Your American pickup trucks aren’t as American as you think

The holiday season is a magical time. Especially for opportunistic thieves. This is why anyone who recognizes the importance of protecting their recently obtained truck and SUV gifts will appreciate the feeling of security provided by BOLT Locks this holiday season. BOLT Locks’ patented “Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology” uses the vehicle ignition key to operate all of its locks. This means that truck or SUV driver in your life can secure their trailer hitch, trailer, boat, kayak, bike, roof carrier, overlanding gear, generator, and an endless array of other items with a single key. Equipped with a limited lifetime warranty, these products are the recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award from Popular Mechanics and have been honored with several Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Global Media Awards. To achieve this revolutionary locking feat, and win all of these awards, BOLT Locks use specially crafted tumblers to memorize a vehicle’s ignition key the first time it is inserted into the lock. One complete turn of the key moves the tumblers to fit that specific key, resulting in a uniquely programmed lock that matches whatever was inserted. No more whipping out a wad of jumbled keys, only to discover that the one you need is on the hook back at the house. “BOLT Locks are an ideal holiday gift for anyone wanting to protect their valuable gear. Whether they are an avid boater or off-roader, enjoy hunting or fishing, motorsports, or use their vehicles to secure their work tools, BOLT Locks are a gift they will appreciate.” —Jason Buckles, BOLT Locks Sales Account Manager  Receiver locks, pin locks, and trailer coupler locks When it comes to popularity, the vehicle hitch Receiver Lock from BOLT Lock is the biggest seller and makes for a great last-minute gift. Designed to lock the ball mount receiver onto the hitch, the Receiver Lock comes in two sizes: ½-inch and 5/8-inches. An ideal option for those on your gift list who use a truck or SUV to tow. As for BOLT Locks’ Coupler Pin Lock and Trailer Coupler Lock, these two present options provide the same single-key locking convenience, but for the trailer itself. The BOLT Coupler Pin Lock fits couplers from ½-inch to 3 3/8-inches and eliminates any movement within the locking lever itself. This makes locking a trailer ball shut or rendering the coupler completely unusable a cinch. For additional unhitched trailer security, the BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock protects unattended trailers, as it works with both 1 7/8”, 2”, and 2 5/16” couplers. Painted bright red, this visible theft deterrent provides the perfect color combo this gift-giving season. Cable locks and padlocks Have someone on your gift list that prefers to haul their gear around instead of towing it? BOLT also offers cable locks and padlocks. A BOLT Cable Lock can secure any number of items in a vehicle. Kayaks on a roof rack, bikes out back on a bike rack, jet skis affixed to a trailer, or overlanding gear in the bed. This multipurpose cable lock has you covered with 6 feet of ¼-inch black vinyl-coated coiled steel cable.   As for BOLT Locks’ Padlock, it can also be used anywhere it will fit and makes for a great security option for truck bed toolboxes, camping lockboxes, and other externally mounted latched systems. BOLT locking recovery hook Finally, there’s the BOLT Locking Recovery Hook. An impressive present for that 4×4 fanatic in your life. Engineered to be affixed to a standard 7/8” bumper tab, this beast of a hook is built to hold every winch and recovery rope imaginable. Secure recovery capabilities are essential, so this hook comes crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, and is rated at 10,000 pounds. It also features a stainless steel lock shutter to keep out debris and moisture and can swivel 160° for usage from an array of angles.  

It may sound insane, but soaring fuel prices aren’t hurting SUV sales. To highlight the greatest offers you can get when buying an SUV, we’ve gone through every new SUV car title loan offer made in recent months to determine what is possible. What emerged were a number of low APR offers and a few low-interest financing specials with added bonus funds. However, the majority of these agreements have fairly steep interest rates, which isn’t very appealing to most people. So we kept digging, and what we came up with were the best quick title loan options for December 2022. When to use a title loan A car title loan gives you access to fast cash secured by the title to your automobile. It’s a quick and easy process that allows you to obtain the money you need on the same day. Even borrowers with bad credit can use car title loans or auto title loans to obtain immediate financing. This is due to the title loan provider’s lack of a credit check. In turn, you receive the money you need based on the value of your car, while your automobile title serves as a promise that you will make loan payments on schedule. You can obtain online financing on Maggie Loans by using your car title as collateral for applying for an auto title loan. With Maggie Loans, obtaining a car title loan takes just three simple steps. 1. Apply online. The loan application process can be started at any time, and you’ll be contacted right away to talk about the specifics of your loan. This call is accompanied by a free quotation, as it does not require going to a store for an inspection. 2. File your paperwork remotely. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with all the terms of the loan and make a payback schedule. 3. As soon as you agree to the loan terms and the lender has granted a lien on your car title, you can start receiving money. Just drive your car as usual for the duration of the loan, and ensure that the loan is repaid on time to prevent late fees. SUV deals are here! Numerous automakers are offering insanely good deals on their latest SUV models. We found several SUV lease options for November 2022 that required monthly payments of $300 or less and an average down payment of just $3,000–$4,000. There were also a few cash-back discounts and low-interest financing options offered as well. Currently, Ford is providing 0.9% financing on the 2022 Edge for up to three years starting this month. Hyundai is offering a comparable four-year plan on the 2023 Kona and 2023 Santa Fe. Buyers can also benefit from Mazda’s three-year, 1.9% financing offer on the 2022 CX-9. Additionally, Honda’s four-year, 1.9% interest rate financing plan on the 2022 Pilot is a super sweet deal. What to think about when purchasing an SUV? SUVs cost more on average than sedans, but they also provide more headroom, versatility, and in certain cases, power and off-road capabilities. Here are a few additional facts to consider before taking out a loan on an SUV. 1. CUV perks Sub-compact, small, mid-sized, and big are the four main sizes for SUVs, with sub-compact SUVs making for a vast number of SUV sales in America. These platforms often share a chassis with vehicles of a similar size and are called compact crossovers, or CUVs. While they don’t provide much in the way of cargo capacity or 4×4 prowess, most sub-compacts pack a modest $20,000 starting price. 2. Loan conditions If you don’t have the money to pay off your car loan within the period of time granted with reduced APR rates, long loan periods may be essential. Although a 0% APR/72-month plan might be a terrific choice, you must be able to pay off the SUV within that period. Even if you are confident in your ability to repay your debt, always read the small print, for the specific terms and restrictions may render the 0% APR ineffective. Financing specials may also have a minimum purchase price and therefore cannot be bundled with other offers. 3. Buyer conditions To apply for this form of loan, and take advantage of the dealership’s low or no-interest financing promotions, you must first be regarded as a “well-qualified buyer.” If not, the dealer will probably try to persuade you to utilize their financing, which comes with an additional 2-4% in inflated interest above market rates. Get pre-approved for guaranteed financing with Katie Cash Online, your bank, or your credit union before visiting the dealership to combat this issue. You can always use an outside loan or request that the dealership match the APR during negotiations. How can someone with terrible credit acquire financing for an SUV? In order to buy a new SUV or crossover with affordable financing, you will need to have a credit score of at least 700. If your credit isn’t fantastic, you may be forced to take out a loan with a high-interest rate, which will extend the life of your debt by thousands of dollars. In order to reduce the overall cost of your SUV, think about the following steps to get on Star Loans: · Obtain pricing quotes from various nearby dealers in order to minimize the buying price. · Put as much money down as you can, which will lower your loan balance and your monthly payment amount. · Search around for financing online, as it will likely result in a lower APR than what the dealership is offering. · Consider purchasing a used SUV instead of a new one. Summary With the national average for a new auto loan currently sitting at 5.63%, rising interest rates have made finding ideal financing options more difficult than ever. However, the majority of manufacturers offer monthly incentives for new cars. December, or the end of any quarter, is the ideal time to purchase a new SUV. These opportunities not only provide the best options for auto repair […]

If you are a motor vehicle dealer, you likely have noticed the enduring popularity of crossovers and SUVs among consumers. As of June 2022, crossovers had the greatest market share in the light vehicle market in the U.S., accounting for 45.1% of sales. While pickups were second with 19.1% of the market, SUVs beat out passenger cars of all sizes at a 10.3% market share. Since fuel prices have been stubbornly high for months, auto dealers might wonder why these larger, less-efficient vehicles are easy to sell. Here are some reasons why SUVs and crossover sales have only increased in popularity. Even when state regulations require SUV and crossover buyers and sellers to remain in good standing with their car dealer bond and license, sales continue to soar in the CUV and SUV market. 1. Drivetrain options SUVs and crossovers typically offer more drivetrain options than sedans. Consumers can opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing them to better handle slick road conditions. SUVs might also offer four-wheel or rear-wheel drive for better performance. 2. Cargo space When compared to sedans, the average crossover or SUV offers more cargo space. While crossovers are smaller than SUVs, they typically provide more room to haul things than passenger cars. In contrast, most full-size SUVs tend to have enough power to tow trailers and therefore transport more cargo. 3. Passenger room Modern SUVs and crossovers typically offer more room for passengers, making them popular choices for families, especially when third-row seating is implemented. Since these vehicles also tend to have more vertical cabin space, they remain a crowd favorite for larger individuals. 4. Ease of entry and exit SUVs and crossovers remain an easy sell due in part to the aging global population. Getting in and out of crossovers and SUVs is often easier for older adults because they don’t have to sit in a lower position like in most cars. With a crossover, people can slide onto a seat instead of crouching down to get in. Additionally, the extra vertical room makes it less likely that they will strike their head on the door frame. And while some people might need to climb up to get into an SUV, it is easier for many people to do this when compared to climbing up out of a low-slung sedan. 5. Power and performance Many SUVs have more powerful engines than their sedan counterparts, with 4×4 prowess providing additional off-road perks. However, most people use these machines to drive on-road, and never take advantage of their off-road capabilities. Which is a bit of a pity in our opinion. On the upside, buyers still enjoy the performance powerful SUVs offer when overtaking other vehicles on the highway. Although crossovers do not offer as powerful of engines as their larger SUV siblings, the use of forced induction and hybrid electric power make them plenty peppy for their size. 6. Higher seating position Many people prefer crossovers and SUVs because of the higher seating position and increased visibility. While people might feel safer in an SUV or crossover than when riding in a sedan, it’s important to note that full-size SUVs are likelier to tip over when rounding curves due to their higher center of gravity and weight. Which explains why certain newer models offer things like adaptive electronic stability control and four-wheel-steering to counter this issue. Disadvantages of Crossovers and SUVs While a plethora of factors has lead consumers to buy SUVs and crossovers more than any other vehicle in recent years, these machines also come with their own disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages of SUVs and crossovers can include: • Poor fuel economy • Higher purchase cost • Higher cost for repairs and parts • More carbon emissions • Difficulty parking When consumers purchase heavier vehicles like SUVs and crossovers, fuel consumption will inevitably increase. SUVs might have significantly lower fuel economy ratings due to their larger, more powerful engines, but the push toward electric variants has begun to alleviate this worry. However, electric vehicles (EVs) typically tend to have higher purchase prices, making them unobtainable by certain buyers. In fact, the cost of SUVs and crossovers is typically higher across the board than the average coupe or sedan. And while crossovers might be less expensive than larger SUVs, they still tend to be more expensive than most sedans. This can be an issue for buyers since the average cost of a new vehicle as of July 2022 stood at a whopping $48,182. The sky-high prices of the components found on newer vehicles might place them out of the market for many buyers, especially given inflationary pressures. To put things into perspective, the average transaction costs for the four most common types of vehicles in July 2022 were as follows: • Compact cars – $26,285 • Compact crossovers- $35,323 • Electric vehicles – $66,645 • Full-size SUVs or crossovers – $73,934 With a current inflation rate of 8.2%, it is easy to understand how these prices force many potential buyers out of the market, as their dollars simply don’t stretch as far as they used to. Bulkier, heavier vehicles also do not have the same degree of maneuverability in traffic as sedans offer. When vehicles are heavier, they also place more strain on brakes and other parts, meaning that consumers might have to replace these components more frequently. Finally, SUVs and crossovers often produce more carbon emissions than sedans because of their larger engines. And unless they are an EV or a hybrid of some sort, they also tend to suffer from reduced fuel economy ratings. Despite these disadvantages, the majority of consumers still opt to purchase SUVs and crossovers. High prices might drive some buyers to purchase used SUVs or crossovers, while others might choose to lease instead of buy. While it might seem easier to sell crossovers and SUVs in the current market, auto dealers need to remember that increasing inflation and a potential recession could change everything overnight. Keeping on top of market trends and understanding the needs of customers can […]

The manufacturing industry is one of the riskiest industries in which to work. Workers in automotive plants risk suffering safety related injuries from dangers like electricity, heavy machinery, heights, and extreme temperatures. Adequate safety measures and training can lessen these hazards, thus motivating employees to prioritize workplace safety. Here are a few of the top ways to increase worker safety at automotive plants. Conduct training on safe practices and hazard areas First, it’s important to ensure that all employees receive training before starting their jobs. Training should include the proper use of the tools and equipment, correct implementation and care of safety gear, the dangers present at a set workplace, and how to avoid injuries. These precautions will help employees stay safe and remain productive over time. Workers will also need subsequent training on any new procedures, rules, and equipment after their jobs commence. Establishing a training plan that includes a variety of exercises, an provides training via various media, such as videos and audio narratives will help reinforce these concepts. Cultivate a workplace culture of safety Workers are at the core of any successful factory safety program. Your business must look after its workers while ensuring they look after one another and themselves. To create a work culture built upon safety, you must assess your company’s current ideals, identify areas for improvement, and instill the significance of safety in all employees. Encourage workers to report any unsafe conditions to their superiors. This will not only help expose any overlooked issues, but cultivate a safe and productive work environment for everyone within the factory. Most employees will opt to put safety knowledge into practice if there is a strong culture surrounding this core belief in the workplace, accompanied by effective safety communication, and strong leadership. Perform frequent safety audits and inspections The cornerstones of manufacturing safety programs are audits and inspections. Make your workplace safer, more effective, and compliant with state and federal health and safety standards by assessing your facilities, personnel, and procedures. Focus on ergonomics Workplace injuries are significantly more common as a result of ergonomics. A considerable amount of bending and lifting is necessary due to working alongside heavy machinery and with large tools in industrial and manufacturing sites. For instance, if your staff is unaware of the proper lifting and bending techniques, they will likely develop musculoskeletal diseases. These injuries, also known as repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), are frequently brought on by awkward or challenging maneuvers that put undue strain on a person’s muscles. Employees who receive training and education on typical ergonomic risk factors, such as twisting the torso, are better able to prevent muscle strain and damage that could result in musculoskeletal injuries. Plant managers can also purchase robotics to automate tedious operations. Collaborative robots can undertake challenging tasks, lower the risk of accidents, and work well with employees. Emphasis ergonomics, utilize robotics, and provide your employees with sufficient safety training. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) Every manufacturing plant needs safety equipment. Without PPE, employees put their safety and the safety of others at risk. Naturally, different workplaces require separate forms of PPE, depending upon the facility’s equipment. For instance, employees who use welding equipment, or operate close to welders must wear rubber-soled safety shoes, respirators, and heat-resistant clothes, as well as eye and facial protection. This gear will safeguard them from the dangers associated with welding, including electricity, heat, and intense light. Additionally, noise can harm worker safety. The right type of noise reduction equipment will eliminate the risk of hearing damage, which occurs when noise levels become too high over prolonged periods, which is why it’s important to be familiar with NRR. What is NRR? “Noise Reduction Ratings” can vary depending on decibels. NRR can help you find the best noise reduction equipment. Both PPE utilization, and instructions on its effective use should be provided on-site by managers to identify patterns in PPE misusage or non-usage across the workplace. Upgrade plant layout and mitigate common safety threats Modernizing the layout of a factory can reduce a multitude of safety risks. Drip pans, non-slip flooring, and various types of handrails can reduce falls. Employees will also have ample room to function effectively if work areas and emergency exits are clear of obstructions. Making space for necessary controls and shutoffs will also make accessibility a cinch. Another aspect of a safe layout is ensuring that toxic, flammable, or hazardous goods are stored in an ideal locale. Dust and dangerous particulate matter, such as silica dust, can result in serious long-term health issues. These hazards should be controlled through adequate ventilation and appliances like industrial vacuums. Managers can track the amount of particulate matter in plant air by using instruments like air quality monitors and dust sensors. Replace filters, request the use of air purification tools or vacuums, and arrange for an HVAC system assessment if the air quality starts to degrade. Don’t overwork your employees Exhaustion ruins concentration. Encourage your automotive plant employees to rest at schedules times throughout the day to remain focused. Managers should also consider implementing a fatigue management program that lets employees take time off when they need to recover,. This reduces the risk of accidents, financial losses, and the need for new equipment or repairs. Manage safety incidents and issues quickly Create a safety incident management system that has standardized response procedures that are already in place. Here, a safety leadership team guides the company’s overall efforts. This may include representatives from all departments, including human resources, production managers, supervisors, and personnel. This team must keep abreast of all issues and communicate with everyone involved in the production process. If an incident does occur in the factory, all employees should follow the proper safety protocol, like stopping a production line or isolating a dangerous area. Afterward, meeting with the safety leadership team will allow you to change your work practices and review how to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Prevention is key. Everything else is a reaction. Final […]

A truck crash is a serious matter. The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck puts the driver of a smaller vehicle at a great disadvantage. Thus causing more damage, and far more severe injuries. Yet, the number of larger trucks on the roads today somehow seems to have increased, and so too have the speeds at which they travel. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck crash, one of the first things you should do after getting a full medical checkup is reach out to a New York City truck accident attorney. You have the right to recover compensation from the liable party, and the best way to obtain it is with legal representation. And here’s how… Are truck drivers responsible for damages when there is an incident? When a truck driver’s negligence causes an collision, they are responsible. In some cases, the company the driver works for may also be found liable. However, the drivers and the trucking companies they work for carry commercial liability insurance. This means that the insurance company would have to be the one that pays for the damages. To protect their interests, these insurance companies will do everything in their power to find a way to deny the claim, or reduce the amount that they are required to pay out for damages and losses. That is why it is essential to have an aggressive lawyer on your side. Otherwise, you may be forced to accept a low offer when the case is closed. Are there other parties who might be responsible for a truck accident? Besides the truck driver and the company they work for, other entities can be held legally responsible for a truck crash or incident. These include: The manufacturer of the vehicle or its equipment Any vendor who serves the truck company The owner of the freight being transported Whoever loaded the truck Those responsible for the maintenance of the truck Local governments or contractors responsible for maintaining and managing the roadways Any one of these parties can be held liable when there is a truck crash. A lawyer specializing in these sorts of scenarios can gather the necessary evidence to uncover who might be liable, and hold them legally responsible for their actions. How is fault determined in truck crash cases? Different kinds of evidence can be used to determine liability after a truck crash. Some evidence may include: Photographs or videos from the scene of the incident Police reports Medical records Examination of the damage that the truck and other vehicles sustained Driver’s logs Recordings from devices within the truck In some cases, your lawyer may consider it necessary to call upon a collision reconstruction specialist to uncover crucial forensic evidence that corroborates your account of the collision. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, truck driver logs must show the time spent driving. Your lawyer may discover that the driver had been on the road for longer than they should have. The trucking company also has records about the truck itself and the maintenance it has received, how much weight it can carry, the weight of the cargo, and other important evidence to back up your claim. What are the most common causes of truck accidents? The truck driver may be found to have been negligent if they engaged in any of the following actions: Excessive speed Fatigued driving Texting while driving Driving and eating/drinking Using alcohol or drugs while driving Other causes that may correlate or cause a truck crash may be defective components, insufficient routine maintenance, overloaded cargo, or a load that was not tied down appropriately. The truck may also experience a tire blowout, brake system failure, steering issues, or other mechanical problems. When multiple parties contribute to a crash, your lawyer can help determine who was responsible, which may result in the need to file multiple claims for compensation. Whatever the case, having a good lawyer that specializes in truck collision scenarios is vital to your safety and success.