Auto Warranty

After completing the requirements of a learner’s permit and passing the mandatory road test, teenagers officially have their driver’s license.  Of course, at this point a teen must find the perfect car.  Most teens actually begin looking for that special car from ages 16-18.  Sometimes teens are given their first cars for their birthday or graduation.

Most teenagers don’t even realize how much a car actually costs.  Purchasing a vehicle is one of the biggest investments that a person makes.  It is important to spend wisely and budget.  Some parents require that their teens pay a portion of the monthly car payments.  This is a good way for teenagers to become more responsible.

Typically teens will spend $15,000 to $20,000 on their first purchase.  They want their vehicles to be equipped with all the bells and whistles.  This includes TV screens, DVD players, and stereo systems.  They want the car to be “cool”.  However, teen buyers need to take into account the price of gas, maintenance, insurance, and new car warranties.

Research is important when buying your teen’s first car.  Safety and reliability should be key issues to consider.  However, whatever you end up purchasing, make sure it is covered by an auto warranty.  You want your teenager protected in the event of a breakdown.

People need to realize that in today’s cars the main source of power is still the battery.  The battery is not just used to start the engine; it is also used to supply electrical energy that maintains the memory of the numerous computers onboard.  Batteries and cable connections that are poorly maintained fail to supply the voltage needed for innovative electronic devises.  This can cause a vehicle to perform erratically. Maintaining your battery and purchasing an auto warranty can save you from breakdowns.  Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts that can help you maintain your car battery.

First, it is important to check cables to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion.  Make sure that terminals are lubricated with petroleum jelly to keep cables clean longer.  Also, the battery should be secured firmly to the mounting bracket.  If it’s not, it can result in short circuits.  Finally, make sure to maintain fluids.  If fluid is low, distilled water should be added.  If there isn’t fluid the battery needs to be replaced.

There are some important things that you shouldn’t do concerning your battery.  Don’t charge your battery if it’s frozen because there is a possibility it could explode.  Instead, you must replace the battery.  Never charge a battery that is dead with an alternator.  The alternator may be damaged in this case.  Also, you shouldn’t disconnect battery cables if your car is running.

Make sure to maintain your battery so it can perform at its peak.  These simple tips can help your battery last longer.  Of course, you never know when your car will fail, so make sure to purchase an auto warranty that will protect you in the event of a breakdown.

Hybrids are wonderful cars. They get good gas mileage, they help our environment, and people who own them love them. And best of all they’re quiet. But are they too quiet?

Often you will hear salesmen tell their customers to be careful when walking out of the showroom. Hybrids are so silent that it is virtually impossible to hear them coming.

This can be dangerous for pedestrians. Many times people walking in a parking lot will have no idea a hybrid is driving close to them. This is also true of bicycles in traffic. This means that hybrid drivers must exercise extra caution. Sometimes it is necessary to honk at pedestrians, however, drivers must learn how to do this politely. Also affective, is rolling down the window with music playing, so people will know you’re coming.

The Honda Civic hybrid might be a good option. Although it is pretty silent, you can still hear it coming since it has a gasoline powered engine. The only problem with this car is that drivers will often grind the ignition by turning it twice. This is because they don’t realize that the car is on.

It is ironic that quiet cars are presenting challenges. Who would have ever thought that a lack of road noise would present a problem? Nevertheless, hybrids are great cars. Motorists should protect their quiet gems with an auto warranty in case of a breakdown. You never want to be faced with unnecessary repair costs.

A 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.

Modern 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.

On 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.

Many 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.

A 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.

The 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.

Of 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.