Auto Warranty News

GM is offering red tag sales on some 2008 and 2009 Cadillac, Saab, and Hummer models.  Since these vehicles are pricey in nature, the percentages off might not seem as impressive as what you might see for a Chevrolet, however with the Red Tag prices, cash back, and impressive new car warranties, you will find some deals that are interesting.

For instance, the 2008 Escalade SUV in 2WD has an MSRP of $56,890, but you can get $10,183 off of that price.  Also, the 2009 STS V-6 1SC was originally $55,325, but you can now get $5,719 off of that.

Hummer and Saab also have numerous deals.  You can get a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Sport sedan for $30,145 instead of $35,960 after the cash back and Red Tag Sale.  Hummer deals are what would be expected- cash back and large rebates on models that are slow selling.  However, one interesting outlier is the new 2009 H3T model, which you can get for $28,188 instead of $31,495.

You can visit GM’s website and type in your zip code to make sure these deals apply in the area where you live.

After recalling 944,000 vehicles, GM has had to discontinue its HotShot windshield washer system, which was responsible for an electrical short.  So far, the malfunction has caused 34 auto warranty claims and three fires as a result of a short in the circuit board, which caused the control-circuit ground wire to overheat.

GM claims that the system’s supplier, Microheat, is responsible for the dangerous glitch.  GM feels that Microheat should pay the $20 million to $25 million that has been estimated for the cost of the recall.  However, the supplier claims that it is still owed by GM for tooling and parts.  Microheat is already suffering financial troubles, which means the recall could cause Microheat to go out of business, even though its innovative system is great for getting rid of insect remains in warm months and ice in cold months.

Vehicles that were involved in the recall are the Cadillac DTS and Escalade; the Buick Lucerne and Enclave; the GMC Yukon, Sierra and Acadia; the Hummer H2; the Saturn Outlook; and the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp will be 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.

The Ford Ranger will be discontinued after 2011, however Ford has still decided to add new safety features to the 2010 version of the Ranger, such as electronic stability control, as well as side airbags.

This stability control system is identical to the one that’s featured in the new F-150, and it will put the Ranger in the same company of other small trucks that have stability control, like the GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Hummer H3T.  The main difference is that the Ranger also has a system for roll-prevention.

If a rollover were to occur, the Ranger is able to brake wheels individually and cut the engine throttle in order to keep the vehicle grounded.  The added side airbags will help prevent chest and head injuries to passengers in the front, which will probably improve the rating for side-impact crashes.

The current Ranger gets a four-star crash-test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a marginal rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2010 Ford Ranger will be available for sale this summer.  Unfortunately, information on pricing and new car warranties is not yet available.

Cars need fuel pumps because the gas tank is on the opposite side of the car than the engine.  The purpose of the fuel pump is to bring the fuel to the engine.

Fuel pumps come in two varieties.  Vehicles that have electronic fuel injection systems use electrical fuel pumps.  Carbureted vehicles have mechanical fuel pumps.

The carburetor delivers fuel through a vacuum.  Here, the vacuum that brings the mixture of air and fuel to the engine also draws the gas along lines to the engine.  But, extra help is needed, so engines that are carbureted have a fuel pump that is mechanical.  This pump is located next to the engine of the vehicle.

Electronic fuel injection is a system of delivery in which gas is squirted into the chambers of the engine.  The fuel pump is next to, or inside of the gas tank.

Cars with electronic fuel injection typically don’t have the fuel pump fail.  However, when it does, the car will start to sputter and eventually die.  In addition, it won’t start back up. It is important to protect yourself with an auto warranty so if your car fails you won’t have to pay unnecessary repair expenses.

As further proof that we never know what gas and oil prices will do, fuel prices have remained steady since Friday, with the nationwide average at $1.85 a gallon.  This ended a three-month free fall of gas prices.

So, now will prices begin to climb?

Well, there could be a slight rise in months to come.  However, we have an economy that is still awful and winter, which is the time of year when gas prices are there lowest anyway.  According to a recent USA/Gallup Poll, just 12% of motorists claim they have gone back to their usual driving habits, which is incredible considering how far gas prices have fallen.

So, what’s to expect with fuel prices down the road?

No one really knows, however experts are predicting fuel prices will hover around $1.50 before they start rising to about $2.25 a gallon this summer.

At the moment, OPEC has cut oil production by about 2 million barrels, we have a weak dollar and one has to wonder if motorists will do away with their new driving habits that are so conservative, since gas is so cheap.  One thing is for sure though, drivers are hanging onto their current cars and purchasing used car warranties instead of buying new vehicles.

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 itself, this 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.

In future car accidents a circuit could be as crucial to survival as a seat belt.  Congress made seat belts mandatory in the 1960’s, which was revolutionary in car safety.  Since then, seat belts have greatly reduced deaths.  Now, there is an additional safety revolution in the midst.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has employed a new standard.  This makes electronic stability control equipment a mandatory component in all cars.  The adoption of ESC will save approximately 10,000 lives every year.

Most luxury vehicles already come with ESC.  Other models offer it as an option.  This is just one of the new safety advancements designed with the purpose of preventing auto accidents, not just protecting passengers.  The majority of these new features have a microchip base.  Many are still being perfected. So beware, you never know when new technology will fail.  However, new car warranties will save you from unnecessary expenses.

Many motorists are finding it easiest to buy a package of safety options, rather than individual gadgets.  Lexus, for example, places an emphasis on how its safety features work as a system.  It has a package with lane-departure warning, smart cruise control, and ESC.

Integrating such systems, and the yielding of throttle, brake, and steering raise the question: Do drivers need or want this much help?  Who is actually in charge of the wheel?  No matter the answer, an auto warranty is essential in protecting your vehicle with all of those fancy gadgets.

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.

A driver’s worst nightmare is to turn the key and have their car not start.  Sometimes your engine will turn over but for some reason the car just won’t start.  Do you know what to do if this happens to you? Of course you could call a mechanic.  However, without an auto warranty you might face costly repairs. There are three things that you should check on your own first.  A car relies on air, fire and fuel.  If a car doesn’t get one or two of these vital ingredients, it won’t start.

The first thing that you should check is to make sure the car has gasoline.  If there is an adequate amount, the engine might have been flooded.  You can floor the gas pedal for around ten seconds, but be careful not to pump it while you are turning the ignition.  If the engine is still not starting, tap the carburetor close to the gas line.  This can free the line if the needle valve is stuck.

It is also important to check for broken or loose spark plug wires.  Make sure to do this with the engine off.  The wires that go from the distributor cap to the spark plugs should be secured down on the ends.

Now that you have checked for fuel and fire, we move on to an air check.  If you own a car with a carburetor, take off the top of the air filter and look at the choke plate.  If it appears stuck, open or close it.  Then jiggle the plate in order for it to move freely.

Checking the three main ingredients, air, fire and fuel are a great place to start if your car won’t turn over.  However, you may need a mechanic if you can’t find anything wrong.  You never know when your car might breakdown, which makes it a necessity to have an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs.