Many motorists have been in the situation where an object hits their windshield and a big crack shows up.  Your windshield might even end up bad enough that you have to call your road service program.  However, when do you know if it necessary to replace the windshield or if the crack can just be fixed?

Windshield repair or replacement depends on the location, size and severity of damage.  Windshield shops can usually repair chips the size of a quarter, as well as cracks reaching three inches.  For bigger damage it is recommended that you replace your windshield.

The location of the damage is also a big factor in whether you can keep your windshield.  When a crack is at the edge of your windshield it can affect the structure of the glass.  In this case it is usually best to replace your windshield.

Many facilities won’t repair a chip if it’s in the direct line of the driver’s vision.  The repair process may result in minor glass distortions, which are unsafe for the driver. After all, you don’t want to end up calling for emergency roadside assistance.

Keep in mind, whatever the location or size of the glass damage, it is necessary to have it looked at right away.  Waiting can result in dirt getting in the damaged area, which can affect the repair job.  And, always have an auto warranty to protect yourself down the road.

For motorists who like to take things into their own hands, the Internet is the place to look for valuable information.  Consumers are seeking research online to aid them in buying a new automobile, finding out about car service, and finding a good auto warranty.

A new study shows that 74 percent of people who do research on service and parts say they are utilizing the Internet more now than two years ago.  In addition, 90 percent of motorists researching service information about automobiles say that the Internet influenced their purchase.

Customers who are well informed can do a good job of describing issues for potential repair when they visit their mechanic for maintenance.  However, it can be a problem when car owners try to do significant repairs by themselves because many times they make misdiagnoses on their car.  This can end up harming their car more.

For example, if a motorist replaces the alternator because the car is having trouble starting, when in fact the battery should have been changed, it could cost hundreds of dollars to rectify the situation.

It is good for consumers to use the Web to research about cars because it can aid their mechanic.  However, motorists who think they can fix anything could end up stranded somewhere.  At any rate, it is always good to have used car warranties to protect your wallet.

Thousands of people die every year as the result of auto accidents.  Some simple safety knowledge could have prevented these crashes.  Here are some tips to help you drive safely and to keep you from having to make road service calls.

First, if you are on any medications, take a close look at your product label to check if there are any side effects that could affect your driving.  You don’t want to get on the road if your medicine causes drowsiness.

Next, make sure that children are restrained securely and appropriately for their size and age.  Children under 12 years of age need to be in the back seat.  Just by putting your children in the back you can reduce deaths and injuries 30%.

Driver inattention is one of the leading causes of car crashes.  Drivers should eliminate distractions by staying off of cell phones and refraining from playing with gadgets on the dashboard.

Finally, it is a good idea to have a safety kit in your vehicle.  It should have a flashlight, first aid kit, water, nonperishable foods, blankets, and jumper cables.  Of course, the most important tool is a cell phone that will allow you to make a call for emergency roadside assistance.  And, always protect yourself with an auto warranty.

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.

If you’re planning to put your car up for sale you need to be able to assess it properly.  It can be difficult for people to see their car the way that other people do, because you have made a special connection with it.  However, following these tips will help you evaluate your car objectively.

Some vehicle owners deceive themselves into thinking that their vehicle has a greater worth than it really does.  People see their cars as being in excellent condition, even when there is obvious wear and tear.  Even when people purchase an auto warranty in order to maintain their vehicles, they need to realize that their car isn’t fresh like when they bought it new.  Just remember that your vehicle’s condition is the most important thing to buyers, so assess it accurately.

When talking to potential buyers it is best to disclose all information about your vehicles true condition.  Usually, you don’t need to take your car to a body shop to get it looking perfect.  People realize that they are getting a used vehicle and often don’t want to spend the extra money on a perfect car body.  The most affective thing that you can do is to have your car washed and waxed, which is equivalent to the curb appeal of a house.  This will allow your old gem to look its best, without costing you an arm and a leg.

When trying to sell your vehicle, make sure to assess it honestly.  You don’t want to hold out for a lot of money if you are never going to get it.

It’s 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 and roadside assistance to ensure that it is covered in the event of a breakdown.  Your car will thank you by getting you to your destinations safely.

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 ride”, 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.

Is it necessary to pay $40K in order to get a stimulating, engaging car?  The answer is absolutely not; there are many vehicles out there that come with a good auto warranty for under $25K.  Here are a few to consider.

The Honda Civic Si is a great choice at $21,110.  This is a high performance car with a sleek shape.  It also sports a sport-tuned suspension that is grippy.  The engine on this vehicle has a 197 hp, 2.0 liter four cylinder I-VTEC.  This car will have you smiling for many miles.

The Ford Mustang V6 Pony Car is a muscle car with a taste of retro.  The Pony Package will give you 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a grille treatment, as well as floor mats and striping.  This is a 210hp V6 that will deliver loads of thrust.

If a convertible is your style, look to the Pontiac Solstice.  This is a 173 hp, 2.4-liter.  This vehicle comes standard with an 18-inch rolling rock, big brakes, and balanced chassis providing an exhilarating open-air experience.

Any of these vehicles will make you think you’re driving a car with a sticker of $40K, when in reality you’ll only shell out less than $25K.  All of these come with new car warranties that will give you peace of mind.

An extended auto warranty can bring motorists peace of mind.  However, drivers need to get the most out of their auto warranty by keeping documents organized and asking the right questions.  Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your auto warranty.

Often times an extended auto warranty requires service records.  This is why it is necessary to keep your records straight.  Create a central location for your records if you don’t already have one.  This will alleviate frustrations down the road when you are trying to locate documents.

Don’t just rely on your computer to keep records.  Print hard copies of records if you buy an auto warranty online.  You never know when your computer will be down, and it could be when you need your auto warranty.

Make sure to read everything in the auto warranty.  If something isn’t written in the contract, then it isn’t covered.  Never make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.

Finally, make sure that you have contact information accessible to you at all times.  This will make things easier when you have a claim.

It’s the moment that every motorists dreads, a flat tire.  You don’t know if you ran over glass or hit a nail, but you need to take action.  You may need to call for road service, and then you have to have the tire fixed or do it yourself.  Surprisingly, it isn’t that hard to repair a tire yourself, and you can save the extra expense of having a repair shop do it.  Here’s how.

First, it is necessary to determine the location of the puncture.  You can do this by submerging the tire in water and watching where the bubbles come from.  Before you can patch the tire you must remove any foreign objects stuck in the tire.  You can pull out the object with pliers.  Be sure to pull out the object in the direction of the tread so you don’t do additional damage to the tire.

Now, use a tire reamer and clean out the hole from the inside of the tire.  Center the patch over the puncture to ensure proper sizing.  Take off the patch and coat an awl using cement.  You should run the awl in the hole a few times to make sure the damaged area is coated adequately.  Then, put a coat of vulcanizing cement directly on the patch and tire and let it dry.

Next, apply a layer of cement on the stem of the patch and then pull the stem through.  When the patch stem is all the way through the hole, cut it off.

Now, you are ready to get back out on the road.  With a little diligence you can do a quick tire fix and save yourself a trip to the repair shop.  However, always protect yourself with an auto warranty to avoid expenses down the road.