February 27th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Because many people lead busy lives, they try to pick a repair shop that is close to their home. They also try to find a shop that they believe to be trustworthy. Motorists take for granted the freedom of being able to pick where their cars get repaired. This may all be coming to an end.
Cars operate through their computers, and it is necessary to have the computer codes to determine if something is faulty on the vehicle. However, car manufacturers often don’t like to release the codes. This means that independently owned repair shops might not be able to properly make repairs. In addition, drivers will be forced to take their vehicles to dealerships. This makes an auto warranty even more necessary for motorists because dealerships tend to charge more for repairs.
There are approximately 220 million cars in the country and only 21,000 vehicle dealerships. Also, there are around 130,000 businesses that make a business of repairing cars. If these businesses don’t have access to computer codes they may eventually go out of business because they won’t be able to perform many repairs on cars.
Congress has recognized this problem and therefore, is trying to pass the Motor Vehicle Owners Right To Repair Act. This bill would make it necessary for car companies to share information with the independent repair shops.
Unfortunately, you never know when your car is going to require repairs, so regardless of where you take your car for service, make sure you have an auto warranty to protect your wallet.
February 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
When thinking of the engine, most people don’t consider how important the alternator is. In fact, the alternator is indispensable because the engine won’t run without it. The alternator is the source where the power train derives power.
Alternators were created in order to convert mechanical energy into a current that is alternating. In order to do this the engine belt drives the alternator shaft. Doing this allows electricity to be produced from the mechanical energy of the machines. Then, the power becomes channeled. The electricity produced recharges the battery and powers the electrical system of the vehicle.
If you need to replace your alternator you will discover that some contain more amps and some are definitely more costly. However, an auto warranty will give you peace of mind with any vehicle repairs.
Whatever car you have, make sure you can see the bolts. Many times, other parts have to be removed to have access to the bolts. Before you remove your alternator, take note of the way it’s connected. Then, mark it’s location so you know where to connect it. Afterward, start to unplug the wires that connect to the alternator. Finally, take off the bolts and remove the alternator.
Without the alternator, the engine can’t function. If you can’t replace it yourself, find a professional to take care of it. Whatever you decide, make sure you have an auto warranty to save you from costly repairs. After all, you never know when you will need to replace a part on your vehicle.
February 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Spring is coming soon, which means it’s time to tune up your vehicle. There are a few things that you should do to get your car ready for warm weather.
To start, shampoo your engine to determine if your vehicle as any leaks. Also don’t forget to check your tire pressure and fluid levels.
Take your car to a garage to determine the condition of your brakes, battery, and transmission. Also have your tires checked for wear and tear. This is necessary because if your car is running smooth and clean, you will get the best gas mileage.
Make sure you know the condition of the parts that are being used to repair your car. If a used part is installed it won’t be covered by an auto warranty. Save your paperwork as proof of what work was done on your vehicle in case a problem arises.
Keeping your vehicle well maintained allows it to hold its value for a longer amount of time and keeps you from shelling out more money in fuel costs. To protect you from costly repairs, make sure your vehicle is covered by an auto warranty. This will allow you to have peace of mind.
February 26th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Recent tests reveal that pick-up trucks are not as safe as people think. In fact, the Nissan Navara only scored one out of five stars in regards to adult safety. The vehicle presented an unacceptable risk of injury that is life threatening.
Also alarming is that the Navara only scored three stars in regards to child protection, and two for protection of pedestrians.
The Isuzu Rodeo is also facing criticism. It only received two stars for adult protection. In addition, it was found to have an unacceptable risk of life- threatening injuries. The Rodeo was given one star for pedestrian protection and two for child protection.
Interestingly enough, Isuzu claims that it’s own internal tests gave the Rodeo three stars. Also, the Rodeo has a very good record for real world accidents. It was actually tested over 1 million km before it originally launched.
Another pick-up that scored low for safety was the Mitsubishi L200. Although it scored four stars for adult protection, it only scored three stars for child protection and one star for pedestrian protection.
Pick-up manufacturers have recently been increasing options that target families. However, tests show that pick-ups may not be the safest family vehicles. If you have purchased or are planning to purchase a pick-up, make sure you buy an auto warranty to protect your wallet. According to recent tests, pick-ups may not be as sturdy as people think.
February 25th, 2008 by Hal Moses
Sport-utility vehicles that are designed on car platforms are killing SUV sales. These crossovers are the new minivans. Crossovers are practical like minivans, with some SUV capabilities, and the efficiency of a car. This all comes without the appearance of a mom mobile. So which new crossovers are promising?
BMW has a crossover called the X6, which is shaped like a fastback sedan. It is essentially the crossover for people who aren’t crazy about crossovers. It isn’t shaped like an SUV, but more a car, and isn’t intended for off-road use.
Toyota has made a great effort with the 2009 Venza. This is basically a Camry wagon, which is set to go on sale later in the year.
General Motors has put out the Pontiac Vibe, which is a small crossover. In addition, they have the new Saturn Vue.
Ford is set to make a replacement for the current Explorer. This is based on the Explorer America concept that was revealed in Detroit. It will be a crossover, but not based on a truck design like the current Explorer.
Mercedes-Benz has the GLK. It is not a small vehicle, but it is definitely smaller than ML Class. However, this is not Mercedes’ best styling.
At some point consumers will revolt against the crossover vehicle, just like they are currently doing with minivans. But at the moment it’s a crossover world. So, look for new models with curvy designs and engines that are exotic.
If you decide to be trendy and purchase one of these stylish crossovers, make sure you purchase an auto warranty right along with it. You never know when your new vehicle will need costly repairs.
February 25th, 2008 by Hal Moses
According to a recent study, approximately 70 percent of drivers in the southwest don’t take their cars in for service when they notice faults. In fact, one third of motorists ignore defects because they don’t want to pay repair costs, and 19 percent ignore their warning lights that appear when service is necessary. Alarmingly, 70 percent of drivers admit that they don’t know the meaning of the symbols displayed on their dashboard.
Drivers need to make their vehicles more of a priority. One third of motorists claim that they just don’t have the time to take their cars in for repair. In fact, 7 percent said they would only take their vehicle into a garage if it were unusable. At least 45 percent of people admitted that they would put their money towards shopping and vacations before spending on car expenses, when in fact an auto warranty is the most necessary expense.
Driving a vehicle with any fault, whether it is big or small, could increase a person’s chances of having an accident or breakdown. Motorists should check for warning lights and listen for any unusual noises. If faults are detected it is important to get service right away to improve the life of your car. Purchasing an auto warranty will give you peace of mind so that you can avoid costly expenses.
February 25th, 2008 by Hal Moses
It isn’t easy finding a vehicle that suits a family’s needs. In fact, it is a challenging pursuit that can leave motorists feeling overwhelmed. So, what are the important things to consider when buying a family vehicle?
First of all, a car must be affordable. In other words, the base price shouldn’t be more than $30,000. Ideally, you should be able to find a good vehicle for under $30,000. If you’re looking at a car company who can’t produce a quality car for around $30,000, you’re looking at the wrong company.
Of course, the seating in a car should be comfortable for five people. Nobody is going to be happy if they don’t have room to move around. In addition, the cargo space should be large enough to carry groceries to accommodate five people.
Safety is a necessity. New vehicles contain innovative safety features that can save lives. For example, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has the OnStar communication system featuring Advanced Automatic Crash Notification. The system allows a signal to automatically be sent to an OnStar adviser notifying them that a crash occurred. Then, the adviser attempts to contact the motorist of the car to find out if any injuries are apparent. This information gets transmitted to emergency vehicles.
Last but not least, don’t forget to purchase an auto warranty. You never know when your car will breakdown leaving you with costly repair expenses. You don’t want to make the mistake of investing in a new car without protecting your wallet.
When buying a new family car don’t get too overwhelmed. Remember the important things to consider when making your purchase, and make sure to buy an auto warranty that will protect your new investment.
February 24th, 2008 by Hal Moses
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.
February 23rd, 2008 by Hal Moses
It is such a relief to finally have your car paid off. So, why is it that many motorists want to jump right in and buy a new vehicle? There are a few things to consider before taking the plunge. Make sure you have a good reason to purchase a new car or you will be making unnecessary payments.
There are several reasons that it may be beneficial to purchase a new car. First, of all, if your lifestyle has changed, with the addition of children, you may need to look for a family vehicle to accommodate your new needs. Second, if your current vehicle is a gas-guzzler, you might want to consider a car that is more economical. Third, you might need a new vehicle if you are experiencing costs and repairs that are burdensome. However, an auto warranty will help you avoid unnecessary repair costs. Lastly, you might have a small car that doesn’t stand up to all of the big SUV’s out there. If you’re feeling unsafe, you might want to upgrade to a larger vehicle.
If you’re simply feeling tempted by the alluring ads for new-cars, beware. The flashy features, such as satellite radio and navigation systems may be hard to resist, but think twice before trading in your gem that is paid off. After all, you get to pocket the cash that you were paying to your lender. Now, you can pay yourself, not your lender. Just make sure your old tried and true is covered by an auto warranty. That way you can enjoy your vehicle for years to come.
February 22nd, 2008 by Hal Moses
If you’re dreaming of purchasing a new vehicle, but can’t afford the high payment, you’re in luck. You can switch out your car without going into debt. To get more value for your money buy pre-owned.
The second that a new car rolls out of the dealership, it drops in price. In fact, you will lose around 25 percent of the price of the car in the first year, and the value drops drastically as the years go by. A rule of thumb for people to consider is that a 3 year-old vehicle is worth half of its sticker price. So, if you’re considering a vehicle that is a ’08 for $50,000 realize a ’05 is worth $25,000.
Americans trade in their automobiles every 3 years. Coincidentally, there is a large pool of quality pre-owned vehicles. There is a great deal of cars with less than 30,000 miles on them that are only two years old. They are practically new. This, and an auto warranty, should eliminate the fear of buying used.
To get the best deal on a pre-owned car, educate yourself. On the Internet you can find out the worth of a used car, and the cost for a dealer to buy it. With used cars, make sure you purchase used car warranties to protect your car in the event of a breakdown.