For the last few months, gas prices have been significantly higher than usual across the nation. Most states have experienced gas prices of between $4 to $5 a gallon, the cost of diesel hitting an all-time high in June 2022.

Since it appears that gas prices are unlikely to fall anytime soon, it’s a good idea to learn a few gas-saving tips that will help you combat high gas prices. Our blog will discuss everything you need to do to save money on gas without you needing to do anything too extreme.

Of course, if you want to really save money, you can choose to buy a new economical truck from The Truck Junction. We have a wide range of available trucks that could be more fuel economical than your current ride.

What Are Five Gas Saving Tips To Help Combat High Gas Prices?

Out of the many gas-saving tips that can help you combat high gas prices, we have managed to find five that we think will be the easiest to follow. Let’s dive into these tips below so you can continue getting the most bang for your buck when you fill up.

Ensure Your Truck Is Using The Right Oil

It might not seem like it, but if you use the wrong oil in your truck or car, you could be spending more than you should. Using the wrong engine oil can significantly affect gas mileage, with some auto experts stating that you could be getting 2 to 3 percent less mileage by using the wrong oil. That’s why it’s crucial to find what oil your vehicle manufacturer recommends and use only that oil.

Don’t Drive Fast

Driving slower is not only good for your safety but also for your pocket. You can majorly improve your gas mileage by slowing down and driving between 5 to 10 miles slower than you usually do. For example, it’s been determined that if a person drives five miles above 50 miles per hour, it costs around 20 cents extra per gallon. What a savings!

Don’t Overload Your Vehicle

Did you know that the more weight you have in your truck or car, the more fuel it will consume? This means that if you reduce how much weight you have in your car, you can save a significant sum of money over the long term.

It’s been determined that drivers who lower their vehicle’s weight by only 100 pounds save around 3 cents per gallon driven, depending on their vehicle’s make, model, and condition. Even though this doesn’t sound like much, it will add up, especially if you’re someone who likes to complete long-distance trips. So take a look in your trunk and see what can stay behind!

Try To Avoid Heavy Traffic

When caught in heavy traffic, constant accelerating and braking can majorly impact how much gas you use. Additionally, constantly idling when sitting in heavy traffic also uses more gas than you would expect. That’s why another of the easiest ways to save gas is to plan your trips and choose fuel-efficient routes that are not prone to heavy traffic.

Check Your Car’s Tire Pressure

Your car’s tire pressure matters for many reasons. You could be wasting money on gas if you have incorrectly inflated tires. According to the respected US Department of Energy, ensuring your tires are correctly inflated could boost your vehicle’s gas mileage by up to 3 percent! This means you could be saving around 15 cents per gallon, depending on fuel prices and your car.

As you can see, these five gas-saving tips are easy to follow and will assuredly help you combat high gas prices. Yet, if you feel it’s time to consider a set of new wheels that is a more gas-economical truck, you can speak with us at The Truck Junction.

Our dealership has a wide array of pre-owned trucks from leading brands on offer in our inventory that you can peruse. You can contact us here to learn more about how we can help match you to the perfect car that suits your wants and needs. Visit us today at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.

If it’s time to start looking for a new car, budget is one of the factors that could be holding you back. You may have taken off buying a used vehicle from your list because of misconceptions or false information that’s been put out there through word of mouth or the internet. The truth is the negative statements you’ve heard about buying used are most likely just myths. Let’s take a look at 6 common myths about buying a used car and why it’s actually a great option for you.

Used Cars Are Unsafe

Some may think that driving a used car could be dangerous but that’s not the case. There are plenty of ways to make sure the car you’re interested in is safe including researching recalls, obtaining a history report, or asking a mechanic for advice before making a purchase. Many companies also offer annual safety tests as well as verified customer reviews.

Used Cars Are Junk

One of the most common myths is buying a used car means you’re purchasing a piece of junk. There are many reasons why someone would choose to trade in their vehicle. It could’ve belonged to an elderly couple that no longer drives, or a couple that needs more space for their growing family. Not all cars traded in are worthless, they could be a hidden treasure for you!

There are Only Good Deals Online

Online shopping has become super convenient but it’s not the only way to find a great deal on a used vehicle. Seeing the vehicle in person and taking it for a test drive first is always your best bet. Meeting a dealer you’re comfortable with in-person can help you find a great deal and give you the best shopping experience possible.

Used Cars Have No Resale Value

As stated before there’s a multitude of reasons why someone would trade in their vehicle. Selling a used car can be just as valuable if you find the right buyer. Supply and demand as well as trends are all factors in determining value. In modern times electric and hybrid cars are growing in popularity making their value rise. Just because a car is used doesn’t affect its resale value negatively.

You Must Pay Cash

This is false information when it comes to buying a used car. Financing a used vehicle is the same as financing a new one. Making a significant down payment will help you save money on monthly payments and interests, but this doesn’t mean it’s your only option. A trustworthy dealership will offer a variety of ways for you to finance your vehicle.

You’ll End Up Overpaying

Another common misconception about buying used is that you’ll end up paying more than what the car is worth. There are plenty of ways to make sure you know the true value of the car you’re interested in. Research is always more important. Besides looking into recalls and the vehicle history report you can also get a pre-purchase inspection done by an expert.

Now that you know the facts, buying a used car can be extremely beneficial. If you’re ready to put these myths in the past, The Truck Junction is the perfect place to get started. Visit us at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota, or call our team of experts today at (941) 927-8785 to begin your shopping experience!

Pickup trucks are strong, powerful, and fun to drive. They’re also versatile. You can use a pickup truck as a work vehicle if you need something that can haul heavy loads. You can also use your pickup truck for camping trips if you need to haul an RV or trailer. Pickup trucks are even excellent for weekends of off-roading. If you’re in the market for a pickup truck, consider shopping pre-owned. These are five reasons to buy a used truck.

First, it’s no secret that buying a pre-owned pickup truck is more affordable than buying a brand new truck. If you’re on a budget, a brand new truck may not even be within your means. However, just because a truck isn’t brand new doesn’t mean it isn’t packed with appealing features. In fact, you can sometimes get more for your money when buying used. Some pre-owned trucks have luxury enhancements, modern technology, and performance packages.Next, a used pickup truck can be a better value. When you buy a brand new vehicle, the value of that vehicle depreciates significantly as soon as you drive it off the lot. However, when you shop pre-owned, the value of the vehicle doesn’t depreciate nearly as much. This means you can get closer to what you paid for your pickup truck if you decide to sell it one day.Third, today’s vehicles are more durable, strong, and reliable than ever before. Even if you’re buying a vehicle that is a couple of years old, you can still trust that the pickup truck is going to last for years to come. The average age of vehicles on the road is 10 years, and this number is only increasing.

Fourth, pre-owned pickup trucks are priced competitively. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect vehicle, you can find an option that is within your budget with ease.Lastly, the pre-owned pickup truck market is filled with a diverse selection of vehicles. Whether you’re seeking something for hauling heavy cargo, towing heavy loads, or off-roading, there is a pre-owned pickup truck out there with your name on it.Find the best pickup truck for you by shopping with The Truck Junction. You can discover our new and pre-owned truck dealership at 4791 Clark Road in Saraosta. We look forward to seeing you here!

We may not think about it every time we get behind the wheel, but driving can be a dangerous activity. Whether you’ve been driving for decades or just got your license, it never hurts to learn new tips and tricks to stay safe behind the wheel. Here are driving tips to keep you safe:

First and foremost, you never want to drive under the influence of alcohol. Doing so severely impairs your ability to operate a vehicle, which can lead to dangerous, and even fatal, situations. In addition to alcohol, pay attention to the labels on your medications. Some prescriptions recommend you do not drive when taking them because they may cause side effects that make it difficult to operate a motor vehicle safely. If you experience blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or an inability to focus due to medication, don’t get behind the wheel.

Another way to stay safe when you’re behind the wheel is by putting your phone away. Even if you’re just glancing at your phone, your attention is diverted for several seconds, which is all it takes to get into an accident. Many phones today have driving modes that reduce the risk of distracted driving. In addition to staying off your phone, you also want to avoid eating, drinking, playing with the radio, and talking to passengers as you drive, as all of these actions are distracting.

Even if you’re running late, you should never speed. Driving too quickly puts yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. When operating your vehicle at fast speeds, it takes longer to slow or stop the vehicle. If you cannot react to changes in traffic quickly, you’re putting yourself and others in serious danger. Always follow the speed limit and drive slower in poor road conditions.

If you’re not already buckling up every time you get behind the wheel, you need to start. Wearing a seatbelt can save your life in the event of a crash by 45% and reduce the risk of injury by 50%. In some cities, you can even be fined with a ticket if you’re not wearing your seatbelt.

Safety is key, no matter how long you’ve been driving. Keep these safety tips in mind when shopping for a vehicle at The Truck Junction. Check out our safe, top-quality pre-owned vehicles at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.

At The Truck Junction, we pride ourselves on the performance-oriented and highly capable vehicles we sell. But we’re also aware that these categories come second when compared to the importance of safety and the habits of a responsible driver. This April coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and we’re here to do our part to bring many of these issues to the forefront and shed some light upon them.

Frightening Statistics

Last year, there were over 31,000 deaths in the United States alone due to drivers being distracted by texting while operating a motor vehicle. This number is not only frightening, but it’s also steadily increasing as more and more drivers are paying less attention to their surroundings and the road ahead of them. But it’s not just texting, it’s using a cell phone in an attempt at multitasking that can end up being fatal.

The Dangers of Cell Phone Use

Now more than ever, cell phone use is a part of daily life that many have difficulty separating themselves from. These are three contributing factors that have a direct correlation to the rise in vehicular accidents and fatalities.

• Use of a phone while driving limits both visibility and awareness by a large amount. Someone checking a text message while traveling on the highway is extremely foolish and dangerous. The NHTSA estimates that the checking of a message while traveling at 55 MPH is equivalent to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.
• Because it takes dexterity to operate a phone, this hinders reaction time while driving.
• Texting and calling require a thought process that forces your concentration to stray from the road.

Other Deadly Distractions

While the use of a phone has led to a rise in accidents, it’s not the sole cause. A recent study found that these are also contributing factors to drivers becoming distracted while on the road.

• Eating & Drinking
• Adjusting your car’s GPS
• Adjusting the radio or stereo system
• Interacting with pets and passengers in a way that forces you to take concentration away from the road or your surroundings.

Distraction Prevention

Preventing yourself from being distracted is easier than you might think. If you’re traveling a short distance, turn off your phone or leave it in your pocket. Many modern vehicles have available driving assistance features that rely on sensors to detect sudden changes in traffic patterns. While these will certainly help, they don’t replace the habits of a safe and responsible driver.

Trust us, that text message or phone call can wait.

Staying safe on the road is the most important aspect of driving. For vehicles that have the latest and greatest safety and driving assistance features, check The Truck Junction. You can find us located at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota. Stop by today!

Let’s face it—mistakes happen. Many times, we find ourselves embarrassed by them, but it’s important that they can occur to anyone and everyone. That’s right, mistakes are the great social equalizer that unites the social classes. While that analogy might be a bit of a stretch, it’s no more unbelievable than filling your gasoline-powered truck with diesel fuel. But, this happens, and it happens more often than you might think. So, what happens if you make this mistake? Well, we’re here to find out.

The Difference Between Diesel and Gasoline

Not all fossil fuels are alike. While you might have noticed that diesel fuel is right next to the 87 octane and unleaded at most gas pumps, there’s a great deal of difference that separates the two. Gasoline is refined a great deal and has a consistency that’s closer relation to water. (Though drinking it can be fatal.) Diesel fuel has a much thicker consistency. Diesel engines are built very differently than ones powered by gasoline. As a result, gasoline engines cannot run on diesel fuel, and attempting to do so will result in your vehicle stalling out.

What Do I Do If I Accidentally Put Diesel Fuel into My Engine?

First, don’t panic. Mistakes can be made but they can also be rectified. Here’s a step-by-step procedure if you happen to make this mistake, that while uncommon, is possible.

• Do NOT Drive Your Vehicle We cannot stress this enough. Driving with diesel in your gasoline-powered engine isn’t the same as driving with a flat tire to the gas station to throw a spare on. Even the smallest amount can cause extensive damage, so turn your car off and don’t entertain the idea for a moment.
• Take Note of How Much You Put into Your Vehicle Before you do anything else, take note of how much diesel fuel was pumped into your tank. Check the meter reading at the pump, or talk to the clerk inside and get a written receipt. Knowing how much is in your vehicle will allow a mechanic to determine how much potential damage there might be.
• Call a Mechanic ASAP While any mechanic might find this situation somewhat comical, their job is to assist their customers. In the event of diesel is pumped into a gas tank, this means having it properly drained. While this might be a costly endeavor, it’s better than having a vehicle with irreparable damage that you won’t be able to drive again.

No Junk at The Truck Junction

There are trucks that are powered by diesel and some by gasoline. You’ll find both at The Truck Junction, and no junk in sight. For directions, inventory, and much more, visit our website, and to see us in person, cruise on over to 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota. Just be sure to put the right type of fuel in!

Living in Sarasota yields many advantages when it comes to local businesses and the wonderful community which we all call home. And by calling this place home, we’re obligated to share it with the bright, glowing, ball in the sky called the sun. While sunlight feels good during the summer and gives us an excuse to take advantage of Florida’s coastal waters…it also likes to wreak havoc on our skin, our homes, and most of all, the vehicles in our driveway.

While owning a truck gives someone the feeling of individuality and personal freedom, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause damage. And because there’s no sunscreen with an SPF strong enough to repel the sun’s rays off your precious pickup, we’ve made a short list of actions you can take to help prevent substantial sun damage.

Avoid Parking in Direct Sunlight

While this piece of advice might seem redundant, it’s the best thing you can do. If you have a garage, clean out a space. If you’re parking somewhere that isn’t your home, look for a parking garage, tree, or an awning to take advantage of. Should no shade make itself available, there are other things you can do.

Wash, Dry, Wax, Repeat

Our second piece of advice is another one that seems a bit obvious. Washing your truck removes the particles of dirt that accumulate over time, and drying your truck thoroughly before being in the sunlight will keep the water from being sun-dried, which can lead to some unsightly markings. A periodic wax job will help protect your truck from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Windshield Sun Protectors

If you’ve ever gotten into a vehicle that’s been in the sun for too long, you’ve probably thought “ouch!” While there are methods to protect the outside of your truck from the sun, protecting the inside is just as important. Your interior has a lot of plastic, vinyl, and sometimes leather, which the sun can cause significant damage to. A sunscreen over the windshield on a hot day will help you moderate your vehicle’s temperature and prevent damage from occurring.Protecting your vehicle from the sun might be difficult at times, so that’s why The Truck Junction is here to make shopping for one a lot easier. Besides our impressive and ever-expanding inventory, we also finance and can even help sell your truck via consignment. To get out of the summer heat and more information, cruise on over to www.truckjunction.com (sunscreen optional). You can also visit us at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.

Trucks don’t last long in any dealer’s showroom nowadays because American drivers can’t get enough of them. This has been one of the biggest automotive trends in recent years. Granted, some models are more beloved than others, and we love to keep a pulse on the highest quality trucks that our Sarasota patrons enjoy most.

What are the most popular trucks in the US?

Five Very Popular Trucks in the US

Here we see the top-selling trucks of 2019. They’re ranked in descending order based on the number of units sold.

Ford F-150

The F-150 tops the list by a wide margin, having sold 623,980 units in 2019, which is almost 200,000 more than the next-most popular truck on this list. Ford’s name recognition speaks for itself, but the F-150, in particular, has a track record going all the way back to 1975.

Chevy Silverado

Next is the Chevy Silverado, which sold 436,480 models in 2019. The Chevrolet brand is one of our favorites, and we happen to have a good number of them in stock as of this blog post.

Ram 1500

There are many vehicle critics and reviewers who rate the Ram 1500 at the top of its class. It’s powerful and has an awesome exterior. That’s what led Ram to sell 387,223 of this popular model.

Toyota Tacoma

The ultra-reliable V6-only Toyota Tacoma never fails to deliver for its many loyal buyers. Durability and ruggedness are what drove the Tacoma to 245,659 sales in 2019.

GMC Sierra 1500

Rounding out the list is the GMC Sierra 1500, which sold 158,284 units. Critics gave this one rave reviews for its luxury. The premium Denali trim comes packed with so many awesome features, and it’s a mid-size truck that still allows you to be a powerful force on any highway.

There are several other high-selling models to mention, but these are among the best in today’s market. The Truck Junction also has a solid selection of Jeep trucks like the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. We even have box trucks like the Mitsubishi Fuso if you’re ever in need of something for business/industrial purposes.

The Truck Junction is open every day but Sunday, providing the best used truck options for all the truck lovers in Sarasota. This has been our mission since opening all the way back in 1987. If you want to learn more about these great models or anything else in our inventory, feel free to contact us at (941) 927-8785.

Lifted trucks offer increased ground clearance. This increased ground clearance makes off-roading as safe and easy as possible. If you need a capable work truck that can tackle various terrain, or you like to off-road on the weekends, consider a lifted truck as your next vehicle. Here is what you should look for when buying a used lifted truck:

Buying a pre-owned lifted truck is a great way to get the most bang for your buck. Used trucks are priced cheaper than brand new models, but they offer a lot of the same appealing features. Additionally, pre-owned trucks are a better value because they depreciate at a slower rate than brand-new trucks.

Lifted trucks have a few unique details that separate them from regular trucks. When you’re shopping for a pre-owned lifted truck, you want to take note of these details to make sure the vehicle you have your eye on is of the highest possible quality.

First, you want to look at the tires. Usually bigger trucks need bigger tires. These larger tires can better handle rough roads and various terrain. They also improve the truck’s center of gravity. When inspecting the tires of a pre-owned lifted truck, make sure the tires are the right size for the vehicle. You also want to check the condition of these tires. Look at the tread and pay attention to the way they ride when test driving the truck. Remember that tires for larger trucks are more expensive, so consider that when budgeting for your vehicle.

Next, check the driveshaft of your lifted truck. When looking at the driveshaft, you want to see if the angle created by the lift kit has put wear on the steel frame. In some cases, the driveshaft can bend or break the boot of the truck, which leads to grease leaks and serious pressure on the ball bearings.

If the tires look right and the driveshaft is in good shape, take a look at the vehicle history report of the lifted truck you’re considering. The vehicle history report will show any maintenance, repairs, or accidents the truck has experienced. This information can help you better understand the condition of the truck.

Lastly, look for any other modifications or upgrades. In some cases, the used truck you’re looking at may have appealing features that weren’t even on your list, such as engine upgrades or side steps. On the other hand, a used lifted truck may also have DIY modifications that lessen the value.

To find the best pre-owned lifted trucks available, shop with The Truck Junction. You can get in touch with our team by calling 941-927-8785 now!

When it comes to pickup trucks, few can compete with the RAM 1500. This strong, capable, and bold vehicle is excellent for making your daily commute or hauling heavy loads. Consider the 2019 RAM 1500 for your next vehicle.

The RAM 1500 was redesigned for 2019. The new design includes enhancements like a lighter body, increased legroom, and additional safety features. This light-duty pickup truck also offers greater strength than ever before.

Whether you’re looking to transport heavy cargo or tow a trailer, the 2019 RAM 1500 can help you get the job done. The vehicle has a maximum payload capacity of 2,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.

This 2019 RAM vehicle comes in a wide range of trim level levels. The base Tradesman trim level is a great bare-bones work truck, while trim levels like the Big Horn, Laramie, and Laramie Longhorn add more convenience features and technology. If you want a pickup truck for off-roading, the Rebel trim level is your best bet. The top-of-the-line Limited is another appealing selection for those who want a truck with a bit of luxury.

In addition to a wide variety of trim levels to choose from, the 2019 RAM 1500 is also available in a variety of cabin configurations and bed lengths. The extended quad cab is the smaller cabin option but offers a larger bed. If you’d rather have more space in the cabin, you can pick the crew cab, which comes with a 5-foot bed. A regular-cab, two-door model is also available.

A 3.6-liter V-6 engine is the standard offering under the hood of this 2019 RAM pickup truck. This base engine can generate 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Not only is this engine powerful, but it also uses an eTorque 48-volt mild-hybrid system for increased efficiency. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine is another engine option for this model.

Drivers can have peace of mind when behind the wheel of the RAM 1500. This safe pickup truck is available with technology features designed to act as an extra set of eyes. Enjoy the blind-spot monitoring system when switching lanes, or feel at ease when driving a RAM 1500 that is equipped with automatic emergency braking and active lane control.

The 2019 RAM 1500 has a lot to offer. Come see what this pickup truck is all about for yourself by visiting The Truck Junction. You can discover our location at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.