Auto Warranty News

Used car buyers need to be aware of a common scam; odometer fraud.  This is the act of rolling back the odometer on a car.  This deceives buyers into thinking a vehicle has fewer miles than it really does.  It is estimated that this crime leads to sales of around 450,000 vehicles every year.

Also alarming is that digital odometers are easier to meddle with than traditional odometers.  There are ways that consumers can protect themselves against odometer fraud.

First of all, request to see the car’s title and make a comparison between its mileage and the car’s odometer.  Also, compare the mileage on the car’s maintenance records with the odometer on the vehicle.  In addition, sometimes there are stickers with maintenance records on doorframes and windows.

Next, you should ask for a Carfax History Report on the vehicle to see odometer discrepancies.  If the person selling the car doesn’t have one, you can order one online with the vehicles VIN number.

Finally, check to see that the odometer gauge numbers are all aligned.  If they aren’t aligned, or if they move when you tap on the dash, you may want to think twice about buying.

These tips can save you from buying a car that has been tampered with.  However, you never know the true history of a used car.  This is why used car warranties are a good idea to protect you against unforeseen repairs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that small cars aren’t as safe as big vehicles, back in 1997.  Yet, today there are more small cars than ever.  Small vehicles aren’t the only way to accomplish fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions.  There are now light construction materials that can accomplish this feat on larger vehicles.  In fact, making a vehicle lightweight will improve safety.  A car that is lightweight is more nimble than a heavy car, allowing motorists to avoid accidents and road service calls.

Many people make the assumption that weight and size of a vehicle go hand in hand.  This isn’t necessarily true.  Lightweight, strong materials, like carbon fiber tend to be expensive, however, certain high-end automakers are implementing it on roofs and hoods.

The Smart ForTwo is using plastic door panels.  The doors won’t ding or scratch, and are reinforced internally with steel bars.  This gives the best protection in the instance of a side impact, yet it is more lightweight than a conventional door.

Small vehicle sales are at an all time high in the U.S.  Currently, the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit are the top sellers.  Although consumers will have to pay more for big vehicles that are lightweight, it is worth it because of safety.  In addition, motorists should buy good new car warranties to protect themselves.

Soon, Nissan Motor Co. will put out vehicles that push back if drivers attempt to put their pedal to the metal.  Also, Nissan has been busy developing a test model that is loaded with added sensor technology in order to make cars crash-free.

The safety features that Nissan unveiled this week are among the latest of carmakers’ efforts to beef up their images.

The collision-free prototype by Nissan includes side and back sensors that enable brakes and alarms to turn on and aid in avoiding collisions.  This system also allows the car to maintain a driving distance that is safe from the vehicle in front, as well as aiding in preventing the car from veering out of its lane.

Nissan hopes that these efforts will cut the number of car accidents in half involving Nissan cars.

Nissan’s system, called “ECO Pedal”, which has been promoted as being safe and green, causes the gas pedal to press up when it is sensed that drivers are speeding up to fast.

In a Monday news release, Nissan claimed that this system would allow motorists to improve their fuel-efficiency from 5-10%.

Global warming concerns and high gas prices are pressuring carmakers to put out ecological products.  In addition, consumers are protecting their wallets by taking extra precautions, such as purchasing an auto warranty, driving fewer miles, and buying fuel-efficient vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued by Nissan for 242,720 Pathfinders, Xterras and Frontiers for model years 2005-2009.  The recall is due to a crash sensor that causes the airbag to deploy in an accident.  This recall is mainly aimed at cars that are sold in climates with cold weather, in which road salt causes the crash sensor to corrode.  The warning light for the airbag may become illuminated.

Nissan says they will replace sensors that are faulty and put new ones in, and all vehicle owners will receive a 10-year extended warranty for the crash sensors.  Nissan urges people to look for the warning light regardless.  This recall is the second one Nissan has had in the last three months that involves an airbag sensor.  Nissan owners can call Nissan at 800-647-7261.

It is important for car owners to protect themselves by purchasing new car warranties since you never know when your car will fail.

The riskiest time for car crashes are between midnight and six o’clock in the morning.  This is because there are the fewest drivers at this time of day, yet more accidents.  If you need to drive during these hours it is important to consider some important factors.  Safe driving at night calls for preparation, alertness, as well as common sense.  Here are some tips.

First of all, ensure that your headlights are aimed properly.  You should consult your service manual to determine the proper procedure.

Next, don’t focus on the headlights of oncoming cars.  This can blind you for five seconds until your eyes are able to adjust.

Don’t drive if you are feeling sleepy, instead pull off of the road and get some sleep.  Don’t substitute caffeine, loud music, or putting down the windows for sleep.  These tactics are unreliable and may have you calling for emergency roadside assistance.

Finally, don’t allow yourself to stare at the centerline because it can cause “highway hypnosis,” in which your reaction time is impaired, instead, keep looking around and moving your eyes.

Follow these simple tips to keep yourself safe when driving at night.  In addition, make sure that you have a road service program in case of an emergency.  You don’t want to find yourself stranded in your car at night.  In addition, make sure to protect yourself with used car warranties.

Many people claim to love the smell of a new car.  However, the chemicals that gives cars that new smell may be harmful and have been known to cause long-term health issues.  However, consumers now have a guide that will aid them in figuring out the cars that are the safest.

An advocacy group in Michigan, called The Ecology Center, recently published a guide about toxic chemicals in vehicles and child seats on Tuesday.

The report deals with harmful substances, such as chlorine, bromine, heavy metals and lead.  The Ecology Center got samples of parts that people touch the most, such as center consoles, steering wheels, and seat fronts.

The investigation determined that there are top healthier cars from Smart, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda.  Some cars that created high concern were by Suzuki, Mitsubishi, VW, BMW, Mazda, Lincoln, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Kia.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with car safety issues.  They are taking precautions, such as doing research on new cars, and purchasing cars with added safety features, and new car warranties.

When your car needs basic services, such as an oil change, where do you take it?  Chances are you will go to a quick lube business, not your dealer.

However, Acura is striving to get back the quick-lube consumers by creating its Accelerate service program for Acura owners.  The concept is for Acura dealership service departments to start offering affordable, quick services that bring car owners back to the dealership.

Services will include tire rotation, an oil change, brake-pad checks, tread checks, air monitoring, a car wash and a vacuum for $38.95, and the whole thing will be completed in less than 47 minutes.

Acura says that more than half of the profits of a dealership come from service and parts, so it is smart to give car owners a reason to come to the dealer instead of the quick lube service joint.  This program will begin with select dealerships in Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, but will be in all Acura dealerships by 2011.  Maybe this will encourage Acura owners to have their cars serviced more often and with an auto warranty, drivers need not fear unnecessary repair costs.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, and they host a motor show that features exotic supercars made by small-scale automakers.  The products may be insanely expensive, yet significant sales are secured during the show.  Here’s a rundown of some of these fantastic supercars that you would never think of driving out of the lot without an auto warranty.

First, there is the Zagato-Bentley GTZ.  This is a beautiful car that is a reworking of the Bentley Continental GT Speed.  It has a double bubble roof and paint that is two-toned, with a style equal to the luxury vehicles of the ‘50s and 60’s.  Only a handful of these cars will ever be produced, and they will likely sell out quickly.  Also, these will become collectors’ items.

Next is the Bugatti Veyron Hermes Edition.  The Hermes craftsmen, the Paris fashion house, have customized this car extensively.  It even has grilles that incorporate an “H” for Hermes, door handles that are reminiscent of Hermes luggage, and a central console covered in leather.  This vehicle can be yours for around $2.4 million.  However, you must have patience because the Hermes’ craftsmen only produce one vehicle a month.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these luxury vehicles, don’t dare drive it without an auto warranty.  Repair expenses on these vehicles can be astronomical.

One of the most expensive hobbies is collecting cars.  But, here is a twist.  Purchase a new vehicle now that will become a valuable collectible in years to come.  The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to purchase a value-appreciating car.  The following cars are on the road now, but will be regarded as nostalgic in 15-20 years.

First on the list is the Cadillac XLR-V Roadster.  This has a hand-built 4.4-liter V8 engine that puts out 443 hp.  This vehicle is a serious roadster and it competes with the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Mercedes SL-Class.

The Lotus Exige S is also on the list.  For practical purposes, this car is miserable; after all you wouldn’t find it ideal for grocery shopping.  However, research shows that people admit their hearts beat faster when thinking about this ride.

Finally, the Mustang Shelby GT 500 KR is sure to be a collectible.  This car takes the GT500 in a bare bones form and makes it into a muscle car with540hp.  This car is a tribute to Carroll Shelby.

If you’re a car enthusiast, purchasing a current vehicle that is sure to be a collectible in the future is a smart financial move.  However, make sure that you purchase an auto warranty for these gems.  After all, the point is to keep these cars for many years.

It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT.  These vehicles are equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically.  Ford’s MKT is a brand new car.

Ford’s system is very similar to the one that is found on the Lexus LS 460.  However, instead of using cameras, this system uses a sensing system that is ultrasonic-based.

Ford says there are a few advantages over the technology that Lexus is using.  First of all, drivers can use Ford’s system if they are parking in a downhill situation, and Ford says its system has improved reliability and speed while parking.

This technology could prove to be very beneficial to drivers; however, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty.  After all, you never know when you will find yourself needing repairs on new technology.