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What Makes Brakes Squeal?

images-4.jpegVibrations of the brake pads resulting in a high-pitched sound are what causes brake squeal.  The vibration happens when the pads aren’t insulated properly from the caliper.  The factory equips brake pads with clips, insulator shims, and even a backing made out of silicone that keeps the pad glued to the caliper.  This prevents vibrating.

Often times brake squeal happens when brake pads become too hard.  These surfaces that are hard and smooth rub together and produce a noise similar to nails on a blackboard.  If this is what is happening, you need to resurface your rotors and replace pads.  This should eliminate squealing.

Also, brake rotors should be resurfaced when brakes are being done.  If they aren’t squealing will result.  If brake pads are being replaced, resurfacing of rotors should be done with a finish that is non-directional.  This will ensure that brake pads will break in correctly.

When you hear brake squealing, act immediately.  Take your vehicle to a trained technician to ensure that your brakes are treated correctly.  Make sure that you have an auto warranty to cover any repairs that you have done.  You don’t want to end up paying more than you have to.

Posted in Auto Warranty

The Nissan Navara’s Safety Rating Has Been Raised

images-28.jpegThe Nissan Navara’s safety rating has been raised in adult protection from one to three stars by Euro NCAP.

Nissan has changed the deployment of the airbag and the pre-tension systems of the seatbelt.  They have been retested since the original results were released last month.

The recent software controlling the seatbelt pre-tension systems and airbags is available on the new Nissan Navaras.  People who currently own a Navara are invited to take in their vehicles for a safety check at any Nissan dealership.  Changes to software will be made if necessary.  However, consumers should always have an auto warranty in case problems arise in their car.

The rating for child protection has also been raised from three stars to four because Nissan has made additional information available on the vehicle’s safety system.

Nissan is also planning to make more safety strides to the Navara since original safety tests detected a weakness on the chassis.

Since the original poor score for safety on the Navara, Nissan has acted responsibly and made much needed changes.  Of course, you never really know when parts on a vehicle will fail, so it is wise to purchase new car warranties to protect your wallet.

Posted in New Car Warranties

Car Loan Calculators

images-36.jpegIt is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.

These can be found online with options for buying or leasing. This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford. Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.

Don’t forget that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes. The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.

On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying. You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.

It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle. You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase. You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.

Posted in New Car Warranties

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Are A Great Way To Save

images10.jpegSome people think of used cars as being dirty, junky and old.  But a different market is making savvy buyers who are looking for updated vehicles pay attention.  The bonus is that these cars don’t have the sticker price of new cars.

Certified pre-owned cars have undergone rigid inspections and been refurbished by their manufacturer.  Also enticing is that they are backed with an extended auto warranty.  Automakers are realizing that they can’t ignore the certified vehicle market.

A recent study shows that certified pre-owned car sales have gone up 46% since the year 2000.  It is estimated that 1.5 million certified used vehicles are sold yearly, which is equivalent to approximately 10 % of the sales of new cars.

So what are the best and worst certified pre-owned cars to purchase?  Forbes.com has put out a list to help consumers make a good purchase.

At the top of the list of the best CPO cars are Honda Accord and Toyota 4Runner.  Following is the Acura TL, and Subaru Impreza.  Also, the Lexus GS tops the list.

Cars on the worst list are the Saturn Relay, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Also, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Pontiac G6, and Mercedes Benz E Class make the list.

Certified pre-owned can be a great way to purchase an updated vehicle without the updated cost.  Another perk is that they come with an extended auto warranty.  Just remember to keep in mind the best and worst CPO car lists when considering a purchase.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Fuel Economy Improves In All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

images-35.jpegAn original innovative system will boost fuel economy approximately 1 m.p.g. in the all-wheel drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, 2009 models. Motorists will be thrilled to have extra savings, due to this technology. Also, new car warranties will ensure that drivers don’t pay extra expenses.

This system is one of the several innovative technologies that are soon to come. The company revealed this new system on Friday at its technical center in Auburn Hills.

Chrysler has already made significant changes to its vehicle models. In fact they have made 500 improvements since last year. For example, they reduced excess engine noise in their Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. Also, thanks to new mounts for the engine, noise and vibrations are lessened in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.

The updated all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient by disconnecting the drivetrain from the front axle, until it is necessary to activate all-wheel drive for safety. The economy ratings by the EPA for all-wheel drive versions of these models will be comparable to the rear-drive model ratings.

Currently, the 300 and Charger, as well as other all-wheel drive vehicles lose at least 1 m.p.g. in ratings by the EPA because energy is being sent to the front axle, even if it isn’t needed. The new technology will alleviate this problem. However, motorists should always protect themselves with an auto warranty with any technology, just in case it unexpectedly fails.

Posted in Auto Warranty

General Motors Recalls Over 200,000 Vehicles

images-16.jpegGeneral Motors has just announced a new recall.  They have recalled over 200,000 vehicles.  Apparently these vehicles have oil leaks that are a potential threat for fires.

The GM recall is for Pontiac Grand Prix GPD, and Buick Regal GS models, years 97’-2003.

According to GM, if the driver of these models hits the brakes hard, oil might leak on the exhaust manifold.  Up to date, there are a reported 267 cases of fires, as well as six injured people.

General Motors claims that the vehicles are perfectly safe to drive, however, motorists should try to avoid parking in carports or garages.

GM assures that they will notify owners of these models when they have parts available to remedy the problem.

Unfortunately, recalls are prevalent in modern vehicles.  Consumers never really know when their cars might fail.  Motorists should protect themselves, in the case of unforeseen repair costs, by purchasing new car warranties.

Posted in New Car Warranties

Spring Car Maintenance

images9.jpegWith spring right around the corner, it’s time to pack away the snow boots and prepare for warm weather.  Give your car a little TLC.  This includes making sure that your car receives maintenance.  An auto warranty will ensure that you don’t pay unnecessary repair costs.

As far as auto care is concerned, spring is the best season.  Having your car maintained and serviced can undo the damage of extreme winter weather.  Here are a few tips for service.

First of all, reference your owner’s manual to look at service schedule recommendations.  To find a qualified repair shop, make sure automotive technicians are certified.

If your engine isn’t performing properly have it corrected before vacation stop and go traffic is an issue.  Make sure to notice rough idling, stalling, and hard starts.

Have a technician check to make sure belts, hoses, and clamps are in good condition and tight.  Beware of cracking or fraying.

Make sure you flush out the cooling system and refill it.  The condition, level and concentration of the coolant should be assessed on a regular basis.

Finally, check your tires to make sure they are in good condition.  “Cupping”, uneven wear of the tread, and a pulling to one side indicates there might be a problem.

There are some simple steps that motorists can take to make sure that their vehicles are taken care of.  These include routine maintenance and the purchase of an auto warranty. After all, you never know when your vehicle will break down unexpectedly.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Online Auto Auctions

images-34.jpegIf you’re looking to buy a cheap used vehicle, you might want to look online. One website that is a good place to start is Car-Auction.com. This is an auction website featuring seized vehicles by the government. Consumers can select what type and model of vehicle they are looking for, as well as the price. Results will appear within a few seconds. This is a lot more convenient than attending an automobile auction and waiting to see if the car you want is up for auction. Also, it is convenient to shop for an auto warranty and insurance online.

When you are looking to buy a cheap used car follow these simple tips.

The most difficult part of the process is finding a quality car that you would like to purchase. People make the mistake of buying a car because they like the way it looks. You need to get the full history of the vehicle before making an agreement. Also, get the VIN of the vehicle and do a search of the number through a local agency. You want to get the vehicle inspected by a professional.

An online auction is a great place to buy a used car. However, beware. To protect yourself, do your homework to get a good buy and make sure to purchase used car warranties.

Beware When Purchasing Used Vehicles

images-15.jpegWhen people are looking to buy a car, they like to know its history.  Consumers get peace of mind from such things as a reliable previous owner and used car warranties. Yet, many times owners are deceived.  A new study by Carfax shows that there are many con men out there trying to conceal the history of pre-owned vehicles.

Unfortunately, revealed in the study is that if you are looking at a used vehicle, there is a big chance that it is a wreck that has been rebuilt.  In fact, according to the study, the amount of salvaged cars, which were revealed on history reports, has risen to 50 percent in the last five years.

The problem isn’t only with vehicles that were damaged by floods and repaired, but also millions of cars that were involved in big accidents.  The problem is that crooks take these cars and piece them back together.  Of course, they don’t reveal this information to potential buyers and so people end up with unsound vehicles.  Other problems in these cars might be odometer fraud, phony air bags, and damage to the frame of the vehicle.

No matter what used car you purchase, make sure to protect yourself.  You can do this by keeping your eyes open for clues that might indicate prior damage to the car, and buying an auto warranty.

Volkswagen’s Plan To Increase Production

images8.jpegVolkswagen has introduced a plan to produce 20 new vehicle models within three years.  This is an international effort to increase yearly deliveries to eight million cars by the year 2011.

Volkswagen plans to put out products in all of the various vehicle categories.  However, its plan emphasizes a gain in market share in the van, pickup and SUV divisions.  The expansion of the portfolio will go with a yearly increase in production of 10 percent.

Last year Volkswagen put out 6.2 million vehicles.  Their goal is to deliver 8 million cars to motorists by the year 2011.

A large part of Volkswagen’s plan over the next three years is focused on the improvement of their vehicles’ environmental criteria.  It is going to reduce dependency on oil and gas.  To do this it will optimize its TSI and TDI engine and use a shift gearbox.  It is also researching fuel cells, hybrids and electric drives that are plug in.

Rising taxes, oil prices rising, and boosting awareness about the change in climate have led consumers to demand vehicles that are environmentally friendly.  Also, motorists want peace of mind, which they can achieve with a dependable car and an auto warranty.  Volkswagen is listening to consumer needs and taking action.  The trend will be that other manufacturers will follow suit.

Posted in Auto Warranty


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