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.

Are you in the market for a new-to-you pickup truck? If so, you have several options. While you can buy or lease a brand new pickup truck, buying used may be the way to go. Here are five perks of buying a used truck.

First, you get more for your money when you buy used. You can get a higher trim level pickup truck for a lower price tag when you shop from used vehicles on the market.

Second, the top features cost less money when buying used. Many pre-owned trucks on the market are packed with appealing features that would cost a lot more money if purchased new.

Third, the market for pre-owned trucks is vast. You don’t have to limit yourself to the small selection of brand-new models when shopping for a used pickup truck. You can find countless used pickup trucks that feature a variety of towing, payload, and passenger capacities. You can also find many different exterior paint colors, bed sizes, technology upgrades, and more when browsing the extensive selection of pre-owned pickup trucks on the market.

If you want to avoid depreciation, shopping used is the way to go. When buying a brand new pickup truck, the value of the vehicle drops significantly when you drive it off the lot. However, a pre-owned pickup truck doesn’t lose much value once you purchase it. If you do plan on selling your used pickup truck one day, you can get closer to what you paid for it than if you were to buy a brand new truck.

Lastly, when buying pre-owned, you can get your hands on a special-edition pickup truck. Many automakers put out special edition trim levels of their trucks to celebrate things like model anniversaries or new designs. These limited edition pickup trucks can cost a lot of money when purchased brand new, but they’re notably cheaper when shopping used. You can get your hands on a rare pickup truck for an affordable price when shopping pre-owned.

If you’re interested in top-quality pre-owned pickup trucks, The Truck Junction is the place to shop. Discover our inventory by paying us a visit at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.

Most people don’t realize it, but trucks are one of the most commonly owned vehicles in the United States! They’re loved for their ability to perform as a work or commuter vehicle, are high off the ground for smooth rides, and are great for anyone that requires hauling and towing abilities. One of our all-time favorites here at The Truck Junction is the Ford F-150.

Quite possibly the best quality a Ford F-150 possesses is how well it holds its value. While most vehicles lose an average of 60 percent of their original value after the first five years, the Ford F-150 only depreciates about 36 percent in the same amount of time. This means your trade-in value will be far closer to your original price than just about every other car, truck, or van on the market.

Oftentimes people assume trucks are for workers when in fact they also make a great family vehicle! Whether you enjoy DIY home projects or want to take kayaks and bikes out on the weekend for quick getaways, a truck is versatile and works for just about anyone. The roomier cargo space makes them a comfortable ride for drivers and passengers alike. Adding on a tonneau cover to your truck bed is a great way to safely stow your belongings while keeping them safe from the elements.

There are also so many ways to customize your F-150 that aren’t available with all other trucks. The Max Trailer Tow Package includes features such as a 36-gallon fuel tank, smart trailer tow connector, integrated trailer brake controller, and more. Basically, you can add on as much or as little to your F-150 as you’d like depending on the trim you select.

The Truck Junction is the perfect place to find your very own pre-owned Ford F-150. We’ll even take your old vehicle off your hands and find you the perfect truck. Give us a call today at (941) 927-8785 or stop by and see us at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota.

If you’ve ever driven on the highway, you’ve most likely noticed a semi-truck or two. They’re not hard to miss with their enormous size and multiple car lengths that they occupy. It’s important that you know how to properly share the road with them. Safe driving is not only the best driving, it’s the only type of driving you should undertake. While most truck drivers are experienced and possess the necessary reaction time, the space in between a mistake and the proper action to correct it are very slim. Obeying the proper rules of the road is of the highest importance.

Give Them Space

Keeping a safe distance is very important when you’re on the road. It’s always a good idea to allow twice or three times the space you would normally allow another car. A good indication of safety is the mirrors on the side of a semi-truck. If you can’t see the driver, then he can’t see you. Traveling in a truck’s blind spot is dangerous and should never be done.

Don’t Pass up on Passing Protocol

It might have been a while since you last took a driving education course. Sometimes the rules and procedures get lost to memory. No matter, utilizing the SMOG system will allow you to remember what to do.

• Signal
• Mirrors
• Over your shoulder (take a glance)
• Go when it’s safe, and only then.

While most new cars come with driver assistance technology, they don’t cover up for human error. A semi-truck cannot stop on a dime, as a matter of fact, it can take up to 300 feet of space for a truck to come to a complete stop. This means that allowing trucks their necessary space and only passing when you have the clearance is very important. Arriving at your destination late might be frustrating, but arriving there safely and in one piece is what matters.

Waiting on Their Turn

Because of their enormous size, trucks need a lot of space to properly execute a turn. Drivers cannot see directly behind them when this is happening, so don’t try to cheat fate and squeeze by one when they’re turning. Your life is not worth tempting the odds.

The Truck Junction—The Necessary Function

If you’re in the Sarasota area and need a new truck, allow the experts at The Truck Junction to serve you. For inventory, sales, and even the chance to sell your truck on consignment, visit us at www.truckjunction.com. You can find us located at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota!