March 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people maintain their car under the hood but neglect their car’s exterior. To freshen up your car and make it look brand new, follow these simple tips.
To care for your car’s exterior start by giving it a comprehensive washing. You’ll want to remove all of the mud and grime that has built up on your car.
Make sure to use a pH balanced wash on your car. You should avoid harsh detergents because they will strip off the car wax on your vehicle.
After a good car washing, make an evaluation of the surface of your vehicle. You can do this by rubbing your hand along the surface of your vehicle. If the surface feels rough on your hand, chances are you have bugs, tar, or water deposits. These things need to be removed before you wax your car.
After doing these things it is time to put a car polish and wax on your car to protect it’s finish from harmful elements.
Make sure to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your car. This includes maintenance, washing, waxing, and buying an auto warranty.
March 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
It can be tempting to text-message in your car, especially if you’re stuck in traffic. You assume that there is little risk involved, however, if the person in front of you stops a little faster than you intended, all of a sudden you may find yourself calling your road service program.
Recent studies show that avoiding texting in the car will drastically reduce your chances of getting into a car accident. In fact, four states are making an attempt to ban driving while texting (DWT). Washington put a ban earlier in the year on texting while on the road.
Statistics suggest that DWT is a danger that is growing. In drivers ages 16 and 17, 46% admitted that they have texted while driving. A study by Nationwide Insurance indicates that DWT is a generational activity. Out of people ages 18-27, 37% admit to texting while driving, meanwhile, only 14% of 28-44 year olds admit to this. Also, only 2% of 45-60 year olds said they texted on the road.
Cities around the nation are passing text-message ordinances because of the danger that it poses. It is best to just refrain from this activity, otherwise you might find yourself calling for emergency roadside assistance. Drivers should protect themselves by practicing safe driving habits and making sure they have good used car warranties.
March 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
When purchasing a new car, it is up to consumers to do their homework before shopping.  This will ensure the best deal possible. Three important tips will save you from unnecessary costs.
First, look around to find the best dealership. One way to do this is to check the Internet about dealerships. Web searches can be a wealth of information. Many times you will find complaints or positive revues that could help you. Also, it is a good idea to contact several car dealerships in your area to see which ones are going to respond quickly and be helpful.
Next, don’t buy alarm systems or dealer financing. These are two ways that consumers lose in the end. For example, when cars are manufactured they already have wiring installed. However, automakers sell alarms separately for up to $1200. This is added on to the price of the new vehicle. Also, finance offices don’t usually give you the best deals. A better option would be to put your money towards a much needed auto warranty.
Finally, sell your car before arriving at the dealership. If you sell it yourself, you will get a much better deal than you would on a trade-in.
The bottom line is that any mechanical breakdown leaving a motorist stranded could wipe out all of the gains from a perfectly negotiated deal. New car warranties should be an essential part of your purchase in order to protect you from unnecessary repairs.
March 21st, 2009 by Hal Moses
An extended auto warranty can bring motorists peace of mind. However, drivers need to get the most out of their auto warranty by keeping documents organized and asking the right questions. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your auto warranty.
Often times an extended auto warranty requires service records. This is why it is necessary to keep your records straight. Create a central location for your records if you don’t already have one. This will alleviate frustrations down the road when you are trying to locate documents.
Don’t just rely on your computer to keep records. Print hard copies of records if you buy an auto warranty online. You never know when your computer will be down, and it could be when you need your auto warranty.
Make sure to read everything in the auto warranty. If something isn’t written in the contract, then it isn’t covered. Never make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.
Finally, make sure that you have contact information accessible to you at all times. This will make things easier when you have a claim.
March 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
If you’re considering buying a new vehicle this year you need to consider the worth of the car in a few years, when you’re ready to trade it in for another car. Consider these four factors that determine the resale value of a vehicle.
Supply and demand is a big factor. Vehicles that have a high volume of production, such as Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks don’t hold a high resale value because they are so numerous.
Next, brand image is key. For instance, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have great images, which is the reason they end up on the high end of the table every year. Regardless of whether the vehicle deserves it or not, brand name is a huge factor in the resale price of a car.
If there is a high incentive for spending on a new car, the residual value will be lower on a recent model. Just remember, there is a reason for high incentives.
Also investigate the number of units of a certain model that were sold to rental and commercial fleets. If there was a great number sold, the resale value will be less.
Look at these factors when buying a new car. A vehicle is only a good deal if it is worth something when it comes time to trade it in. In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses.
March 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Ford, who apparently loves mini-sites, has started a webpage for the new 2011 Ford Fiesta. It may be premature, but since Ford is trying desperately to prove its relevance, displaying some of its cars of the future makes perfect sense at the moment.
Ford displays a few pictures of the vehicle, however, Ford says that they are pictures of the 2009 European model, and also reveals some information about available content of the car.
Since the features appear to be luxury-like, it seems Ford is going to market this car as a premium subcompact that will compete with the Honda Fit. However, car shoppers seem to care more about standard features, which Ford hasn’t released yet. But make a note that the 2011 Fiesta will have standard stability control when it is available for sale in 2010. That’s two years before it is going to be mandated by federal law.
Car shoppers will have to wait for additional information about the 2011 Ford Fiesta, such as prices, standard features, and information about new car warranties.
March 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued for 39,711 Outlanders and Lancers from 2008 and 2009 model years because of a brake-booster check valve that is faulty.
This brake-booster check valve was constructed with material composition that is poor, which leaves it vulnerable to stick when the engine isn’t running, says the NHTSA. In turn, this may cause the brakes to lose responsiveness and make the stopping distance increase during slow car maneuvers.
Car owners with these vehicles can contact their dealer to have car valves replaced free of charge. Also, you can contact Mitsubishi directly at 1-800-222-0037 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Unfortunately, you never know when your car will be recalled or experience failure, which is why it is essential to have a good auto warranty. New car warranties will save you from paying unnecessary repair expenses down the road.
March 19th, 2009 by Hal Moses
It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT. In mid-year 2009, these vehicles are going to come equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically. Ford’s MKT is a brand new crossover that is going to make its debut next month at the Detroit auto show.
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.
March 19th, 2009 by Hal Moses
More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech advances. 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 onto 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 Sideview 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 new car warranties to protect themselves from technology failure.
March 19th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Way back when the Jetsons captured the imaginations of millions on TV, people have had dreams of using flying cars for their daily transportation. However, there hasn’t ever been anything in real life that could even come close to flying cars-until now. In Massachusetts, Terrafugia built the Transition, which took off during the official launch of the company’s $194,000 “roadable aircraft.â€
Basically, that means that this vehicle is a small aircraft that has the capability to travel on public roadways at “highway speedsâ€, and it gets approximately 30 mpg on regular unleaded gas. The range on this vehicle in the air is 460 miles. However, it has a useful load of only 430 pounds, which means that passengers can’t be too overweight, and they can’t pack too heavy.
If you’re interested in this vehicle, you will need a pilot’s license and $194,000. And at that price you might want a good auto warranty. While this is an exciting idea, dropping off Judy, Elroy and Jane before going to work in your flying car is still a ways off.