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What To Do If Your Brakes Squeal

images-54.jpgBrake pad vibrations that result in a high-pitched noise are the cause of brake squeal.  When pads don’t have proper insulation from the caliper, vibration occurs.  The factory will equip brake pads with insulator shims, clips, and even a silicone backing that allows the pad to stay glued to the caliper.  This helps to prevent vibrations.

Often times when brake pads become too hard brake squeal occurs.  The hard and smooth surfaces then rub together to produce a noise equivalent to nails on the blackboard.  When this occurs, it is necessary to resurface the rotors and replace brake pads.  This will eliminate the squealing.

You should also have your rotors resurfaced when you have your brakes done.  Not doing this will result in squealing.  When replacing brake pads, the rotor refinishing should be done with a non-directional finish.  This will make sure that brake pads are broken in properly.

Act immediately if brake squeal occurs.  Take your car to a highly trained technician to make sure that your brakes are treated appropriately.  And, make sure you have used car warranties to cover repairs performed.  After all, you don’t want to end up paying unnecessary costs.

Are Satellite Navigation Devices Responsible For Car Accidents?

images-4.jpgSatellite navigation devices, or the popular GPS interfaces that many motorists have in their vehicles, are, seemingly, responsible for a large share of accidents and driving practices that are risky.

With almost half of the motorists on the roads having access to devices such as these in their vehicles, it appears that this technology has penetrated the market.  Drivers who have satellite navigation devices are much more likely to be involved in a minor accident or risky behaviors.  In fact, 1.5 million say that they have engaged in sudden maneuvers, and approximately 5 million admit to going against the flow of traffic.

GPS systems fall into the same category as other car distractions, such as cell phones, kids, the radio, or passengers.  This might be one of the reasons that road safety campaigns say that ‘Good Drivers Just Drive’.

Drivers should pre-plan their trips in order to avoid GPS distractions.  In addition, drivers should protect themselves by purchasing used car warranties, and avoiding other in car distractions.

BMW Announces Cuts

images-3.jpgPremium German carmaker BMW AG announced Friday, that due to a drastic downturn in car markets in past weeks it won’t be able to meet previously intended targets for 2008.  This is after seeing a decline of 33% in second quarter net profit.  BMW also announced that 2009 is also going to be a very difficult year.

BMW’s announcement was a surprise to the markets, especially since they brought out their earnings statement early, by four days.  They claimed that a drastic slide in used car prices means that they aren’t able to make the necessary returns on the vehicles they lease and then sell.  Also, new vehicle sales are falling in markets that are key due to the weak economy, consumers spending less, and harder financing conditions.

This warning comes soon after the announcement by the big three U.S. carmakers, General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford Motor Co, that they were forced to offer less-generous and fewer lease deals because of the used vehicle market deterioration.  In fact, GMAC LLC has planned to cut back their leasing business by half.

Consumers are apprehensive to purchase cars because of the weak economy and high gas prices.  They are already shelling out money for auto loans, used car warranties, and maintenance costs, and don’t want additional costs.  Unfortunately, the auto industry is suffering.

How To Avoid Speeding Tickets

images-91.jpgWe’ve all been there.  You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you.  You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it.  With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket.  Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.

Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster.  Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.

All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone.  Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.

After signing up, you’re ready to get out on the road.  If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1” on your cell phone.  This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.

This system is ideal because it’s “hands free”, which means it’s safe for drivers.  Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.

New Driving Laws For Teen Drivers In Minnesota

images-312.jpgAs of August 1st new teen driving laws will take effect, which will help teens sharpen their driving skills.  During the first driving year, teens won’t be able to drive late at night or carry multiple teenage passengers.

The Department of Public Safety claims that teens in Minnesota are overrepresented in car accidents every year because of distractions, driver inexperience, driving at night, and not using seat belts.  From 2005-2007, drivers who were 16 and 17 yrs old had involvement in 116 crashes that were fatal, which resulted in 133 deaths.

Having these laws will allow teen drivers to be safer and result in less injuries and deaths on roads in Minnesota.  Also, having used car warranties and maintaining cars will help teens stay safe on the roads.

The limitation on nighttime driving during the initial six-month licensure period will prohibit teens from driving after midnight, until 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a driver of at least 25 yrs of age.  Drivers who are 16 and 17 yrs old are approximately three times more likely to have a car crash resulting in a fatality at night than in the daytime.

The limitation on passengers for the initial six-month licensure period will allow just one passenger under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.  Throughout the second six-month period of licensure, there can’t be more than three other people in the car under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.

It is recommended by the DPS that parents help reinforce these laws and protect their children by making strict driving rules, purchasing an auto warranty, and keeping cars maintained.

Do High Fuel Prices Make Car Insurance Rates Go Up?

images-214.jpgMotorists have been able to enjoy car insurance rates that have been low for several years, but now that is all changing.

According to Insurance.com, which is a car insurance agency online, in Illinois and Missouri, rates went up 3.8% from April to June.

A vehicle owner in Missouri who paid $1,569 per year now has to pay $1,629.  A car owner in Illinois who previously paid $1,512 now has to pay $1,570.

Illinois and Missouri were two of ten states that have had the largest increase in car premiums, according to the study.

Throughout the nation, this was the second quarter in a row for rate increases, which shows the trend of steady or falling car rates has reversed.

Insurance companies must pay fixed costs, so when motorists can’t afford to sign up for policies, insurers have to keep their profits up by decreasing benefits, increasing existing customers’ rates, and increasing deductibles.  Consumers are already paying many auto costs, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and high gas prices, so high insurance rates are going to hit Americans hard.

The Honda Accord Is Named The Best Used Car

images-117.jpgForbes has assessed all of the cars out there to conclude that the Honda Accord is the best used car. In addition, this means that the Accord is the best certified pre-owned car on the market.

According to Forbes, there are many certified pre-owned vehicles, however, the Honda Accord deserves to be acknowledged because of several outstanding qualities. In order to come to a decision, Forbes looked at data on reliability from Consumer Reports Magazine. In addition, they considered safety, as well as the availability of used car warranties.

Coming in second and third on the list were the Saturn Relay and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Then, came the Pontiac G6, Mercedes Benz E-class and the VW new Beetle.

Certified pre-owned vehicles go through rigorous testing to make sure they are in sound condition. Then, auto dealers refurbish them if needed, and give them a limited auto warranty. This has become a booming practice, and consumers are reaping the benefits.

Car Loans For Students Make Owning A Reality

images-111.jpgCollege students who live a long distance from their school find it hard to commute on a daily basis. It can be tough to wait for a bus, as well as time consuming. Having a vehicle can help a great deal in this situation. But students are usually tight for cash, so they need to get auto loans for students.

Students must plan their budget well. Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a great option for students because they are cheaper than new vehicles. Of course there are other expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, used car warranties, and fuel that come along with car ownership. So, it is necessary to consider these factors when calculating the cost of buying a car. Car loans for students are designed so that students can repay loans without problems. Loans such as these are offered through banks and financial companies.

Students with bad credit are even eligible to apply for car loans for students; however, their interest rate will be high. To make the interest rate lower, students can arrange to have a co-signer. Auto loans for students are considered secure because if the student can’t repay the loan, the lender will take the car, and sell it to recover the loan amount.

Commuters Are Changing Their Attitudes Due To Gas Prices

images-38.jpgIf fuel prices keep rising at this rate, people are going to have to drastically change their attitudes. Drivers must learn to cope by changing their commutes or even relocating.   Europeans are already paying triple what Americans are shelling out for fuel.  However, they have the advantage of a public easily accessible transportation system.

There is already a transformation taking place.  The California New Car Dealers Association recently reported that during the first three months this year subcompacts saw the highest gains in sales.  During this same period, large SUVs and pickup trucks reported the largest losses.

People may find that their love affair with living in suburbia will fade as gas prices reach a predicted $7 per gallon within the next two years.  Commuting long distances will put a strain on people’s budgets, and people will opt for urban living where they are closer to their places of employment.  People will find that purchasing a slightly smaller home closer to their workplace for a similar price will make their lives easier.

In the meantime, people are making easy, short-term changes to their lives.  For example, people are either buying small, fuel-efficient vehicles, or holding onto their current vehicles and purchasing used car warranties to keep them running forever.

Where To Find Handicap-Accessible Vehicles

images-61.jpgIt can prove to be challenging to find a vehicle that is handicap-accessible to suit your needs.  And, it can be virtually impossible to try to sort through newspaper ads.  A very useful website started by Rick Shutes is HandicapAutoTrader.com.  His goal was to help disable people find vehicles that they find suitable.

HandicapAutoTrader.com is helpful for both buyers and sellers.  People who are looking to buy can search many available cars, free of charge, and get in touch with the staff of the website through phone or e-mail.  Sellers can list their vehicles with three images, all for free.

The website lets motorists search for vehicles according to desired features.  Also, you can do searches by various categories, such as make, model, year, etc.  Also, there is a convenient feature, “Easy Compare Vehicles”.  This allows people to do comparisons of vehicles side-by-side.

Whenever you purchase a vehicle, you need to do your homework.  Make sure you do some research on cars, used car warranties, and car loans before you make a decision.  This will ensure that you get good deals.



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