide how much money you want to put down. Making a down payment at the dealership takes some preparation so your purchase runs smoothly.
First, let’s define down payment.
The phrase is actually derived from the old practice of putting money down on the table to show a seller good faith when negotiating a deal. Today, the down payment is simply a way of reducing the amount of risk a lender has to take when helping you make a substantial purchase.
Do I always need a down payment?
A down payment isn’t always required for purchase, but it’s definitely a good idea. Why?
- It will reduce the amount you’ll need to borrow.
- It improves your chances of loan approval.
- You may get better terms with a down payment.
- It will reduce your monthly payment.
Is my trade-in considered a down payment?
Yes, your trade-in vehicle can serve as your down payment. However, there’s one question to answer that will determine how your trade-in down payment will be handled.
- Is your trade in loan paid off?
- If your trade-in loan is paid off, the dealer will appraise your trade-in and give you the price they’re willing to pay for your vehicle (actual cash value or ACV). You can use that amount as a down payment.
- If your trade-in loan is not paid off, the dealer will obtain the “pay off amount” and compare it with the price they are giving your for your trade-in (ACV).
- A positive difference (you owe less on your loan than your trade in’s ACV) means you can use the amount for your down payment.
- A negative difference (sometimes called “negative equity” – you owe more on your loan than your trade-in’s ACV) gets a bit more complicated.
- Does your trade-in have negative equity? For example, if your trade-in’s ACV is $3,000 and your loan pay off is $5,000, you have $2,000 in negative equity and will need to make up the difference either in your new loan or by paying additional down payment.
How much do I need to put down?
The generally advisable percentage to put down on your vehicle purchase is much like the recommended down payment on a home—20%, if you can afford it. Used cars may require less—10% or more.
Having a 20% down payment ensures that you’ll receive favorable terms on your financing, lowers the amount you need to finance, and reduces your risk of owing more on your loan than your vehicle is worth later on. The benefits of a higher down payment can include:
- Favorable financing terms
- Lower interest rate
- Higher loan approval rates
- Lower monthly payment
- Lower total interest paid
- Reduced risk of being upside down
What forms of payment do dealerships take as down payment?
When it comes to making a down payment on a car, be prepared with your method of payment. This may include:
- Cash
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Pre-approved loan
- Personal loan
Pro Tips on Down Payments
- If you want to use a credit or debit card, ask the dealer if they will accept this form of down payment and if there’s a limit on how much can be charged.
- Check with your card issuer to see if there is a limit to the amount you may charge in a single transaction. The last thing you want is to have your card only be able to charge $2,000 when the total down payment is $5,000.
- Keep in mind that getting a personal loan prior to seeking approval for an auto loan will likely impact how much you can borrow. The credit inquiry and loan will show up on your credit report and affect your “Debt to Income” ratio.
Got more questions about making a down payment?
Each vehicle sale is different. At Dye Autos, we’ve sold thousands of cars and pickup trucks. We’ve helped a lot of confused people determine which down payment is right for them. Many of those customers thought they’d never be able to afford a vehicle!
Give us a chance to help you. Call us at (303) 286-1665 or use our handy online financing pre-approval form >>here<<.
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Photo credit: State Farm
Halloween is a fun time of year for kids (and adults). It can also mean smashed windows, slashed tires, scratched paint or worse for pickup truck owners, because someone pushed their tricks a little too far.
According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), approximately 81% more vehicle vandalism claims occur on October 31st than the average.
Protect your pickup truck.
Help prevent slashed tires, smashed windows, and deliberate car damage on Halloween — and every other day of the year—with these tips:
1. Check your surroundings.
Where you park your pickup truck affects the likelihood of it being vandalized.
- At home? Park in your garage.
- If you don’t have a garage, install motion lights that will deter vandals and alert you and neighbors to activity near your vehicle or driveway.
- Away from home? Park in a well-lit, populated area—preferably a gated lot or secure parking garage. For added protection, park away from objects that could help conceal vandals, such as large vehicles, dumpsters, big trees or shrubbery.
2. Eliminate temptations.
Remove valuables and any evidence of them from your vehicle. For example, clean GPS suction rings off your windshield, remove stereo faceplates, and store cell phone chargers in the center console.
Remove objects from the truck bed or top racks. If you own a truck or other vehicle with an exposed bed, remove all objects from the rear cargo area. If you have toolboxes or locking covers for your truck bed, double check to make sure they are secure. Thieves and pranksters can simply and easily take advantage of anything left in site.
3. Lockdown.
If you are not in the habit of locking your truck, take special precautions on Halloween night. If your truck is equipped with an alarm system, ensure that it’s armed and ready.
It’s also an excellent idea to make sure your windows are closed all the way to avoid additional ways in, or anything from getting inside of your vehicle. If you do not have a locking garage available, it’s best to park in your driveway or as near to your house as possible.
4. Have a gameplan to protect your truck’s paint.
Halloween is a good reminder that protecting your pickup truck’s paint is good practice all year long.
If you drive a newer vehicle, you might not have to worry too much (but hey, why tempt fate?). In the past 10 years, automakers have developed clearcoat paint specifically designed to resist the type of acid that comes from eggs and pumpkin guts.
If you drive an older truck (or just want to keep your truck looking good), there are steps you can take to protect it from Halloween pranks.
- Wax on. The week before Halloween is a perfect time to wax your pickup truck. Get yourself on a regular 2-3 month wax schedule so you can protect your truck from all the other types of road grime all year long.
- Take cover. Shield your pickup against finish-destroying man-made and natural hazards. Also, covers act as excellent theft deterrents.
- Keep your hose ready. If your pickup truck gets hit on Halloween night, immediately rinse off any solid residue such as eggshells. (The heat of the sun speeds up chemical reactions and can severely harm the paint). Then, most importantly and as soon as possible, give your truck a thorough washing.
- Be prepared to clean off any small mess quickly. Keep a small spray bottle of water mixed with a dedicated car-washing soap handy. A spray-on car wax will also work well. Then, whenever you find a contaminant on the paint—whether it’s the morning after Halloween or after a bird dropping at the beach—you can spray the solution on the car, and wipe away the mess with a soft towel. Even if you can’t remove it right away, just spraying the solution on the mess will dilute the acid and minimize damage, if there is any.
- Pro Tip: If you’ve accidentally left the offending substance on your truck, go see a professional detailer right away. They have special tricks of their own to make your truck look new again.
Halloween is a fun time of year. These tips will help make it worry-free so you and your family can enjoy yourselves.
Have you been thinking about buying a pickup truck for yourself? Give Dye Autos a call at (303) 286-1665 and we’ll help make this your best Halloween ever!
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