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How To Test Drive A New Car

images-25.jpegA test drive is a necessary step when buying a new car.  But once you sit in the driver’s seat you have a limited time to make some crucial decisions.  What do you need to look out for?

First of all it is important to take your time.  Make sure you walk around the vehicle and look at the trunk.  Make sure it is big enough for your needs.  Look for issues that might affect visibility.  Also, notice if fenders flare out.

Now, you’re ready to sit in the driver’s seat.  While the car is parked adjust the steering wheel and seat.  This is also a good time to test the radio and play with knobs and buttons on the dashboard.

When you pull out of the dealership pick a test-drive route that offers variety.  You should drive in traffic that requires right and left turns, on the highway, and in a parking lot.  This will allow you to see how the car handles at low and high speeds, and determine visibility.  Be in tune with all of your senses to see if the car is right for you.

Finally, if the car passes all of your tests, go test -drive a couple more.  You don’t want to purchase the first car you see.  Of course, when you find the car of your dreams, make sure you purchase an auto warranty to protect your investment.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Know The Functions Of Your Car Before Getting On The Road

images1.jpegModern cars are crafted with sophistication and elegance.  The dashboard of recent vehicles feature innovative technology that will have drivers in awe.  This technology is a benefit to us all, as long as we are covered by an auto warranty.  Yet, how many drivers actually know the functions and operations of all of these controls and switches?

When a motorist slips into the driver’s seat, he should become one with his machine.  People tend to oversimplify the task of driving.  Sometimes we think the driver only has to perform elementary movements of throttle, ignition, steering wheel, and pedals.  However, there is a lot more involved in driving. A defensive driver will make himself aware of the instruments and their operations before he ever puts his car in drive.

It is risky to search for a button or dial while driving because that means that the driver’s eyes aren’t on the road.  A safe driver will go through a list of operations before taking off.  For instance, they will flick switches and turn knobs in a set sequence.  Also, they will check the gauges for the ammeter and oil pressure once the engine is running.

Enjoy the modern technology that your car has to offer, but learn about the functions off the road, not on.  Educating yourself in advance can save you from accidents.  Of course, with any technology make sure that you are covered by an auto warranty.  You never know when those convenient controls and switches will become inconvenient.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Drivers Admit To Showing Their Cars Affection

images-4.jpegOn Valentine’s Day it is common to show affection to the people you love, but we don’t want to forget to give some thought to our vehicles.  A lot of us find our vehicles to be more than just another asset.  They are such a big part of our lives because we depend on them to get us where we need to go safely.  They deserve a bit of attention and affection too.

A recent survey reinforces the powerful relationship that drivers have with their cars.  Apparently, 44 percent of men and 48 percent of women claim they have thanked their car in different situations.  In addition, 30 percent of women and 37 percent of men claim they have given their cars compliments on dependability.

So what can you give your car to show your appreciation?  There are several things you can do.  First of all, make sure you have a preventative maintenance plan.  Also, purchase your car an auto warranty to ensure that it is covered in the event of a breakdown.  Your car will thank you by getting you to your destinations safely.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Families Now Have More Options Than Just The Minivan

images-34.jpegMany times people think of the minivan when they think of a family car.  Of course, that is a great choice, however, there are a wide range of vehicles with different body styles that are ideal for families.  An auto warranty allows families to pick their vehicle of choice with peace of mind.

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is a great family option.  The luxurious finish and fit, as well as thoughtful ergonomics make the Veracruz enticing.  In addition there are numerous safety features.  For example there is a backup warning system.  This vehicle even features a center console that is cooled to keep snacks and drinks cold.  Moms and kids find this very “cool”.

The 2008 Volvo XC70 is a nice alternative to an SUV.  It provides the buyer with the option of having built in booster seats for two stages.  Also there are some high-tech safety features.  These include a warning system for collision with automatic braking, and an information system for blind spots.

Finally, you might want to have a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.  This car is extremely fun to drive.  It has a stowing system in the center, which allows you to convert a bench seat made for three into two chairs.  Another handy function is the automatic tailgate.

Families don’t have to limit themselves to minivans these days because there are plenty of options out there.  The safety of the family comes first, but it is nice to have a vehicle that also makes things easier.  Especially important to families is an auto warranty that will protect them from costly expenses in the event of a breakdown.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Will These New All-Star Vehicles Make It To Your Driveway?

images-15.jpegThere are numerous new all-star vehicles that have been unveiled at this season’s auto shows.  They are less than two years away from being produced.  In addition, many dream machines stirring up our imaginations and testing the opinion of the public are displayed for observation.  Here are a few of the most prominent concepts and their odds of making it from the auto show to your driveway.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe has the press going wild.  This is a two-door coupe with an incredibly sleek style that hasn’t been copied from any other car on earth.  The word is that this two-door coupe will definitely make it to a showroom near you within two years.

The Hummer HX had a few of its junior designers come up with a concept for a new Hummer.  The team came up with a brilliant concept.  This four -wheel drive, four- seat vehicle is equipped with roof panels that are removable.  Also removable are fender flares, and doors.  This allows for an on or off road set up.  It is supplied by a 3.6 liter V6 with a 6 speed automatic transmission.

The Toyota A-BAT is a futuristic looking pickup.  You can double the length of the cargo bed to 8 feet.  There are also storage compartments in the walls of the bed and a drawer that slides under the deck of the bed.  Hopefully, Toyota will build this because it has a lot of great features.

It’s hard to know whether the new cars from the auto shows will make it to your driveway.  However, these are three quality cars that have a great shot.  With any new cars, make sure you purchase new car warranties to protect your investment.

Posted in New Car Warranties

How To Keep Your Old Car, And Avoid Buying A New One

images-33.jpegBuying a car can be overwhelming, yet, keeping a car can even be worse.  Enticing television ads and the lure on the web can make it hard to resist buying a new car.  However, during this difficult economy, it makes sense not to give in to temptation.

In America, people find it hard to stay with a car for over five years.  But with a few common-sense tips and an auto warranty, an unnecessary car purchase can be avoided.

First, make sure that the current car you drive is small and Japanese.  For instance, the Honda Civic is a sure thing.  It may get a little rust, but it won’t die.  And even though driving a Tercel from ’92 may not get you a date on Friday night, it’s reliability will make you not want to give it up.

Second, do lots of research.  This is actually a great method to prevent buying a car.  Searching the Internet for the cars in your price range will overwhelm you with too many options.  Also research used car warranties to protect the car you have.

Finally, focusing on a specific model and make is a good tactic.  This is especially good if that model hasn’t been produced for at least a decade.  The odds are very slim that you will find that car on the market with less than 300,000 miles.

So, what do you do if you still desire a new car after weeks of research?  What if your old Civic is pulling you toward the dealer?  Just remember as soon as that new car gets off the lot it’s value will drop instantly.  Keeping your clunker is your best bet.

Three Things To Check If Your Car Won’t Start

images-24.jpegA 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 is a necessity to have an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Are People Ready To Embrace Technology?

images-14.jpegThe Prius has become one of the hottest vehicles in the country.  This is actually quite amazing because this is a hybrid electric vehicle, which requires people to embrace change. With any change, people like to protect themselves.  Many people feel better purchasing a hybrid if they have an auto warranty to go along with it. The billion-dollar question that innovators face is whether people will resist or embrace innovation.  Apparently, Toyota got it right, because thousands of people are buying the Prius.

People accustomed to a regular vehicle would struggle to get the Prius to move forward.  In addition, people probably couldn’t figure out how to put the car in reverse.  However, these are not hard lessons to learn, they just require people to change their way of thinking.  To start the Prius you press a button located on the dashboard twice.  To make your car go forward or backward you manipulate a small stick that comes out of the dashboard.

People might fear technology because it is seductive, yet they might also have a fear of not being able to change. Either way, it is good to protect yourself.  This includes purchasing new car warranties that will cover you in the case of faulty technology.  Innovators never really know which way the cash register will ring.  However, Toyota got it right with the Prius.

Posted in Auto Warranty

Thanks To General Motors, Families Are Better Educated About Car Seat Safety

images-32.jpegOf course, families think of their children’s safety as a top priority.  Unfortunately, car crashes are the number one cause of death among children from 3 to 14 years of age.  Parents need to do whatever it takes to keep their children safe.  That includes purchasing an auto warranty that will ensure repairs are performed when needed, and using car seats correctly so that they properly restrain their children.

In 2003, over 1,500 children under 14 years old were killed and approximately 220,000 became injured in car crashes.  A child safety seat that is used correctly is very effective in reducing these incidents.  Deaths are reduced by up to 70 percent.  Unfortunately, almost 75 percent of car seats are not installed properly.  Also alarming is that half of the children who die in car accidents are not restrained at all.

General Motors has a program called Safe Kids Buckle Up that informs parents of the great importance of buckling children up properly.  This program has been around for ten years and has inspected more than 900,000 car seats and had over 40,000 car seat checks around the nation.

General Motors is the largest automobile manufacturer in the world.  GM employs approximately 280,000 people worldwide.  General Motors’ “OnStar” is the leader in vehicle security, safety, and informational services.

Posted in Auto Warranty

What Does Your Bumper To Bumper Auto Warranty Cover?

images-23.jpegYou may think that a basic bumper to bumper auto warranty covers everything between the front and the back end of your car. But does it? If not, will an extended auto warranty give you the coverage that you need?

You may think that you have extensive coverage, but review the fine print to see what isn’t covered. Unfortunately, certain incidentals aren’t covered by any auto warranty. But, a lot of warranties don’t have these items listed clearly, which can mean you may be paying for services that you are actually covered for. It is hard when these items aren’t stated clearly on your contract, which means it is essential for you to review your document thoroughly.

In Auto Advantage’s booklet which explains the service agreement for bumper to bumper new car warranties, there is a section titled “What is Not Covered”, which makes things easy for the consumer. Also included on the same page is what is included in your coverage:

This program covers all the major components on your vehicle… Bumper to Bumper Coverage provides Mechanical Break-down coverage for repairs/replacements of ALL original equipment, manufacturers factory installed mechanical and electrical operating parts and assemblies on the covered vehicle…

Knowing what you are covered for is half the battle, but you also want to make sure you are covered for a certain amount of time. With Auto Advantage you can be covered anywhere from three months to fourteen years, it’s up to you. Mileage is also flexible.

An extended auto warranty will offer you many options as well as peace of mind about the automobile that you are purchasing.

Posted in Auto Warranty


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