June 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Unfortunately, drivers can be faced with an unpleasant surprise in the morning when they discover they have a weak battery. Some people may be lucky enough to be covered by auto road service, however others may not. A car won’t start when the starter is not receiving the power that it needs. However, help is here. Continental now has The Intelligent Battery Sensor, which gives a warning if age is making the battery run down. It does this by determining the charge status of your car’s battery.
One third of vehicle breakdowns are due to batteries that are empty. One reason for this is because today’s car batteries must do more than in past years. Just look at all of the responsibilities that car electronics have taken on. They ensure that passengers are safer, simplify orientation in traffic, and make passengers more comfortable. This means that batteries also have higher requirements. This is why Continental’s Electronic Battery Sensor is so beneficial.
Although the new battery sensor is small, it is a great advancement in technology. It will allow motorists to have an indication of when to change their batteries. This will definitely cut down on drivers being stranded. However, technology is never full proof, so it is a good idea to protect yourself with an auto warranty.
June 30th, 2010 by Hal Moses
The decision to buy or lease can be a difficult one. Car shoppers should consider more than just their budget. Typically, leasing tends to be cheaper, but it also leaves drivers with no equity after the contract is up. There are some important factors to keep in mind when making this important decision.
First, you should look at the cost. Consider four factors when you’re thinking of leasing. These are the leases length, the payments monthly, the mileage restrictions, and the down payment. If you exceed the restrictions on the mileage you could ring up big fines. Also, if you hold onto a lease for more than three years you will often have to replace tires and pay for other maintenance.
Next, take a good look at your budget. Leases are almost always cheaper for short-term because there isn’t a down payment and the monthly costs are low. However, leases end up being more expensive than buying a vehicle that you are going to keep for a decade. This is assuming that you purchase an auto warranty with your car so that you don’t end up paying unnecessary expenses. But if drivers prefer to have a new car every three years, leasing is the way to go.
Also, you need to consider your life plans. If you are going through life changes, such as moving far away, or starting a family, you are going to benefit from leasing. This will provide you with the flexibility that you need.
Consider these factors and make a decision to buy or lease based on your needs. Just remember, if you buy, you want to be covered with an auto warranty to save you money on unnecessary repair costs down the road.
June 29th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Unless you are actually a mechanic yourself, it may require a leap of faith to deal with a repair shop. However, paying attention to your mechanic’s actions can give you clues to their honesty. Here are some things to look out for.
If your mechanic says you need to flush your engine right away, or it will go bad, he might be padding your bill. Some shops will recommend procedures that aren’t necessary. Also, they may want you to schedule tasks that are premature. Pay attention to your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.
Also, you don’t want to go to a shop that makes every repair recommendation sound like an emergency. This is a scare tactic for consumers who aren’t mechanically inclined.
If your mechanic tells you the new fuel injectors didn’t fix it, so you will need a new fuel pump, you are dealing with a parts replacer. This is a mechanic who is rebuilding your vehicle because he is unable to diagnose the problem. This is one reason an auto warranty is essential.
It can be hard for motorists to know which mechanics are trying to “take them for a rideâ€, however, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself. First of all, make sure you have an auto warranty so you aren’t paying unnecessary repair costs. Secondly, follow these tips to see if your mechanic is acting honestly.
June 29th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Consumers can experience sensory overload when walking down the car care isle at their local store. It can be confusing to know what products to purchase, or even if you need to purchase them. Some people assume that if you have a factory auto warranty that includes the finish, you don’t need to bother washing and waxing, but this isn’t true.
A factory auto warranty will protect you by ensuring that the paint job was sound, that they used quality paint, and that it was cured correctly. However, new car warranties won’t protect you from oxidation that occurs over time. This happens naturally if you don’t care for your finish. Car wax serves the purpose of being a sacrificial layer between Mother Nature and your paint.
If new car owners want to keep their finishes looking great, they don’t have to spend a lot of time or money. Preventative maintenance is the key for your finish, just like it’s under the hood. All you have to do is wash your vehicle frequently with car care products. Even just a basic car wash will do a lot to help protect your investment. After washing, you can spray-on a wax that will boost the shine and extend the intervals between regular wax jobs.
June 29th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Teens are known for making driving mistakes, which unfortunately can result in car accidents. This leaves parents feeling anxious, not knowing if their teen driver is safe. There are numerous devices out there that allow parents to track their teenage drivers. However, now parents can track their teen right from their own keychain.
Many technologies out there monitor the speed and location of your teenage driver, and some even videotape who’s riding in the car. However, now there is a Canadian company that is offering a new device called the Lemur Autovision keychain. For the low price of $99.95, parents are able to track the maximum speed that their teen is driving, as well as excessive braking and distance traveled. Essentially all that it requires is the installation of a non-GPS based sensor box and the monitor keychain. This system doesn’t invade a teen’s privacy, but allow parents to discipline children for speeding. And the best part is that it is tamper proof and protected by a PIN, which lets parents know if there have been attempts to fool the system.
Parents need to take extra precautions to keep their teen drivers safe, which includes purchasing a roadside assistance program, an auto warranty, monitoring teen driving, and setting strict guidelines. You can never be too careful when it comes to your children.
June 26th, 2010 by Hal Moses
So, you’ve been researching cars and you know what’s out there. You’ve gotten quotes from the Internet, and you know about rebates and used car warranties, yet you still haven’t found the right vehicle for the right price. Don’t worry, there’s a car out there for you. Follow these tips to get a good deal.
To save big get a car model at the end of the year before the new model is about to be sold. For instance, a motorist bought a 2000 Honda Civic coupe late in the year, soon before the release of the seventh-generation Civic, which saved him thousands of dollars.
Another smart tactic to save on a used car purchase is to look at buying a rental car. Most rental companies, such as Alamo and Hertz sell their vehicles. Although their cars usually have high mileage, they are put through a rigorous maintenance schedule. This will allow you to save approximately one-third of the cost of the car new.
Finally, consider looking at demo models from dealerships, which are often used for test drives. These cars typically have very low-mileage and you can get a great deal on them.
Any consumer who is educated can get a used vehicle for a good deal. By researching, and trying different options, you are bound to get a good vehicle. However, when buying used, always protect yourself with an auto warranty in case of repairs that are unforeseen down the road.
June 26th, 2010 by Hal Moses
If you are thinking of selling your car you need to make a proper assessment of your vehicle. Sometimes it can be hard to see your vehicle the ways others see it, because you have a special connection to it. Here are some tips to help you.
Some car owners trick themselves into believing that their car is worth more than it really is. People are convinced that their car is in excellent condition when it actually has a lot of where and tear. Even if you have an auto warranty and have tried to keep your vehicle maintained, know that it is a used car and it isn’t as fresh as when you bought it. When you are trying to sell a used vehicle its condition is the most important thing, so assess it honestly.
It is best to give an honest disclosure as to your cars true condition. In most cases you don’t need to go to a body shop to get your car looking perfect. People know they are buying a used car and don’t usually want to spend the extra money on a perfect body. The best thing that you can do is to take your car to get a wash and wax. This is equivalent to a houses curb appeal. This will make your car look its best without spending a fortune.
If you are trying to sell your car make sure you make an honest assessment of your vehicle. You don’t want to hold onto a vehicle waiting for money if your never going to get it.
June 24th, 2010 by Hal Moses
People love to get a new car, but they don’t love the new car payments. But, although you can’t avoid those monthly payments, you can keep them reasonable. And make sure to factor in other costs, such as new car warranties, maintenance, and auto loans. Here are some tips to keep those car payments down.
Make sure you purchase a car that you need, not necessarily one that is on the lot. Often, cars on the lot have more features than you need. Dealers’ benefit from selling you one of these cars. Not only do they move a vehicle off their lot, they sell you a more expensive car.
Only buy features that you must have. For example, air conditioning is something most of us can’t live without, yet we don’t need climate control air conditioning. You can save a lot of money by living without luxury features. Watch out when the dealer tries to sell you power seats, audio systems, and tire packages. All of these things are nice, but not essential.
You can save a lot by avoiding a bigger engine. Test-drive a car model that has a standard engine. You might find that the car has more than enough power. By skipping the engine upgrade, you can save money upfront, as well as on fuel down the road.
Follow these simple tips to save yourself from paying high monthly payments. However, realize that the one thing that you shouldn’t skimp on is purchasing an auto warranty. You don’t want to be stuck with unnecessary repair costs down the road.
June 24th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Modern vehicles feature innovative technology that has drivers in awe. This technology is beneficial to us all, as long as we know how to use it. Yet, how many motorists actually learn the functions of these switches and controls?
When a driver gets behind the wheel, he should feel as if he is one with his car. People think of driving as a simple task to perform. It may seem elementary to steer, and use the throttle and pedals. However, driving is much more involved than that. In order to be a defensive driver, people need to understand all of the operations of their technology before ever pulling out of the driveway.
Searching for dials and buttons while driving is dangerous because then the driver can’t focus on the road. It is best to perform a list of operations before driving. For example, a safe driver will turn knobs and flick switches in a familiar sequence. It is also necessary to check gauges, such as oil pressure after starting the engine.
Enjoy the advanced technology that your vehicle has to offer, but discover the functions before hitting the road. This will save you from getting into an accident. Of course, with any new technology you should cover yourself with an auto warranty. This will save you from unnecessary expenses down the road.
June 24th, 2010 by Hal Moses
You might find that your car has become a mess from kids, pets, friends, etc. But how are you supposed to keep it clean with kids spitting up and people having four-course meals in your backseat? Let’s face it; it can be hard. However, here are some tips to help you get started.
You might want to insist that whatever people bring in the car they have to take it out. This means that kids should be responsible for the cups, stuffed animals, books, etc. Also, you could limit them to only bringing one item each car ride.
Keep a trash bag from the kitchen in your vehicle. This comes in handy for trash, or for dirty wet clothes. You can have your oldest child be in charge of the trash bag.
For toddlers, purchase spill proof snack bowls and cups. You can buy a “snack trapâ€, which keeps Cheerios from spilling all over your floor.
Keep toothpaste in your glove compartment. This can save you from a stain on your upholstery. Just rub gently on lipstick or ketchup stains to remove stains.
Purchase some rubber mats to go on top of your carpet. If you don’t want to spend the extra money you can even turn your carpet mats upside down to reveal the rubber side.
It’s never easy to keep your car clean when you have a busy lifestyle, however, these tips will help. Don’t just purchase an auto warranty to maintain your car, put a little bit of work into cleaning the interior.