Driving in Traffic After the Holidays

Now that the stress of Thanksgiving and Christmas are over, you might be gearing up to start packing to head back home. Unfortunately, many others are packing up as well, which will leave you stuck driving in traffic. At Toyota of N Charlotte, we’ve gathered the best tips for driving in traffic this holiday season. You’ll want to follow these Charlotte Toyota driving tips, so that you stay safe to start the New Year on the right foot. 

Five Tips for Driving in Traffic 

Tip #1 Leave plenty of extra time. 

Before you head out on the highway this year, be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time to get back home. There can be countless Charlotte Toyota road hazards along the way, and crazy traffic along the way. Before you head out and start driving in traffic, be sure to drive a little bit slower than you typically would. There will likely be more car accidents on your way back home, so it’s best to try to avoid these. 

Tip #2 Make sure your car is ready for the road. 

Toyota of N Charlotte also suggests to make sure your car is ready to tackle the road this New Year’s. We suggest to stop by Toyota of N Charlotte for a car maintenance check. Our expert auto service technicians can check your car battery and make sure all of your fluid levels are topped off before you start driving in traffic. The last thing you’d want is to get stuck on the side of the road. 

Tip #3 Check the weather and traffic. 

Also, it’s best to check the weather and traffic before driving in traffic this New Year’s. It’s best to stay prepared and check the weather so you don’t get stuck in the snow or in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You can also prepare mentally before heading out on the road. 

Tip #4 Don’t let distractions get in the way. 

Toyota of N Charlotte also recommends to practice defensive driving on the way back home. We know it can be easy to get distracted while driving home, but it’s very important that you do. 

Tip #5 Prep for the winter weather if necessary. 

If you’re headed home from up north, then you’ll need to make sure you have everything you need in case of emergency. Before you head out and start driving in traffic, be sure you have an emergency kit, blankets, water, flashlights, non-perishable food, and some extra clothes in case you get stuck in the snow. 

Visit Toyota of N Charlotte today! 

If you want more safety tips about driving during New Year’s, then give us a call at (704) 875-9199! We can check your car and make sure everything is in working order. Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! Take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville. We look forward to seeing you and having our Charlotte Toyota auto service technicians check your car! 

How to get rid of your old car: N Charlotte Toyota tips

 

Do you have a used car that you need to get rid of? Unlike household items, you can't just leave it on the curb for sanitation to pick up or drop it at the Salvation Army. It's a little more complex than that when it comes to getting rid of your old car. There are specific ways to get rid of a used car and our N Charlotte Toyota experts are here to give you all the options. Check it out! 

Five ways to get rid of your used car

Option #1: Trade it in or sell it to a dealership (like us). If your used car still has some life in it and you want to get your money's worth, you should consider trading it in OR selling it at a dealership like Toyota of N Charlotte. We'll give you cash for your car (even if you don't buy a new one from us) and we'll also handle all of the transaction paperwork, like transferring the tag and title, etc. 

Option #2: Sell it privately. You can also sell your used car privately. This allows you to set a price point on your own and decide how high or low you want to go. The only hassle with this option is that it requires a lot of leg work. You'll have to advertise the car, set up and go on test drives, and when it's sold, do all of the accompanying paperwork yourself (which means you'll have to trek down to the DMV - DREAD). 

Option #3: Kick it to the curb online. You also have the option of selling your car online to companies that buy them. They'll typically pick the car up from your house, but keep in mind that you won't be able to haggle the price. 

Option #4: Donate it. If you feel like being a do-gooder, why not donate your ride? You can always find an organization that's looking for a car and not only will it make you feel good to give back, but it'll also be a tax write-off for you. Be sure to consult with your accountant if you take this route of getting rid of your used car! 

Option #5: Junk it. If the car isn't fit to sell, trade, or donate, it may be time to junk it. Some junkyards will buy your cars as they can use the parts and some will just take them. You'll have to set up transportation for the vehicle, but it'll be off your hands. 

Set up a free appraisal at Toyota of N Charlotte 

How will you get rid of your used car? If you have questions or want to set up an appraisal appointment with our used cars director, call us. Toyota of North Charlotte is open seven days a week at (704) 875-9199 and we're conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.