March 20th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued for 39,711 Outlanders and Lancers from 2008 and 2009 model years because of a brake-booster check valve that is faulty.
This brake-booster check valve was constructed with material composition that is poor, which leaves it vulnerable to stick when the engine isn’t running, says the NHTSA. In turn, this may cause the brakes to lose responsiveness and make the stopping distance increase during slow car maneuvers.
Car owners with these vehicles can contact their dealer to have car valves replaced free of charge. Also, you can contact Mitsubishi directly at 1-800-222-0037 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Unfortunately, you never know when your car will be recalled or experience failure, which is why it is essential to have a good auto warranty. New car warranties will save you from paying unnecessary repair expenses down the road.
March 19th, 2009 by Hal Moses
More and more cars are being loaded with high-tech advances. In fact, some luxury car models have up to 80 switches and knobs to allow for advanced safety and comfort of motorists. Yet, there are more high-tech gadgets coming onto the market.
Soon there will be sign recognition systems that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits. This will come on the market in 2009-2010.
Cameras could replace Sideview mirrors in the future. Images would be displayed on the rearview mirrors on the edges, or on the instrument panel.
We may see chatty cars in the future. Developers are trying to create a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars. For example, skidding due to slick roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers.
Bumper bags could help SUVs be less deadly when hitting a low-riding car. This has been shown to reduce intrusions and cause less injuries.
High-tech gadgets are great for motorists, but only if they learn how to use them before getting on the road. In addition, with any new technology, drivers should have new car warranties to protect themselves from technology failure.
March 18th, 2009 by Hal Moses
In an exceptional instance of noticing an instant impact on customers from federal bailouts, GMAC, which is GM’s financing arm, is going to lower its requirements for credit from a credit score of 700 to 621 to get car loans. GMAC did some restructuring last week to become a bank, and then secured aid of $6 billion from the government yesterday.
This will most definitely help the GM dealers that wanted to secure other ways of providing credit to car shoppers, including a large agreement with credit unions from the Midwest. These new requirements will take effect immediately.
So, if you’ve been wanting to take advantage of GM’s Red Tag Sale, but have had credit scores under 700, now’s the time to test drive a vehicle and make a purchase complete with new car warranties.
March 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Ford Motor Co. is getting on-board the popular small car and crossover markets with a Focus coupe that has been redesigned and the seven seat Flex.
Ford’s marketing manager claimed that fuel-efficiency is the main factor driving the market right now. However, motorists won’t compromise functionality, and the Flex accomplishes fuel-efficiency and function.
The 2009 Ford Flex is all the rage. It has the length of an SUV, while remaining low to the ground. This vehicle gets 24 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city.
The all-new Ford Focus has a sportier exterior. The vehicle has wheels that are larger, with a spoiler and new designs in the front and rear. Also, it gets 35 mpg on the highway and has impressive new car warranties.
Ford is getting on board the small car and crossover craze with the introduction of the all-new Focus and the Flex. Consumers are protecting their wallets by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles and an auto warranty.
March 12th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Why is it finally acceptable for kids age 13 to finally ride in the front seat of the car? Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag? Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?
A big part of the problem is behavior. When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys. In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor. By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.
Around ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically. This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor. This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.
Kids under 13 need to ride in the back seat for their safety. It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag. Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.
March 10th, 2009 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.
March 10th, 2009 by Hal Moses
According to a recent survey conducted by Cars.com, car shoppers are turning to the pre-owned car market in order to save some money on vehicle purchases in these difficult economic times. It was revealed in the survey that 32% of people shopping for cars who were originally looking for a new car have now switched to shopping for a used vehicle instead.
That number is higher than the 27% of people that switched from new to used vehicles in October, even though the credit markets aren’t even close to being as tight currently as they were in October when they seized up.
Car shoppers are trying to find ways to cut costs, and purchasing a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new one is a good way to accomplish that, especially with certified pre-owned cars that come with good new car warranties. However, regardless of whether you purchase a new or used vehicle, make sure to buy a good auto warranty.
March 7th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Do you find that you are apprehensive about negotiating with an auto dealer? Shopping for a vehicle doesn’t have to be nerve-racking, however, you need to be aware of a few things that you shouldn’t say to a dealer.
First, you shouldn’t start talking about monthly payments, instead focus on negotiating the purchase price. It can become confusing when you’re discussing monthly payments because it might be unclear whether the payment is for 24 or 36 months.
Don’t tell the dealer right away if you’re willing to trade-in your car. If the dealer is aware of this he will know that you want to get as much money for your car as possible. The dealer might agree to give you a lot for your trade-in, but usually it’s a smokescreen because then they will fix the price of the new car.
Don’t tell the dealer if you’re planning on paying for the car in cash. They count on making a lot of money in financing, and if they know that they won’t be able to count on that money, chances are they won’t negotiate on the sticker price.
Do your homework before showing up at a dealership. Be prepared with information about new car warranties, financing, and vehicle prices. This will help you negotiate a successful deal on a car.
March 6th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Many people claim to love the smell of a new car. However, the chemicals that gives cars that new smell may be harmful and have been known to cause long-term health issues. However, consumers now have a guide that will aid them in figuring out the cars that are the safest.
An advocacy group in Michigan, called The Ecology Center, recently published a guide about toxic chemicals in vehicles and child seats on Tuesday.
The report deals with harmful substances, such as chlorine, bromine, heavy metals and lead. The Ecology Center got samples of parts that people touch the most, such as center consoles, steering wheels, and seat fronts.
The investigation determined that there are top healthier cars from Smart, Acura, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda. Some cars that created high concern were by Suzuki, Mitsubishi, VW, BMW, Mazda, Lincoln, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Kia.
Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with car safety issues. They are taking precautions, such as doing research on new cars, and purchasing cars with added safety features, and new car warranties.
March 5th, 2009 by Hal Moses
What do you get if the “hybrid†is taken out of a hybrid pickup truck? In the case of GM, you get the XFE, or Xtra Fuel Economy pickup trucks that are full size. These trucks share a lot of running gear and hardware with their hybrid counterparts; however, the exception is the two mode gas-electric powertrain.
The Chevrolet Silverado XFE and GMC Sierra XFE provide fuel-efficiency ratings of 15/21 mpg for city/highway, in comparison to 21/22 mpg for city/highway for GMs two-mode hybrids and 14/20 mpg for non-XFE pickups that are comparable. That is an approximate 5%-7% improvement over the trucks that are non-XFE.
Models that are XFE only come in two-wheel drive with the E85-capable LC9 5.3-liter V-8 and a six-speed transmission that is automatic. An Aluminum engine block, as well as aluminum cylinder heads is used by the LC9 to save weight. In addition, it has active fuel management in order to change the V-8 between eight-cylinder and four-cylinder modes in order to save fuel.
Consumers are looking to save money on fuel, and GM has delivered. Also, consumers are concerned with purchasing cars with good new car warranties in order to avoid unnecessary repair expenses down the road.