Auto Warranty

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 its 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.

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.

When your car needs basic services, such as an oil change, where do you take it?  Chances are you will go to a quick lube business, not your dealer.

However, Acura is striving to get back the quick-lube consumers by creating its Accelerate service program for Acura owners.  The concept is for Acura dealership service departments to start offering affordable, quick services that bring car owners back to the dealership.

Services will include tire rotation, an oil change, brake-pad checks, tread checks, air monitoring, a car wash and a vacuum for $38.95, and the whole thing will be completed in less than 47 minutes.

Acura says that more than half of the profits of a dealership come from service and parts, so it is smart to give car owners a reason to come to the dealer instead of the quick lube service joint.  This program will begin with select dealerships in Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, but will be in all Acura dealerships by 2011.  Maybe this will encourage Acura owners to have their cars serviced more often and with an auto warranty, drivers need not fear unnecessary repair costs.

Over the last week there has been a story circulating on the Internet about the owner of a 2009 Nissan GT-R who couldn’t get his auto warranty to cover his blown transmission.  What was the problem?  He claims he turned off the stability control in order to use the vehicle’s launch control feature.  Making that mistake cost him about $20,000 in auto repairs.

Nissan is well aware of the story on the Internet, and it says that utilizing the launch control feature or turning the VDC off by themselves wouldn’t void the auto warranty.  However, Nissan claims that when the two features are abused and lead to damage, the auto warranty becomes void.  The auto warranty includes normal stipulations about racing, modifications, as well as other changes that void auto warranties.

Nissan couldn’t calculate how car owners could use the vehicle, meaning how often it could be driven on a track or other difficult uses.  Other GT-R drivers have complained about the car’s transmission, but most of them attacked the author of the original story for not being a good driver.

The result of this story is clear for owners of GT-R owners: You shouldn’t drive your GT-R too hard if you don’t want to be the one to pay for it.

Nissan is trying to catch up with its competition, Honda and Toyota, in the hybrid area and is all set to debut a luxury hybrid next year sometime, according to Nikkei, which is a Japanese business daily.

Although in the past, Nissan has utilized Toyota’s hybrid system, on the Nissan Altima Hybrid, it is planning to come up with its own drivetrain for this time, and will most likely be used on the Infiniti M sedan.

This move is a bit questionable if you look at the iffy sales record on past luxury hybrids.  Nissan only needs to look at Toyota, its competition, which has had a difficult time selling its luxury hybrids under the Lexus name. People are generally opting for more affordable hybrids with a good auto warranty instead of splurging on luxury vehicles.

It may be a smarter move to build a hybrid model that would be able to compete with the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, instead of nationally promoting the Altima Hybrid.

The two-mode hybrid system will be available soon.  The Allison Transmission division of BMW, GM, and DaimlerChrysler originally developed this system.  This alliance is referred to as the Global Hybrid Corporation.

The reason that this system is called a two-mode hybrid is because it has high and low-speed modes for the electric variable transmission.  Four fixed gear ratios have been incorporated for high efficiency.

Some of the same functions are featured that are on the Ford and Toyota one-mode hybrids.  For instance, the vehicle will turn off at a standstill, while breaking the batteries charge, and the electric motor, the engine, or both, can be used to power the vehicle.

The two-mode hybrid is very adaptable.  It can be used with several engine or drive train configurations.  In addition, it can be mated to engines powered by gas, E85 or diesel fuels.

This new system will be put into the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe by late in the year.  Mercedes and BMW will also be offering this system, but they haven’t said what cars will be utilizing this technology.  With any new car technology, an auto warranty is a necessity.  After all, you don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs in the future.

After recalling 944,000 vehicles, GM has had to discontinue its HotShot windshield washer system, which was responsible for an electrical short.  So far, the malfunction has caused 34 auto warranty claims and three fires as a result of a short in the circuit board, which caused the control-circuit ground wire to overheat.

GM claims that the system’s supplier, Microheat, is responsible for the dangerous glitch.  GM feels that Microheat should pay the $20 million to $25 million that has been estimated for the cost of the recall.  However, the supplier claims that it is still owed by GM for tooling and parts.  Microheat is already suffering financial troubles, which means the recall could cause Microheat to go out of business, even though its innovative system is great for getting rid of insect remains in warm months and ice in cold months.

Vehicles that were involved in the recall are the Cadillac DTS and Escalade; the Buick Lucerne and Enclave; the GMC Yukon, Sierra and Acadia; the Hummer H2; the Saturn Outlook; and the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe.

A new rating system for roof-strength has been launched by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and has conducted its first tests on small SUVs.  Unfortunately, only four out of the twelve vehicles tested managed to get a Good rating, which is the top rating.

The SUVs that scored the Good rating were the Honda Element, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan and the Jeep Patriot.  SUVs that scored Acceptable were the Chevrolet Equinox, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Mitsubishi Outlander.  Ranking Marginal, were the Ford Escape, and Honda CR-V, while the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage were the only vehicles to rate Poor.

This new standard for roof-strength is intended to combat rollover deaths, which account for about a quarter of all deaths having to do with traffic.  For vehicles to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick, they have to now withstand four times their own weight before the car’s roof will collapse 5 inches.  The IIHS’s strength to weight ratio is a much higher standard than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s, which says that roofs should bear 2.5 times the car’s weight.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with vehicle safety, which is why more people are purchasing an auto warranty.  With used car warranties, people can rest-assured that they won’t be paying unnecessary repair costs.

Consumers are buying sedans more than ever.  They want to rely on their cars with the addition of an auto warranty and feel peace of mind.  This year Acura has taken note. Just take a look at the Acura TSX, which is quite impressive.

The Acura TSX is a sedan that is very sporty, and it might surprise people who assume that entry-level means basic and stripped.  The TSX is loaded with numerous features, such as Bluetooth capabilities and leather seats.

The latest model of the Acura TSX would be familiar to aficionados, however it is larger in practically every way.  This includes width, track, length and wheelbase.  This provides for a ride that is more stable and comfortable.

Although the look of the Acura TSX is familiar, it has a new design element that is distinct.  Its grill that is almost shield-like is a love or hate feature.  It is displayed best with the body color being light.  The longer vehicle provides Acura lovers a ride that feels sporty and aggressive.

All in all, the 2009 Acura TSX is a success.  Motorists can rest assured that this is a solid car that will provide the comfort and safety that they need.  As with any car, an auto warranty is recommended to ensure that your vehicle is protected in case of breakdowns.

Here is a question for car consumers:  What has the low cost of a used car with the reliability and auto warranty of a brand new car?  The answer is a certified pre-owned car.

The term CPO is used in the car industry to identify late model used cars that have low-mileage.  These automobiles have gone through a detailed inspection and come with an auto warranty by the factory to back them up.  CPOs are usually in better shape than other used cars and have a maintenance schedule that can be verified by using Carfax.

Most of the time certified pre-owned programs come with an inspection, auto warranty, and an option to return the vehicle if you decide you don’t like it.  What you end up getting for the extra money you spend on a CPO vehicle varies quite a bit.  For instance, Lexus will give you a 100,000 total vehicle and 3 year limited warranty on its CPO cars.  Chrysler, on the other hand, gives an inspection with a return policy, but only offers a limited auto warranty of 3,000-mile, 3 months.

In order for consumers to feel like they have the same service as a new car, they should ensure that they get an extension of the factory auto warranty offered.