Auto Warranty News

Satellite navigation devices, or the popular GPS interfaces that many motorists have in their vehicles, are, seemingly, responsible for a large share of accidents and driving practices that are risky.

With almost half of the motorists on the roads having access to devices such as these in their vehicles, it appears that this technology has penetrated the market.  Drivers who have satellite navigation devices are much more likely to be involved in a minor accident or risky behaviors.  In fact, 1.5 million say that they have engaged in sudden maneuvers, and approximately 5 million admit to going against the flow of traffic.

GPS systems fall into the same category as other car distractions, such as cell phones, kids, the radio, or passengers.  This might be one of the reasons that road safety campaigns say that ‘Good Drivers Just Drive’.

Drivers should pre-plan their trips in order to avoid GPS distractions.  In addition, drivers should protect themselves by purchasing used car warranties, and avoiding other in car distractions.

For those people looking for an entry-level car with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza is a great option.  All 2008 Imprezas are equipped with all-wheel drive, and are available in hatchbacks or sedans.  You can buy the base 2.5i model for approximately $16,995, including new car warranties.

If you would rather buy a used vehicle, you can purchase a pre-owned 2008 Impreza.  Even the most basic model still comes equipped with anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and good safety ratings.

Now standard on all 2009 Imprezas is an electronic stability system, however, prices aren’t yet available for the new model year.  On the 2008 model, there is an option for this safety feature, which is part of a premium package for $1,500.  You could probably find this used for less than $20,000, and it might still have a valid auto warranty.

The impressive safety features are what helped the Impreza earn the status of Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  This means that the car scored the best in front, back, and side crash tests.

Soon, Nissan Motor Co. will put out vehicles that push back if drivers attempt to put their pedal to the metal.  Also, Nissan has been busy developing a test model that is loaded with added sensor technology in order to make cars crash-free.

The safety features that Nissan unveiled this week are among the latest of carmakers’ efforts to beef up their images.

The collision-free prototype by Nissan includes side and back sensors that enable brakes and alarms to turn on and aid in avoiding collisions.  This system also allows the car to maintain a driving distance that is safe from the vehicle in front, as well as aiding in preventing the car from veering out of its lane.

Nissan hopes that these efforts will cut the number of car accidents in half involving Nissan cars.

Nissan’s system, called “ECO Pedal”, which has been promoted as being safe and green, causes the gas pedal to press up when it is sensed that drivers are speeding up to fast.

In a Monday news release, Nissan claimed that this system would allow motorists to improve their fuel-efficiency from 5-10%.

Global warming concerns and high gas prices are pressuring carmakers to put out ecological products.  In addition, consumers are protecting their wallets by taking extra precautions, such as purchasing an auto warranty, driving fewer miles, and buying fuel-efficient vehicles.

Most people don’t find tire shopping to be among one of the most fun things to look for.  For the most part, we just want to find a set of tires that will fit our vehicle, and keep us on the road.  Nevertheless, before tire shopping, read the following tips.

First, always buy new tires.  It is not worth saving a few bucks to sacrifice performance and traction.  Make your safety your first priority, not price.

Next, determine what factory size of tires you have.  To find this out, look on the inner part of the door hinge on the driver’s side.

Shop around for good deals.  Look online in order to make price comparisons, however, don’t forget to factor in shipping and installation costs.  Many times you can find good deals and selections on tiretrack.com.  Also, you can read customer reviews there.

Finally, research different tires before purchasing any.  Expensive tires aren’t necessary the best tires.

Although you may not be excited to shop for tires, they are a necessary part of your vehicle.  People tend to neglect their tires, but don’t let this happen to you.  Tires are as important as an auto warranty.

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 an auto warranty to protect themselves from technology failure.

Not many brands have fallen from grace as rapidly as the Hummer by GM.  Just a few years ago the Hummer was General Motors’ own version of the U.S. Mint- it was basically a money machine.  Now, in 2008, there has been a drastic change.  The Hummer sales for this year will probably be less than half of the sales in 2006, when 71,524 vehicles were sold.  GM is even considering discontinuing the Hummer altogether.

The 2008 Hummer H2 faces an all-new environment.  It has a new drivetrain, which has more power, and is more efficient.  Also, the cabin of the SUV has gotten a new overhaul, including more standard safety features.  Although these changes are good, it doesn’t change the fact that the H2 is a large SUV that is very thirsty.  And, this is in a time when people are trying to drive cars that are more efficient and less excessive.

Unfortunately, Hummer’s image isn’t in line with the current national way of thinking, and this is bound to make many consumers who can afford a luxury SUV of this type reconsider purchasing a vehicle that they may not have thought twice about when gas prices were lower.  However, now people are protecting themselves by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles, and buying an auto warranty in case of unforeseen repair costs.

When it comes to car features, experts claim that women take more of an interest in safety than men and buy more new car warranties, while men are more concerned with the performance of a car, and the technical gadgets.

The interest that women have in safety is basically limited to safety features that are passive, such as rollover protection, airbags, and advanced seat belts, not active safety features, such as electronic stability control, and lane departure warnings, which help motorists avoid accidents. The reason for this is that men take more of an interest in playing around with the latest technology than women do.

Generally, women request the safety features that are going to help their children remain safe. In other words, women’s motherly instincts play a role in the safety features they choose.

In addition, women tend to have a more practical approach to vehicle shopping than do men. That is why women’s purchases have more to do with safety, as opposed to how long it takes for the car to go from 0-60 mph.

Although men typically know more about cars than women, women seek out information about cars before purchasing. This means that they end up purchasing cars that are safer. Also, they make sure to purchase an auto warranty to maintain their cars.

Thanks to gas for $4 per gallon and a poor economy, people are skipping the big purchases and becoming disciplined shoppers.  Instead of splurging on cars equipped with all of the gizmos, people are holding onto their current rides and purchasing used car warranties.  However, with some savvy buying tips, you can get a new car with great features.  Here’s how.

First of all, in order to splurge in the cabin, downgrade under the hood.  You can purchase a car with a smaller engine and still enjoy the interior upgrades.  For example, a Honda Accord that is top-of-the-line comes with heated seats, leather upholstery, dual climate control, and plenty of other comforts, all for $29,000.  However, instead of getting the V-6, you can get a four-cylinder for $3,000 less that will also allow you to save on gas.

Also, you can save by ordering options a la carte.  Many times, popular options, such as a sunroof or heated seats get bundled together into megapackages that has a lot of features you may not need or want to pay for.  So, shop around for cars with smaller packages, or just order the features you really want.

Finally, skip the options that are the most expensive.  Features such as entertainment and navigation systems can cost you an extra $2,000.  By purchasing a portable DVD player and navigation system you can spend less than $500 combined.

When purchasing a new car it is important to put your money towards necessary things, such as new car warranties, safety features, and maintenance costs.  Pick your upgrades wisely to avoid going over your budget.

Friday, Porsche Cars North America Inc. announced that in July its sales in the U.S. fell, as somewhat higher sales of its iconic sports cars were offset by sales that were lower for its Cayenne SUV.

Last month, the carmaker’s sales were down 3% to 3,128 cars, whereas in July of 2007 they were 3,230.

Cayman and Boxster sales were up 4% during July to 1,095 cars, while 911s were up 4% to 1,095.

Offsetting the increases were the Cayenne sales, which were down 17% to 958 cars sold.

So far, sales in the U.S. for Porsche have experienced a decline of 14%.

Although, the Cayenne SUV didn’t sell as well in July, the Cayman and Boxster sports cars continued to have strong sales.  This demonstrates that although the car market is weak, consumers are still willing to purchase sports cars with new car warranties.

Premium German carmaker BMW AG announced Friday, that due to a drastic downturn in car markets in past weeks it won’t be able to meet previously intended targets for 2008.  This is after seeing a decline of 33% in second quarter net profit.  BMW also announced that 2009 is also going to be a very difficult year.

BMW’s announcement was a surprise to the markets, especially since they brought out their earnings statement early, by four days.  They claimed that a drastic slide in used car prices means that they aren’t able to make the necessary returns on the vehicles they lease and then sell.  Also, new vehicle sales are falling in markets that are key due to the weak economy, consumers spending less, and harder financing conditions.

This warning comes soon after the announcement by the big three U.S. carmakers, General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Co, that they were forced to offer less-generous and fewer lease deals because of the used vehicle market deterioration.  In fact, GMAC LLC has planned to cut back their leasing business by half.

Consumers are apprehensive to purchase cars because of the weak economy and high gas prices.  They are already shelling out money for auto loans, used car warranties, and maintenance costs, and don’t want additional costs.  Unfortunately, the auto industry is suffering.