Auto Warranty News

Almost every vehicle that has front wheel-drive uses car struts on the front.  They aren’t just shock absorbers.  They integrate many different suspension parts into one assembly.  Included are the spring seats, coil spring, shock absorbers, steering knuckle, and strut bearing.

The shock absorber is the part of the strut that is commonly serviced the most.

The strut has many different purposes that it serves.  Because of the spring, the strut can support the vehicle’s weight while it’s traveling and allows for adaptations of road irregularities.  The shock absorber that is internal will dampen the spring’s movement while it is compressing and rebounding.

The function of the strut housing is structural.  It connects the bearing in the upper strut to the ball joint down below.  This allows the whole assembly to pivot as someone turns the steeling wheel.

It is a good idea to have your vehicle’s suspension system checked by a service technician that is qualified.  The struts in a car should be checked once a year, along with the alignment of wheels.  You never know when car parts will wear out, so an auto warranty, as well as regular maintenance is a necessary part of your routine.

Families consider the safety of their children a top priority.  Unfortunately, car accidents are responsible for more deaths among 3-14 year olds than any other cause.  Parents need to take essential steps to make sure that their children remain safe on the road.  That means buying an auto warranty to ensure that repairs are up-to-date, and making sure that car seats are installed and used correctly.

More than 1,500 children under the age of 14 were killed last year, and around 220,000 were injured as the result of a car accident.  Just using a child safety seat correctly can reduce these incidents drastically.  In fact, casualties are reduced by around 70%.  Alarmingly, approximately 75% of child seats are installed incorrectly.  Unfortunately, about half of children killed in car crashes aren’t even restrained at all.

GM has a program designed to combat this problem called Safe Kids Buckle Up.  This program informs parents about the importance of proper car seat use.  This program has been running for over 10 years, has had 40,000 child seat checks around the country, and has inspected over 900,000 car seats.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.

Today’s drivers are realizing that cars are being made to withstand more.  There are many vehicles on the road that prove to be reliable and durable.  So, what cars are going to keep you on the road?

Honda cars are known for being reliable and safe and are always a sure thing.  Also, they experience minimal problems and repairs.  For example, the Honda Odyssey is ranked #1 in durability.  Also ranking high on the list are the Honda Pilot, Civic, Accord and CRV.

Some small SUVs are known for being extremely durable.  For example, the Volvo XC90 and Subaru Forester are two examples.  But if you’re looking for luxury in addition to durability, the Audi A4 and Acura RDX will deliver.

The vehicles listed made the list due to performance, safety ratings, and lack of complaints.  Anyone who is shopping for a new car would feel peace of mind in these cars.  However, it is always a good idea to purchase an auto warranty to protect you.

Cars need regular maintenance in order to run trouble free.  Some people actually brag about driving an incredible amount of miles without performing maintenance on their vehicle.  However, these are the same people that eventually go to their mechanic and get handed a bill for hundreds of dollars.  An auto warranty can help you avoid unnecessary costs for repairs, but you need to have a maintenance schedule.

The reality is that faulty sensors and bad fuel injectors will cause engine adjustments that are improper resulting in foul sparkplugs.  Also, oil combustion is a result of worn pistons and rings.  And, of course, dirty fuel filters and air filters can cause problems.  A perfect world would have no grime and dirt, which would allow us unbelievable mileage between services, but that’s not reality.

According to the Car Care Council, during the National Car Care Month there were check lanes that show an 83% rate in failure.  The problems were transmission fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.

Drivers need to consult their owner’s manuals and make sure they get regular maintenance.  This will allow vehicles to operate more effectively and for a longer amount of time.  Buying an auto warranty will give you peace of mind when it comes to repair costs.

A new report shows that new car customers aren’t doing enough to ensure the best deals on financing, insurance and an auto warranty.

Only 64 percent of consumers would even attempt a negotiation on the price of a new vehicle.  In addition, over 2 million motorists wouldn’t even bother to research the current value of their existing car when planning to do a trade-in.  In fact, over 30 percent of drivers admitted they wouldn’t even spend an hour researching how they are going to pay for their new vehicle.

Alarmingly, 91 percent of customers weren’t able to explain what the phrase ‘lease purchase’ meant, which is a term often used in car financing deals.  Also, 50 percent said they would go ahead and purchase a new car without getting any quote for the insurance.

Our nation is known for being bargain hunters and trying to get the best deal.  But for some reason when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle motorists are falling short.  It’s crucial for all drivers wanting to buy the newest vehicle to do their homework.  Financing, insurance and an auto warranty are an essential part of the car buying experience.  So, shop around and find the best deals.  Otherwise, pay the price.

SUVs are available in a wide array of prices and sizes.  They are more versatile than any other vehicle.  They have varying cargo carrying options, carry up to eight people, and allow drivers to be higher than cars.  In addition, they can tackle off-road terrain.  There are car based and truck based SUVs.  Which is the best for you?

Gaining popularity are car-based SUVs.  These vehicles are on car like unibody platforms.  In addition, they use a suspension that is completely independent, and have all-wheel drive.  They usually perform better in fuel-efficiency, handling and ride comfort than truck based SUVs.  Also, in CR testing they generally rate higher overall.  They can be driven off-road in mild situations.

Truck-based SUVs are built on a body on frame platform.  They allow for a larger towing capacity than car-based SUVs.  Also, the ones that have four-wheel drive can tackle off-road terrain that is serious.  The handling on these vehicles, however, can be more cumbersome.  Also, their ride can be a little jolting.

SUVs are a great option if you are looking for cargo space versatility, a large passenger capacity, and off road options.  Do your homework on such things as an auto warranty, maintenance costs, and fuel-efficiency before deciding on an SUV.  Also, have in mind what your needs will be before showing up at the dealership.

For drivers who are sick of paying the high fuel prices and who aren’t willing to wait for automakers to put affordable electric cars on the market, CNN has reported that car owners are doing conversions on their gas powered vehicles to make them electric powered.

The conversion has been described as “surprisingly easy”, which involves taking out the guts of the vehicle, such as the exhaust system and radiator, and making replacements to some, like the fuel injector, with components that are electric.  Of course, you could only say this process was “easy” if you regularly do engine swaps.  Many drivers don’t even know how to change their oil on their own.

Supporting this industry of do-it-yourself are suppliers that sell the parts necessary to complete the conversion, like Electric Vehicles of America.

Once you do that work, the car should be equipped with lead-acid batteries, since lead-acid batteries remain very expensive at $10,000-$20,000.  A truck that is small and has 20 6-volt batteries will reach a speed of 60 mph and run for approximately 40 miles.

Before undertaking a conversion such as this, make sure you know that it will make your auto warranty become null and void.  Also, messing with the inner workings of you vehicle can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have any experience.

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 2011 for $50,000 realize a ’08 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 an auto warranty to protect your car in the event of a breakdown.

When determining the amount of money you can pay for a vehicle you must consider your credit.  Yet, experts say that consumers should shop around at various dealers to make comparisons on special deals on financing.

To help with your car shopping experience, request a copy of your credit report by going through a credit agency.  This will give you knowledge when it comes time to talk to a dealer about your financing.

You can look at some web-based tools for help.  For instance, go to AutoTrader.com to find a credit center designed for people trying to purchase a car with poor credit.  This is one of the few websites that doesn’t require personal, confidential information.  In fact, you are only asked general questions that allow you to have privacy.

After filling out the questionnaire you will receive a credit level of excellent, good, or fair.  Then, you can search the car dealerships in your area that will be able to help you with your needs in regards to financing.

Look to websites to prepare you with information that will help you when you go to the dealership.  You can learn about the prices of cars, credit scores, and an auto warranty.  This will allow you to get the best deal possible.