Auto Warranty News

Recently, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners did a study on the best and worst places in the country for auto insurance.  The study showed that drivers living in the Northeast pay the highest premiums.

The most costly state was New Jersey.  Its average premiums are more that $1,300 per year.  Our nations capital, Washington D.C. came in second with the average premiums over $1,185.  New York came in third with average premiums being over $1,110.

The study showed that elevated insurance costs in those areas are due to urban driving matters, high salaries, and dense traffic.  Also, costs for the liability insurance premiums that are average are elevated in the Northeast.

Northern and Midwestern states ranked as the lowest costs for insurance premiums.  Iowa has the lowest overall insurance at $530 per year.  Maine comes in second with $560 per year, and North Dakota is next at $570 per year.

This study shows that your location plays a key role in your auto insurance costs.  Consumers are paying more than ever for their automobiles with the costs of insurance, new car warranties, and maintenance.

Unless 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 tells you 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 consumers 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.

Pontiac is returning to its bad boy roots with the G8 sport sedan.  This is a 5-passenger, V8 powered, rear-wheel-drive vehicle, which was based on the Holden Commodore.  This car offers high performance and ample passenger and cargo room, which make it a practical but sporty choice.  In addition, you can’t beat the sticker price of $29,995, and the auto warranty that comes with it.

This car comes with two trim levels.  The standard has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 256 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.  The G8 GT has a 6.0-liter V8 putting out 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque.

The interior of this sedan is straightforward with controls in logical locations and front sport seats that adjust 4-ways.  An option is heated leather seats in either trim level and they are black and red leather, two-toned.

At a sticker price of $29,995, accompanied by an auto warranty, this is the performance bargain of the year.  It has great suspension and handling, and is practical enough for anyone to enjoy.  This vehicle has excellent performance, and an impressive appearance, making it a good option for any motorist.

The number one safety device is undoubtedly the seat belt.  And even though seat belts save approximately 11,000 people in America from crashes every year, researchers are still working to find improvements for the belts.  If experts in safety have their way, drivers will go from wearing three-point belts to four point belts.  In addition, occupants in the back seats would wear inflatable seat belts.

In 2001, Ford Motor Company showed two new safety belt systems being studied.  Each utilizes a four-point belt system.

One uses two belts that go over the shoulders and connects to a lap belt in the center.  The other one uses two shoulder belts traditional style that criss cross on the chest.

These systems would restrain a person’s body more firmly than the three-point system that is currently used in cars today.  Also, these are actually integrated into the seat, not the structure of the car.

For back seat occupants an inflatable safety belt may soon be an option.  This system uses a shoulder belt that contains an airbag that will inflate in the event of a car collision.

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their cars.  This includes purchasing cars with technologically advanced safety features and buying an auto warranty to protect their cars.

One way to improve our world would be to alleviate road rage.  Everyone has gotten angry with another driver after being cut off. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had cars that helped curb road rage?  Well, those vehicles have arrived.

Toyota’s RIN has friendliness in mind.  It has wide, deep windows that allow the driver to stay connected with the environment.  The headlights on the car have controls for light distribution that allow the driver to be considerate to other drivers.  It even has features that reflect the psychological state that the driver is in, such as the steering wheel that is “mood trained” and displays that promote the mental health of the driver.

The Toyota i-REAL offers pedestrians added safety.  It is a solo transport that offers maneuverability because it sits upright.  This allows the driver to be at eye level with pedestrians.  Also, it will stretch out its wheels making it more aerodynamic and stable when you want to travel long distances.

The time has come when automakers are realizing that vehicle design can have an impact on how friendly people are.  Toyota is making great strides in accommodating fellow drivers and passengers to make our world a friendlier place.  Consumers are willing to pay extra money on car costs that will make their lives easier, such as new car warranties, insurance, and even friendlier cars.

Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) were made available on vehicles in the Unites States in 1978.  The first automaker to install them on production cars was Mercedes-Benz.  Cadillac began putting it in its luxury cars in 1986.

This braking system uses computers onboard that are linked to wheel sensors that will automatically make the brakes pump at a faster rate than humans can duplicate.  Anti-lock brakes apply selective pressure by being able to sense which wheels might lockup at any moment and then lowering the brake pressure on those wheels until they maintain proper rotation.  ABS only works in panic stops, not under normal braking circumstances.

ABS won’t provide you with a shorter stopping distance.  However, it has the advantage of allowing the driver to maintain control of the wheel, while avoiding skidding.

It is important for drivers to use ABS correctly.  To do this, drivers should stomp and steer.  Drivers shouldn’t pump, but instead press down hard on the brake pedal and don’t let up.

Drivers are becoming more and more concerned with auto safety.  New technology is changing safety functions to protect drivers and passengers.  Motorists should also protect themselves by purchasing an auto warranty for their vehicle.  This will allow for peace of mind.

Why would someone want to buy a pickup?  They offer the most flexibility in carrying cargo.  In addition, pickups have large payload facilities and the ability to tow.  Trucks with four door cabs allow seating for five, which makes them a good family vehicle.  In addition to an auto warranty, what other considerations do you need?  Here’s a list.

Consider whether you need compact or full-sized.  They offer different towing capacities and engines in addition to being different sizes.  Compact pickups are more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and cost less.  Full-sized pickups offer more room inside and out, have stronger engines, and have greater towing capabilities.

Bed lengths vary.  Beds range from 8 feet to 4 feet.  The longer the bed, the more difficult it is to maneuver.  Some compact trucks have a bed extender that flips out, which allows for carrying cargo that is longer.

Engines and transmissions can accommodate different needs.  For compact trucks, the base engine is a four-cylinder, which offers fuel-efficiency.  Five or six cylinder engines are optional, giving more power.  A V6 is the base engine for a full-sized truck.  For heavy towing and hauling consider a V8, V10, and diesel.

Pickups come in many sizes, with many options. Determine your use for a truck and pick the best option for you.  Doing your homework on such things as truck options, new car warranties and insurance will save you money and time down the road.

Listed at $22,995 the Chevrolet Cobalt SS gives you a lot for your money. This lets you save on the sticker price so you can have funds for new car warranties, fuel and maintenance costs. This vehicle is superb in style and amenities, but retains a balance that few entry-level cars have.

The SS version of the Cobalt is at the top of the Cobalt models.  It has a shape that is more attractive than other sport compact cars.  The 2008 version only comes as a two-door coupe.  A four-door version is expected for 2009.

This car comes standard with a short-throw manual 5-speed transmission, 18- inch wheels and sporty, suede seats.

The SS is very versatile on the road.  It can be a perfect commuter one minute and then turn into an exhilarating thrill ride the next.  It has a FE5 sport suspension that handles the irregularities in the road and provides a civilized ride.  However, ask the turbo for some boost and the car can keep an effortless pace.

The Cobalt will appeal to young lead-foots with its impressive design, power, and technology.  However, young and old alike will enjoy the overall refinement of this car.  With the addition of an auto warranty, you can rest assured that this car will offer reliability and enjoyment to a wide array of drivers.

Analysts have been expecting the prices of crude oil to go down for months now, yet they continue to go up.  Will motorists ever be able to afford important things such as an auto warranty and maintenance again?  Crude oil prices had a considerable decline in March, however the hope is not just that the price will make demand go down, but that the amount of non OPEC production delayed will hopefully catch up late in the year and into next year.  The market will soon continue with production, which will cause prices to drop.

The investment of the oil companies are based on around $55-$75 per barrel of oil.  If you look at history, that is still very valuable oil.  That’s what we are going to see, and gas prices will drop.  However, the question on everyone’s mind is when.

Consumers shouldn’t expect price drops to be dramatic until after the summer is over.  Gas prices will likely rise and peak throughout the nation at about $3.50 per gallon.  However, motorists could see significant relief late in 2008 as new production is evident online.

There are a couple of things working in favor of lower gas prices.  Ethanol will displace a large part of the demand for gas since it will be taking 10% of gas out of the picture.  Also, prices won’t be up an enormous amount from years past, just about a percentage point.  However, this isn’t the beginning of the $4-$5 per gallon apocalypse for gas.  Never fear, motorists will be able to afford such things as an auto warranty and maintenance again.

With gas prices higher than ever across the nation, new car buyers are asking themselves “what alternatives that are fuel-efficient are there?”  Recently, gas-electric hybrids have gotten a lot of attention, however, diesel-powered vehicles may be the answer.

Diesel vehicles are very popular in other parts of the world.  They make up about 50% of new vehicles in Europe, however, they haven’t really peaked the interest of U.S car shoppers.

Diesels only account for 2% of the new vehicles in the U.S. regardless of fuel mileage levels that can be 40% higher than a gas powered vehicle that is comparable.

There is a new generation of diesels that are quieter, cleaner and much more powerful than efforts in the past.  Driving the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec sedan that is diesel will prove to anyone that this recent technology offers a terrific luxury sedan driving experience in addition to the 37-mpg rating.

Diesels have come a long way and can be a great option for motorists.  Like with any new car purchase, it is necessary to buy an auto warranty to protect your investment.  After all, you never know about new technology until it has been around for a while.