Auto Warranty News

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp will give performance sedans that are already established a run for their money.  The GXP is listed at $37,610, which is at least $1,000 cheaper than the Dodge Charger SRT8 and you still get an impressive auto warranty.

The GXP has a 402 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 402 pounds of torque, which is the most powerful Pontiac of all time.  This vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard, however you can also get a six-speed manual for an extra $695.

For those of you who might think the 361-hp G8 GT already had enough power under the hood, don’t forget added horsepower isn’t the only impressive change to the GXP.  This car has a track-tuned suspension and steering, a unique interior, Brembro brakes and new car warranties.

Some people have suggested that the GXP is a BMW M5 killer, however, this car is such a great bargain that you could purchase one for you and your friend and still end up shelling out less than you would for a M5.

Most people believe that SUVs are the safest vehicles on the road; however, recent test results show that midsize SUVs may not offer the best safety.  In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that a lot of cars produced better results in crash tests than six midsize SUVs.

The SUVs tested were the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.  These vehicles were tested in a front collision at 40mph and a side impact.

All of these vehicles showed improvement since the last IIHS test.  In the instance of the front collision, five out of the six vehicles were rated Good.  The Trailblazer was rated Acceptable.

However, the results of the side-impact tests weren’t as good.  The Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee didn’t protect the torso because they are only equipped with standard side airbags to protect the head.  The Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Xterra had better performance with side impact because they include side airbags that protect the torso as well as the head.  However, cars had better ratings on side impact.

If you’re looking to purchase a midsize SUV, purchase one with high crash ratings.  For instance, the Ford TaurusX and Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Tribeca are the highest rated midsize SUVs.  Although these SUVs are durable, it’s necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from repair costs down the road.  After all, no vehicle is full proof.

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

Automakers have been redesigning vehicles so that they are stronger than ever.  They have achieved this by using lightweight materials, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient. This technology makes vehicles more durable, cutting down on road service calls.  Also, it is saving numerous lives.

The only disadvantage to these new, stronger materials is that rescue workers are having a difficult time cutting into vehicles that are mangled from wrecks.

According to experts and rescue officials around the nation, vehicles designed with safety measures, such as reinforced steel, are creating a challenge for rescue workers to get motorists out of cars.

One answer to this problem is investing in rescue equipment that is better.  Heavy-duty cutters are necessary to release motorists.  A cutter such as this from Hurst costs approximately $25,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is well worth the tradeoff of tougher cars because many lives are saved.  In fact, the rate of fatalities for passenger cars is lower than it has ever been in history.  However, it is always necessary for motorists to purchase used car warranties to protect their wallets.

A defensive driver is someone who is always on guard and prepared for what could happen.  They are cautious, yet are able to take action and not put their fate in other drivers’ hands.  The National Safety Council has revealed that driver error accounts for 77% of accidents.  This number can be cut significantly by driving defensively.  Here are some tips.

First, allow enough space in between you and the car in front of you.  Out of ten accidents, four involve rear-ending collisions.  These could have been avoided by not tailgating.

Have an avoidance route.  Look in your mirrors often to see what cars are behind and around you.  You should be able to maneuver and avoid an accident in most situations.  If you don’t have an out, allow more distance between you and the car ahead of you.

Realize that you can’t depend on other motorists.  It is important to be considerate, but you have to consider your own safety.  Don’t make assumptions that other drivers will drive the way they should.  Anticipate a worse case scenario.

Finally, don’t drive too fast.  The speed limit that is posted is for ideal conditions.  Decrease speed if you have other variables, such as bad weather.

Defensive driving can save you from a bad accident and from calls for emergency auto assistance. In addition, an auto warranty will help you avoid costly repair expenses. Exercising caution is the best tactic for staying safe in a vehicle.

Car accidents are scary and usually happen unexpectedly.  An accident leaves motorists feeling shocked and stunned, and often, they don’t know what to do next.  Here are some important steps to take in this situation.

Of course the first thing to do is call 911 in the event of an injury.  Also, always contact the police and then place a call to your road service program.

Next, call your insurance agent.  They can inform you about what information to exchange with the other motorist, and help you survey the scene.  Be aware that you shouldn’t admit fault at the scene of the accident, the insurance companies will determine this.

Also, you will need to read the information in your insurance policy, so you file your claim within the specified time limit.  Often, if the vehicle damage is more than $750 you need to file a SR1 form, which can be found on the DMV website of the state that you live in.

It is always scary to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately it happens to all of us at one point or another.  It is essential to know what to do in this case.  To alleviate stress, have all of your important documents ready, such as your insurance policy and auto warranty.

With summer approaching, it is important to maintain your car.  The heat is unavoidable and it can do great damage to your vehicle.  Here are a few tips to prepare your car for summer that will help you avoid calling for road service.  In addition, used car warranties will give you peace of mind in summer heat.

First, have your hoses and belts inspected.  Many vehicles today have a serpentine belt running the accessories.  You can lose power steering immediately if it breaks.  Many other problems can also result from faulty hoses and belts.

Also, have a professional look at your air-conditioning system.  You don’t want your system breaking down in the midst of summer heat, so have it looked at now.

Tire damage can actually worsen in intense heat, so check to make sure that your tire pressure is where it should be.  Also, check for visible wear and tear since this could be an indication of poor alignment.

These simple tips can keep your car driving smoothly through the summer months and help you avoid calling for emergency roadside assistance.  Don’t neglect your vehicle and find yourself stranded in the heat.

Smart, which is a Daimler-Benz subsidiary, has been able to sell more than 17,000 ForTwos since they launched the small two-seater in America.  However, there are approximately 30,000 potential buyers who have been put on waiting lists.

Even so, the carmaker doesn’t intend on increasing their output in order to put supply in line with the demand, according to Dave Schembri, who is the Smart USA president.  Schembri claims that car graveyards are littered with car companies that reacted with too much too soon.

Just a year ago Smart didn’t even have a car or dealership in the U.S.  Smart is willing to grow in volume, but only after it makes sure everything is in place.  The profit margins are pretty thin on small cars, so they want to always be one car short.

Smart’s success has been a surprise for everyone.  But in a time when the economy is poor, people are happy to buy a two-seater with a good auto warranty.

There is nothing worse that purchasing a car and finding out that it has an ocean of problems, literally.

Why? The number of cars on the market in the last five years that have been damaged by flooding, hurricanes or rains has doubled. Certain states have actually reported an increase of six times more than the number recorded five years ago.

A lot of times, vehicles with this problem are moved from regions that experience a lot of flooding to less suspicious areas. These cars will find themselves back on the pre-owned market, disguised and rebuilt to look clean. This is why used car warranties are so important.
It can be hard to realize if a flood has damaged a car, yet if a car has been underwater it will rot inside and out. Also, water damage can threaten the mechanical systems and ruin electronics in a vehicle, without even leaving a sign on the outside of the vehicle.

Since sales of used cars are expected to reach 45 million this year, consumers need to be on high alert for any signs of flood damage. Also, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself in case you have unforeseen repair costs.

Car shoppers are always questioning whether they should lease or buy.  But, here’s another question for shoppers: Will you even be able to lease your next vehicle?

U.S. carmakers’ financial subsidiaries have had to cut back on their leasing program, because of lower used-car values, especially with large vehicles.

Based on reports of poor earnings, Chrysler is completely abandoning leasing, and GM and Ford are making it hard for people to arrange leases through financial subsidiaries.

In fact, all carmakers are trying not to rely on leasing because it harms a profit picture that is already bleak.

The reason that this trend is continuing is because of the high risks and costs of leasing compared with regular cash and APR business.

Even foreign carmakers are considering following the lead of domestics, although for now they still offer leases.

But, the original question of should you lease still remains.  The domestic carmakers are going to make it so expensive to lease that you should probably avoid it.  Instead, purchase new or used with an auto warranty to protect you in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.