It’s obvious that car manufacturers have dragged their feet on developing fuel-efficient vehicles.  But it isn’t conspiracy theories that have slowed them down.  Americans have talked about fuel-efficiency for years, but when it came time to purchase an automobile, people didn’t really care about mpg.  They bought the vehicle that they really wanted, complete with an auto warranty to protect it.

Recently, J.D. Power and Associates did a study with 100,000 car shoppers asking drivers to rank what their buying priorities are.  Any idea where fuel economy ended up on the list?  It was eighth place.  Reliability came in 1st, and even image and performance were cited as being more important than fuel economy.

Money is what talks, and car manufacturers listen.  If it were between a fuel-efficient hatchback and the giant SUV with a V8 and advanced technology, we know which way the money will go.  After all, auto manufacturers are capitalists and are happy to oblige.  Especially when you consider that they earn at least $5,000 in profit for a luxury sedan or SUV, and the small car results in a loss.

For drivers who are sick of paying the high fuel prices and who aren’t willing to wait for automakers to put affordable electric cars on the market, CNN has reported that car owners are doing conversions on their gas powered vehicles to make them electric powered.

The conversion has been described as “surprisingly easy”, which involves taking out the guts of the vehicle, such as the exhaust system and radiator, and making replacements to some, like the fuel injector, with components that are electric.  Of course, you could only say this process was “easy” if you regularly do engine swaps.  Many drivers don’t even know how to change their oil on their own.

Supporting this industry of do-it-yourself are suppliers that sell the parts necessary to complete the conversion, like Electric Vehicles of America.

Once you do that work, the car should be equipped with lead-acid batteries, since lead-acid batteries remain very expensive at $10,000-$20,000.  A truck that is small and has 20 6-volt batteries will reach a speed of 60 mph and run for approximately 40 miles.

Before undertaking a conversion such as this, make sure you know that it will make your auto warranty become null and void.  Also, messing with the inner workings of you vehicle can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have any experience.

Nowadays, it is a necessity to have a vehicle.  Yet, everyone is not capable of purchasing a new car.  Buying a used car is a great option in this instance, but sometimes it can be complex to arrange for funds.  Used vehicle auto loans are a good answer to this problem.

The purpose of these loans is to provide you with financial aid for the purpose of buying a used car.  Anyone can use these loans, regardless of credit score.  In order to get a lone for a larger amount you need a secured loan in which you must offer collateral.  An unsecured auto loan is sufficient if you just need a small amount of funding.

You can find used vehicle auto loans online.  Thousands of lenders are available, and you can compare conditions and terms for the best rate.  Doing it online accelerates the approval and you only need a few days to drag the necessary funds into your personal bank account.

There are many benefits to used vehicle auto loans.  You aren’t discriminated against because of credit, it is a fast easy procedure, and you can choose any model and make.  After finding your loan online, don’t forget to go ahead and compare rates for an auto warranty.  You don’t want to face unnecessary repair costs down the road.

Most people realize that hypermiling is not the safest practice; in fact it leads to car accidents. However, many people still do it.  Well now, AAA is weighing in with their view on the subject.

AAA has released a very strong warning saying that practices to save gas, in which illegal driving techniques are used, are dangerous, and therefore shouldn’t be used.  They are referring to practices like drafting off of other cars by tailgating, rolling stops, and turning off the car while driving.

Other gas saving practices toe the line of acceptability.  For example, motorists who have manual transmissions sometimes cruise in neutral to conserve fuel.  This practice is fairly common, yet safety advocates express concerns about motorists not having complete control of their cars.  Also controversial is the practice of utilizing neutral with automatic transmissions, however some drivers who do this say that they can do it safely.  AAA also doesn’t bring up the fact that there are numerous local laws having to do with improper driving, like not keeping your vehicle in gear.

Although motorists are tempted to do anything possible to save money on gas, including skimping on an auto warranty, people need to realize the danger involved in illegal driving techniques.  Unfortunately, hypermiling has been known to lead to car accidents, which is why it is important to have roadside assistance. In addition, drivers should have good used car warranties to avoid unnecessary repair costs, should they arise.

Vehicles make people irrational.  They become our babies and we wash and wax them every weekend.  People even talk to their cars and give them an affectionate pat every now and then.  But as much as we love our cars, we don’t need to spend unnecessary money on them.  Here are some things that you might be wasting your money on.

First of all, you don’t need to purchase premium gas over regular.  Buy the gas that is the cheapest that doesn’t allow your engine to knock.  The purpose of octane is to prevent knock, so if your car isn’t knocking with regular gas, you’re fine.

Typically, car manufacturers suggest that you get an oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles.  Many people feel that they need oil changes every 3,000 miles.  This is only necessary if you’re hard on your vehicle.

Also, people waste money by having repairs done at a dealer.  Independent shops will do a good job for much less money.  And make sure you have an auto warranty so you aren’t paying unnecessary repair costs.  Also, roadside assistance will save you money in the long run.

Just being aware of where you are wasting money can allow you a big savings.  Don’t let people talk you into unnecessary car expenses.

There is nothing worse than getting your car repaired and hearing, “It isn’t covered under your auto warranty.”  Often, motorists are confused because they assume that certain repairs are covered.  Drivers need a little education to understand more about their new car warranties.

People need to understand that an auto warranty isn’t an entitlement, but an agreement you make with the car manufacturer.  Your responsibility is to fulfill specific maintenance requirements that the manufacturer sets.  After doing your part, the manufacturer must perform repairs resulting from a defect or a failed part.

So, what parts are covered?  The auto manufacturer must cover the parts that it makes.  For example, transmissions, engines, steering, suspension, computers, instruments, chassis wiring, and other parts that they manufacture are covered.  Maintenance items and wearable items aren’t covered under new car warranties.  For example, filters, hoses, belts, brakes and tires aren’t covered.

What about the parts not made by the manufacturer of the car?  Items such as stereo systems and conversion components have a warranty through their manufacturers.  These can be found in paper work you received with the purchase of the car.

The best thing that you can do to avoid misunderstandings about new car warranties is to educate yourself.  Make sure that you do your homework and read all of the fine print in your auto warranty.

It wasn’t long ago, when gas prices were at $4 per gallon and a new Toyota Prius would cost you around $25,000 and your first-born child.  Well, since it has been acknowledged that we are in a yearlong recession and gas prices are rock bottom, demand for the once popular hybrid is upside down.

Cars.com did an inventory search on their website, finding 1,241 Prius’ for sale within a 500 mile radius of Chicago.  Yet, there were only three Toyota Camry Hybrids and 124 Ford Escape Hybrids in the same area.

According to Toyota, last month it sold 8,660 Prius’, which is down considerably from 16,737 last year.

So what does this information mean?  Could it be that low gas prices have turned car shoppers off of the most well known hybrid out there?  Or does it just say that everyone is feeling the hit of the economy, so they are waiting to buy vehicles and instead just hanging onto their current ones with the addition of an auto warranty?

There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with car problems; however, being stuck with a flat tire shouldn’t be a big deal if you know how to change your tire yourself.  Follow these few simple steps to change your tire quickly and get you back on the road.

First of all, there are a few things that you will need to do this job.  Usually, car manufacturers put these tools, as well as a spare tire under the trunk floor.  There you should find a diamond jack, tire iron and spare tire.

Next, you should begin to loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car up.  To do this put the tire iron on a lug nut and put your foot on top of the iron.  This way you can use the weight of your body to loosen the nut.  Make sure you don’t strip the nuts because then you won’t be able to complete the job yourself, and you’ll need to call for roadside assistance.

Now it’s time to jack up your car.  It’s important to put the jack in the right location.  The jack needs to push the frame of the car up for it to work correctly.  Usually, frames have slots by each tire to fit the jack.  Put the jack underneath that notch and twist the lever in order to open the jack.  The car should begin rising.

Use your hands to finish loosening the lug nuts, and pull off your old tire.  Now, place the new tire on.  Go ahead and tighten the lug nuts with your hands, lower the car, and continue tightening with the tire iron.  Now you’re good to go!

There are many car problems that will leave you stranded and calling your road service program.  However, a flat tire is something you can take care of yourself.  Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be back on the road in no time. And always protect yourself with an auto warranty.

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 trap”, 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.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a small SUV you’re in luck because there are many good choices.  Compact SUVs offer practicality, fuel-efficiency, and nice style.  In fact you can find many models for under $25,000 complete with an auto warranty.  So what are the best and worst models to consider?  Read on.

The Honda CR-V is the #1 compact SUV.  It scored the highest for performance, safety, and interior.  According to reviewers, it drives really well, has a sleek design and offers ample storage room.  Following close behind, the Toyota RAV4 comes in second place in its class.  This vehicle has a surprising amount of power for its size. It now offers a V-6 engine, as well as a third row seat. The RAV4 was the first compact SUV in its class over a decade ago.  Coming in #3 is the Subaru Forester.  This SUV is known for being a fun, family-friendly vehicle.  Reviewers complained about the exterior being bland and the balky transmission, but were willing to overlook these things because it had some great positive features.

Unfortunately, there are some compact SUVs that didn’t rank as well.  In last place was the Saturn Vue Hybrid.  According to reviewers, it isn’t very refined and isn’t as fuel thrifty as many other hybrids.  Also at the bottom of the list is the Mazda Tribute because its power and handling doesn’t match its competitors.  Finally, the Jeep Compass drives more like a car, but doesn’t have the sportiness or off-road capabilities that other Jeeps have.

If you’re looking to buy a compact SUV, there are many great choices out there.  The most important thing is to do your homework and make sure you are choosing wisely.  Also keep in mind the cost of new car warranties, maintenance costs and auto loans when determining your budget.