April 15th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Buying a new vehicle is an exciting event in most people’s lives. People often want to flaunt their priceless possessions for everyone to see. Drivers purchase an auto warranty to protect their jewels, and treat their cars with loving care. In addition, they try not to let their vehicle get any scratches. A car that is scratch free and has a shiny finish is a good reflection of its owner and brings a lot of driving pleasure.
However, with heavy traffic that is bumper to bumper, it is difficult to keep your beautiful gem scratch free. In fact, it is inevitable that your vehicle will receive a scratch or two no matter what measures you take.
Never fear, you don’t have to spend thousands at a shop getting your entire car panel painted. You can use Com-Paint, which is a touch up spray that allows you to say goodbye to scratches. Follow these simple tips.
On small scratches you can use Aeroshot Top Cut to remove and cleanse the surface that is scratched. This will most likely take care of the scratches so that they won’t need painting.
For medium scratches level with 1000 No. Emery paper. Shake the can well and hold it 12†from the surface and use a stroking motion to spray. Make sure the coats are light, not heavy. Let the painted area dry at least 72 hours.
Car owners like to feel like their vehicles are brand new. Simple things can allow you to do this such as touch-up painting, routine maintenance, and purchasing new car warranties to protect your vehicle. These simple things can keep your car seeming brand-new.
April 14th, 2010 by Hal Moses
According to The American Consumer Satisfaction Index, the results from its Q2 aren’t good for domestic auto manufacturers. The people at ASCI claim that customer satisfaction is higher than ever for the whole industry, however there aren’t any American automakers that made the top four. And the bottom three on the list are made in America.
Domestic car companies are having problems because they are lagging further behind their counterparts overseas. This will be of no help when the Big Three lose more power with pricing. They will have to continue their dependency on discounting and rebates, in a car market where consumers are deciding to turn to foreign cars. People feel foreign cars are more reliable, and with the addition of an auto warranty, they enjoy the peace of mind that they get with them.
The ACSI is a representation of a customer’s overall satisfaction, which includes customer service and doesn’t necessarily determine the quality of cars. In addition, carmakers don’t have any control over a dealership’s customer service.
April 14th, 2010 by Hal Moses
If you’re a lover of old cars you aren’t alone. Antique car shows all over the U.S. display vintage cars. Crowds gather to admire these charming vehicles. Owners who display their vehicles have a great deal of pride.
Many people who own vintage cars have restored them piece-by-piece, literally. It’s not just that they have rebuilt the vehicle; they have restored it back to its original state.
It is simple to differentiate between rebuilding and restoring a car. A car that has been rebuilt has new parts. A restored car has parts that are authentic to its year and model.
The restoration process encompasses the body of the car and the mechanical components. It is amazing to some people that the actual parts must be original to the year and make of the vehicle, but this is necessary for a true restoration.
The restoration also includes the vehicle’s interior. The upholstery should be repaired whenever possible. It can be nearly impossible to find the exact upholstery for a car’s year and make. If this is the case, you need to get as close as possible to the original.
The restoration of a car is a labor of love, but well worth it. There is no greater satisfaction than turning a piece of junk into a beautiful classic. And don’t forget an auto warranty will bring any motorist peace of mind, especially with a vintage car.
April 10th, 2010 by Hal Moses
American drivers are opting to drive fewer miles and take public transportation when possible. The driving decline is due to a fundamental change in motorists’ habits that started during the high gas prices a couple of summers ago. Starting November of 2007, American motorists have driven 100 billion fewer miles than the exact time span the year before, which marks the largest decline continuously ever recorded in driving history.
The Federal Highway Administration gathered the data, which includes this additional information. Nationwide, public transportation has increased in record numbers, including Amtrak, which made the most money in this fiscal year than in 37 years of business. Vehicle accident fatalities have also seen a decline of 10%.
American drivers are trying to protect their wallets by driving fewer miles. Other things that motorists can do to protect themselves is to sign up for emergency roadside assistance programs, purchase an extended auto warranty and perform regular maintenance.
April 10th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Talking on a cell phone impairs drivers to the same extent of a drunk driver with a blood alcohol level of .08. This is one distraction that teenagers deal with while behind the wheel. They often like to multi-task while driving, which is very risky for themselves and other people.
And in modern times, teens have even more to deal with. They switch CDs, play with iPods, and have the distraction of all of the modern gadgets on dashboards. Also dangerous is the temptation to send text messages while at the wheel. One out of five teens have admitted to doing this. With statistics like these, it is necessary that teens be covered by a roadside assistance program.
Experts say that our brains aren’t capable of driving and multi-tasking because of the unpredictability of driving. For instance, a deer could jump in front of your vehicle, or a cyclist could swerve on the road. These are dangerous events, and especially if the driver isn’t paying attention to the road.
With all of the modern distractions, we need to keep our teen drivers safe. Parents can help their teens by purchasing roadside assistance, an auto warranty and making strict driving rules.
April 9th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Some people think of used cars as being dirty, junky and old. But a different market is making savvy buyers who are looking for updated vehicles pay attention. The bonus is that these cars don’t have the sticker price of new cars.
Certified pre-owned cars have undergone rigid inspections and been refurbished by their manufacturer. Also enticing is that they are backed with an extended auto warranty. Automakers are realizing that they can’t ignore the certified vehicle market.
A recent study shows that certified pre-owned car sales have gone up 46% since the year 2000. It is estimated that 1.5 million certified used vehicles are sold yearly, which is equivalent to approximately 10 % of the sales of new cars.
So what are the best and worst certified pre-owned cars to purchase? Forbes.com has put out a list to help consumers make a good purchase.
At the top of the list of the best CPO cars are Honda Accord and Toyota 4Runner. Following is the Acura TL, and Subaru Impreza. Also, the Lexus GS tops the list.
Cars on the worst list are the Saturn Relay, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Also, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Pontiac G6, and Mercedes Benz E Class make the list.
Certified pre-owned can be a great way to purchase an updated vehicle without the updated cost. Another perk is that they come with an extended auto warranty. Just remember to keep in mind the best and worst CPO car lists when considering a purchase.
April 9th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Many motorists don’t realize that a little bit of routine maintenance can keep you free of expensive car repairs. And most maintenance takes no more time than refilling the fluid for your windshield wipers. Here are a few tips to help keep drivers safe and free of trouble.
Make sure to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you should check your oil at least once a month. You want the oil line on your dipstick to be between the marker lines. If the oil looks dirty or black, it is time to have it changed.
If you’re having trouble shifting gears you are probably having transmission problems. Check the level of the transmission fluid to determine if it is low. Low transmission fluid could indicate a leak. You should refill it with the lubricant your car recommends. If you see leaking on your driveway take your car to a mechanic.
Also, check your coolant levels. You should have your radiator flushed every two years and change your coolant. In addition, make sure your radiator is corrosion free.
Finally, check your tire pressure every two weeks. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, and fill your tires accordingly. Remember, both overinflation and underinflation affect safety and fuel efficiency, so it is important to maintain tire pressure.
These simple maintenance tips can keep you from having major, costly repairs. However, it is important to purchase an auto warranty because you don’t want to be faced with unnecessary expenses down the road.
April 9th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Terms like geometric morphometrics and pareidolia aren’t generally important to people designing or buying cars, however they were significant in a recent study that found that people see faces when looking at vehicles, and typically they prefer ones that look powerful.
Pareidolia is an occurrence in which people actually see faces in various things from clouds to inkblots to cars. A recent study was based on this concept and used geometric morphometrics to let participants rank vehicles on how they looked, using traits that are human like disgusted, sad or extroverted.
The results of the study confirmed that pretty much all people like cars that are powerful looking, like the BMW 5 Series. Also, people tend to shy away from designs that are feeble-looking, like the Toyota Prius because they worry that they won’t be as sturdy and will require a good auto warranty.
Who knows if this research will determine the future designs of cars, but it might mean that we will see more big-mouthed grilles on the roads.
April 8th, 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.
April 6th, 2010 by Hal Moses
The majority of Ford’s models are not only equipped with new car warranties, and numerous safety features, they come with a gas-cap-less fuel tank. Ford is referring to this as “EasyFuel,†which shouldn’t be confused with “FlexFuelâ€, which is when a car can use E85. However, if you get the two mixed up, cars with the EasyFuel system have a warning that E85 won’t flow easily into the gas tank.
When hearing this you may wonder, “Are people too lazy to even screw a gas cap off and on?†but chances are you have actually forgotten a gas cap at a gas station once or twice. And sometimes it can be annoying to remember if your gas cap clicked properly when you turned it.
If you purchase one of the new Fords, you may feel a bit strange just taking the pump in and out without doing anything else. But chances are that you will get used to the convenience after a short time. Oh, and did I mention that the new Fords come with a hefty auto warranty?