Auto Warranty News

More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech gadgets.  In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists.  Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming on the market.

Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits.  This will come on the market in 2009-2010.

Cameras could replace Side view mirrors in the future.  Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.

We may see chatty cars in the future.  Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars.  For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.

Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car.  This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.

High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road.  In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.

Carmakers around the world are realizing that consumers are looking for ecologically friendly vehicles.  There are many new car models that provide fuel-efficiency, yet look great.  Here are some to look for.

The VW Golf TDI Hybrid provides low emissions with longer legs.  This is a compact hatchback that is popular in Europe.  It utilizes a high-tech engine that is diesel and an auto start-stop.  In addition, it has a DSG gearbox that has 7 speeds, as well as an electric motor.  This car gets 69 mpg.

The Audi TT TDI is proof that a great looking sports car doesn’t have to be a gas-guzzler.  This car can sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds flat with its 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.  This car has the power of a sports car with the fuel-efficiency of a compact car.

People are realizing that fuel-efficient cars are a necessity with gas prices nearing $4 per gallon.  Consumers are protecting their wallets with eco friendly vehicles and new car warranties.

For all of you people out there who are fans of the Patriots- the vehicle, not team-here are some additional reasons that you should love your crossover.  In an omission that is rare, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety decided to revise the frontal crash-test rating of the 2008 Jeep Patriot to Good, which is the highest rating that is acceptable.  Russ Rader, who is a IIHS spokesman, claimed that there was a missing wire in a crash-test dummy’s leg that caused the Patriot to get an Acceptable rating, but when the wire was in the correct place, the Patriot received an improved rating of Good.

The side crash-test rating for the 2008 Patriot was also Good with the optional side curtain airbags.  These airbags are now standard for the 2009 model.  Ratings for rear crash-tests were only Acceptable, which is why the Patriot didn’t become the Top Safety Pick.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with automobile safety.  They are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties, and researching car safety features and crash test results.

Families think of the safety of their children as a top priority.  Unfortunately, among children age’s 3-14, car accidents are the number one cause of death.  Parents need to take extra precautions in order to help their children stay safe.  They can do this by having an auto warranty to ensure that repairs are performed, and properly restraining children by using car seats correctly.

More than 1,500 children under the age of 14 were killed in car accidents in 2003.  In addition, 220,000 injuries occurred.  However, using a car seat effectively can reduce these incidents drastically.  In facts, studies show that deaths are reduced by approximately 70%.  Alarmingly, about 75% of car seats aren’t installed properly.  Also scary is that half of the deaths are children who aren’t restrained at all.

General Motors recognized this problem by creating a program called Safe Kids Buckle Up.  This program helps parents understand how important it is to restrain children correctly.  The program has inspected over 900,000 car seats around the nation.

Hyundai has introduced many new car models lately, but the Genesis Coupe might be the most exciting.  This car created quite a stir last year at the L.A. Auto Show, and lost little with production.

The Coupe is styled aggressively, and was actually emulated after an animal that was predatory.  This is obvious when looking at the headlights, which are angled, and the twisting lines that fall below the waistline.

This vehicle doesn’t just look impressive; it will be available with a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that puts out 306 hp.  You will also be able to get this in a 4-cylinder 212 hp 2.0-liter engine.

Staying true to the high performance appearance, the interior doesn’t disappoint.  The seats have side bolsters and are very supportive and comfortable.  Also impressive is the large speedometer and push button starter.

Motorists are excited to buy the 2010 Genesis Coupe, with the addition of new car warranties in January of 2009.  The price of the car is true to the value price that Hyundai is known for.

SUVs are available in a wide array of prices and sizes.  They are more versatile than any other vehicle.  They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow drivers to be higher than cars.  In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain.  There are car based and truck based SUVs.  Which is the best for you?

Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs.  These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms.  In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive.  They usually perform better in fuel-efficiency, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs.  Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall.  They can be driven off-road in mild situations.

Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform.  They allow for a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs.  Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious.  The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome.  Also, their ride can be a little jolting.

SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options.  Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on an SUV.  Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.

Anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, were made available for cars in America in 1978.  Mercedes-Benz was the first carmaker to install them on their vehicles.  Then, Cadillac began installing ABS on their luxury vehicles in 1986.

ABS utilizes onboard computers, which have links to the wheel sensors, that make the brakes automatically pump at a rapid rate.  Anti-locking brakes apply pressure selectively by being able to determine which of the wheels might lock, and then lowering the pressure of the brakes on those wheels so they can rotate properly. ABS will only work in a panic situation, not in normal braking circumstances.

It is important to keep in mind that ABS won’t create a shorter stopping distance.  Yet, its advantage is that drivers can maintain control and avoid skidding.

Drivers need to know how to use ABS correctly.  The proper way to brake with this system is to stomp and steer.  While many drivers are accustomed to pumping, this isn’t correct for this system.  Instead, drivers should apply a strong pressure down on the brake without letting up.

Auto safety is becoming a big priority for motorists.  New car technologies are allowing for advanced safety features that protect passengers and drivers.  Drivers should also protect themselves by buying an auto warranty for their car.  This allows motorists to have peace of mind.

The Acura ZDX was one of the car models that were the most intriguing at the 2009 New York auto show.  This car is part crossover, hatchback and sport vehicle.  According to Acura, this car is designed for the Baby Boomers, which has a growing population.  In fact, it is projected to be about 80 million people in the year 2010.

There are important crossover attributes in the ZDX, such as a seating position that is high in a distinct stylized package. Whereas the carmaker’s MDX crossover with seven seats is aimed at families, the ZDX is targeted for empty nesters.

Information for the price of the ZDX and auto warranty details hasn’t been announced yet, however, insiders say it will be in a position above the MDX in the lineup.  This means that the ZDX’s starting price will probably be above the $40,990 base price of the MDX.

It isn’t surprising that Ford’s aiming the new 2010 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids straight at the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but what is attention getting is Ford claiming that its sedan hybrids will outdo the city mileage of the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg.  That would make the Milan and Fusion hybrids’ rating at 38 mpg.  Although there wasn’t a number provided for highway mileage, Ford claims that it beats the Camry Hybrid in this area as well.  The Camry Hybrid currently gets 34 mpg/highway.

The complete reveal of the Milan and Fusion hybrids is going to wait until the Los Angeles auto show, however Ford just disclosed a few tidbits today about the new sedans.

The Milan and Fusion hybrids will be the first hybrid technology use, besides the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner hybrids.  Battery technology has undergone a big improvement since the launch of Ford’s compact SUV hybrids.

Consumers are anxious for new hybrid technology and want to save money on such things as gas, new car warranties, and auto loans.  In this poor economy, people are looking for all of the financial relief they can get, including hybrid technology.

A test drive is a necessary step when buying a new car.  But once you sit in the driver’s seat you have a limited time to make some crucial decisions.  What do you need to look out for?

First of all it is important to take your time.  Make sure you walk around the vehicle and look at the trunk.  Make sure it is big enough for your needs.  Look for issues that might affect visibility.  Also, notice if fenders flare out.

Now, you’re ready to sit in the driver’s seat.  While the car is parked adjust the steering wheel and seat.  This is also a good time to test the radio and play with knobs and buttons on the dashboard.

When you pull out of the dealership pick a test-drive route that offers variety.  You should drive in traffic that requires right and left turns, on the highway, and in a parking lot.  This will allow you to see how the car handles at low and high speeds, and determine visibility.  Be in tune with all of your senses to see if the car is right for you.

Finally, if the car passes all of your tests, go test -drive a couple more.  You don’t want to purchase the first car you see.  Of course, when you find the car of your dreams, make sure you purchase an auto warranty to protect your investment.