Auto Warranties Links

Weblogs


Blog Features



Auto Warranty News

Make A Proper Assessment Of Your Vehicle Before Selling

images-24.jpgIf you’re planning to put your car up for sale you need to be able to assess it properly.  It can be difficult for people to see their car the way that other people do, because you have made a special connection with it.  However, following these tips will help you evaluate your car objectively.

Some vehicle owners deceive themselves into thinking that their vehicle has a greater worth than it really does.  People see their cars as being in excellent condition, even when there is obvious wear and tear.  Even when people purchase an auto warranty in order to maintain their vehicles, they need to realize that their car isn’t fresh like when they bought it new.  Just remember that your vehicle’s condition is the most important thing to buyers, so assess it accurately.

When talking to potential buyers it is best to disclose all information about your vehicles true condition.  Usually, you don’t need to take your car to a body shop to get it looking perfect.  People realize that they are getting a used vehicle and often don’t want to spend the extra money on a perfect car body.  The most affective thing that you can do is to have your car washed and waxed, which is equivalent to the curb appeal of a house.  This will allow your old gem to look its best, without costing you an arm and a leg.

When trying to sell your vehicle, make sure to assess it honestly.  You don’t want to hold out for a lot of money if you are never going to get it.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Do You Change Your Oil Enough?

images-23.jpgThe recommended intervals for oil changes have increased a significant amount over the last ten years.  It used to be that oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles, but now recommendations are for every 8,000 miles.  This is great news for drivers because it means less time at the mechanic and less money spent.  However, there are a few cautionary notes to consider.

First of all, consult your owner’s manual for the “maximum recommended interval”.  Make sure you don’t extend beyond that number because saving $40 on an oil change is not worth having an $800 repair due to sludge buildup.

Second, if your driving type falls under “heavy duty” you will need to change your oil more regularly.  Often, drivers don’t realize that daily stop-and-go commuting falls under this category.  Also, if you use your vehicle for short trips with little highway driving you many need shorter oil changeouts.

Finally, you should use the specific oil type/grade recommended by the carmaker.  Failing to use the right oil type can result in poor car performance, engine damage, and even void the terms of your auto warranty.

Although less frequent oil changes are convenient for consumers, people need to follow these cautionary notes.  After all, you don’t want to ruin an engine because you didn’t add a couple of quarts of Pennzoil.  This is why an auto warranty is always a good idea, too.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Simple Tips To Keep You Safe On The Road

images-20.jpgEvery year thousands of people are killed in car accidents.  Many of these crashes could have been avoided with some simple safety knowledge.  Here are some tips to keep your driving experience pleasant and help you avoid dangerous accidents.

First of all, if your are taking any medicines, double check your product label to see if it could affect your driving.  If your medication causes drowsiness, stay off of the roads.

Next, secure children properly in a restraint system that is size and age appropriate.  All children less than 12 years of age should be in the back seat.  Just by putting children in the back, and not the front reduces injuries and deaths 30%.

One of the biggest causes of car accidents is driver inattention.  This means that drivers should stay off of cell phones and pay attention to the road.

Finally, prepare a safety kit in your car.  It should include a first aid kit, flashlight, nonperishable foods, water, blankets, motor oil, jumper cables, and a spare tire. And all drivers should have used car warranties in order to keep up with important maintenance and car repairs without unnecessary costs.

How To Know If You Have A Trustworthy Mechanic

images-19.jpgUnless you are actually a mechanic yourself, it may require a leap of faith to deal with a repair shop.  However, paying attention to your mechanic’s actions can give you clues to their honesty.  Here are some things to look out for.

If your mechanic says you need to flush your engine right away, or it will go bad, he might be padding your bill.  Some shops will recommend procedures that aren’t necessary.  Also, they may want you to schedule tasks that are premature.  Pay attention to your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.

Also, you don’t want to go to a shop that makes every repair recommendation sound like an emergency.  This is a scare tactic for consumers who aren’t mechanically inclined.

If your mechanic tells you the new fuel injectors didn’t fix it, so you will need a new fuel pump, you are dealing with a parts replacer.  This is a mechanic who is rebuilding your vehicle because he is unable to diagnose the problem.  This is one reason an auto warranty is essential.

It can be hard for motorists to know which mechanics are trying to “take them for a ride”, however, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself.  First of all, make sure you have an auto warranty so you aren’t paying unnecessary repair costs.  Secondly, follow these tips to see if your mechanic is acting honestly.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Tax Credits For BMW Diesels

images-18.jpgBMW is following in the footsteps of other carmakers with diesel cars, like Volkswagen and Mercedes, by qualifying its two diesel models for income tax credits by the federal government.

You will receive a $900 credit on your next tax return for the 2009 BMW 335d sedan, and $1,800 on the 2009 X5 xDrive35d SUV.  Both of these cars use BMW’s 3.0-liter, twin turbo inline six cylinder diesel engines and both are eligible for these credits under the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credit program.  The X5 is rated 19/25 mpg and the diesel sedan gets 23/33 mpg.

This sounds wonderful, however you have to remember that the 335d costs $43,900 including new car warranties and the X5 xDrive35d has a base price of $51,200 with an auto warranty.  It’s doubtful that a savings of $900 will really do much to help stimulate the economy.

Posted in New Car Warranties

Honda’s New Technology

images-16.jpgRecently, the President of Honda Motor Co. posed with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car.  This is a brand new sedan designed from scratch to use a hydrogen fuel cell engine as its only source of power.  This is the first vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells that has ever been commercially available; next month it will be leased to motorists in Japan and America.

The fact that the new Honda is seen in showrooms in the largest auto market in the world demonstrates that Honda anticipates more and more interest in fuel cell technology.  This technology combines oxygen and hydrogen to make electricity and its only emission is water.

New York City drivers might be in for quite a wait to receive this car.  The biggest part of the new fleet is going to be leased in California because that is the only part of the country that has enough refueling stations for hydrogen.

Honda is set to offer lease arrangements of three-years on 200 Clarity models starting in July.  The lease will cost $600 per month and include maintenance and collision insurance.  However, with the interest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, it won’t be long until you can purchase one of these cars for yourself, complete with new car warranties.

Posted in New Car Warranties

High Performance Tires Provide Safety On The Roads

images-15.jpgTo ensure that your car is operating properly you need to perform routine maintenance.  People assume that they need to make seasonal preparations and change their oil, but they often neglect their tires.  Don’t forget that your driving experience is only going to be as good as the tires that are on your car.

One big issue when it comes to tires is safety.  You need to have tires that will ensure you are safe on the road.  After all, really the only thing coming between the road and you is your tires.

If you put high performance tires on your car you will get the safety behind the wheel that you deserve.  These tires will allow you to drive at fast speeds and allow for safety in driving conditions that are dangerous.  For example, your car will perform better on roads that are icy or wet.  High performance tires also allow you to perform sudden stops and tight cornering.  And, even though you will pay a little more for them, you are getting your safety in return.

To keep your car performing at its best, consider purchasing high performance tires.  Not only will your vehicle hand better, you will feel safer.  Also, to maintain your safety purchase an auto warranty that allows you to have routine maintenance and repairs performed when necessary.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Even High End Cars Are Going Green

images-14.jpgYou know that the trend for green cars has come of age when Hummer and Lamborghini get in on the picture.

The manufacturers of supercars for $400,000 and high-end SUV’s have realized that they need to keep us with small, efficient car models.  People desire lightweight, economical vehicles as opposed to heavy gas-guzzlers.

Lamborghini has an updated version of its Gallardo at $222,000.  Its new design is more “green” because it emits less CO2.  This is the greenhouse gas that is responsible for the change in the climate.

However, cutting 20 kg off of a 202 mph vehicle is not exactly radical.  This is why leading manufacturers, such as Toyota are making a big impact in the car industry.  It is hard to truly make a supercar or SUV green, although it is impressive that Hummer and Lamborghini are making a large attempt.

Green or not, whatever car you buy; make sure that you have an auto warranty to protect your investment.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary expenses for auto repairs.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Driving In Heavy Rain

images-13.jpgThere’s nothing worse than planning a trip and waking up to find violent, heavy rains pouring down out of the sky.  There are two things you need in this situation, an auto warranty and a reliable car.  Do you have a vehicle that is ready for driving in this situation?  In this situation it is necessary to have a car that ensures a smooth, safe ride, even in ice and rain.

According to the FHWA approximately 6,400,000 cars are involved in accidents every year.  About twenty five percent of these accidents are related to weather.  Here are some of the best cars to handle in rain.

Although you may not believe it, the 2008 Porsche Cayman, as well as the Cayman S are two of the best cars in rain.  They are packed with essential all weather features.

For instance, these vehicles have a wiper system with rain sensors that make the wipers activate as soon as water hits the glass.  Also, wipers shut off after the car reaches 131 mph.

In addition, these cars have great tire traction, as well as mud guards.  They also have the Porsche Stability Management System, which detects when the car is slipping.

Finally, these cars have four-wheel disc brakes that are anti-lock.  They are cross-drilled for optimal performance.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Make Sure To Have Your Thermostat Checked Regularly

images-12.jpgThe thermostat in your car serves the purpose of regulating the temperature so it stays at a desired level.  To achieve this, it controls the cooling and heating mechanisms that control the heat flow throughout the system.  The thermostat manages the amount of coolant in the internal combustion engine.  A thermostat is necessary in all liquid cooled engines.

If your thermostat isn’t working correctly it may be due to several reasons.  First, the thermostat may be affected if the water pump is failing.  The thermostat may also be affected with an overheated engine or if coolant is leaking.

Make sure you have a mechanic look at your thermostat on a regular basis.  It plays a key position in keeping your engine cool, so it needs to be replaced every few years.

Also, if you don’t replace your thermostat when it’s time, you may find yourself with additional problems, such as emission problems, knocking with acceleration, and poor fuel-economy.  This is why it is important to have a good auto warranty.  You don’t want to find yourself paying unnecessary repair costs.

Posted in Auto Warranty


1-800-419-3499
Fax 1-800-615-0366
E-mail: info@autowarranties.com