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.

If you are thinking of buying a used or new car there are a few things that you should do first.  Taking some simple steps can save you money and make the car buying process easier.

First of all, consider buying a used vehicle.  All new cars lose approximately 30% of their value as soon as you drive them away from the dealership.  With a used car you don’t get that immediate depreciation.

Look at vehicles that will help you save money at the gas pump.  There are many new hybrids and cars that are fuel-efficient.  With all of the options, there is no need to buy a fuel-guzzler.

Next, try to build up a down payment.  Many people put little money down on a car and are surprised by the steep payments they are making the first four years of ownership.  Consumers should try to put down 20% if possible.

Finally, purchase an auto warranty when you purchase a vehicle.  Many people opt not to do this and they end up paying unnecessary maintenance and repair costs.

Following these simple tips will mean big savings down the road.  Make sure to do your homework before driving to the dealership.

With spring and summer approaching, it is important to maintain your car.  The heat is unavoidable and it can do great damage to your vehicle.  Here are a few tips to prepare your car for summer that will help you avoid calling for road service.

First, have your hoses and belts inspected.  Many vehicles today have a serpentine belt running the accessories.  You can lose power steering immediately if it breaks.  Many other problems can also result from faulty hoses and belts.

Also, have a professional look at your air-conditioning system.  You don’t want your system breaking down in the midst of summer heat, so have it looked at now.

Tire damage can actually worsen in intense heat, so check to make sure that your tire pressure is where it should be.  Also, check for visible wear and tear since this could be an indication of poor alignment.

These simple tips can keep your car driving smoothly through the summer months and help you avoid calling for emergency roadside assistance. In addition, an auto warranty will bring you peace of mind. Don’t neglect your vehicle and find yourself stranded in the heat.

One of the family activities that are the most fun is going on road trips.  Over the spring and summer, American families will go on over 320 trips.  Although enjoyable, frustration can accompany families on the road.  Take note of the following do’s and don’ts in order to ensure that your family has a great trip.

The most important thing that you can do is to get your family vehicle a tune-up.  Your vehicle needs to be in top-notch condition.  Nothing is worse than having your car breakdown, leaving you stranded.  This is why an auto warranty is a necessity.

You should plan ahead so that your family knows what is happening during the trip.  This will alleviate stressful situations and help things to go smoothly. In addition, you might want to purchase software to plan your trip and invest in a GPS.  This advanced technology will act as your guide to your desired destination.

Of course, you never know when you will run into speed bumps throughout your trip.  For example, road construction and traffic are inevitable.  However, your trip doesn’t have to be ruined by these inconveniences.  In addition, you can rest assured if you have used car warranties.

The number one safety device is undoubtedly the seat belt.  And even though seat belts save approximately 11,000 people in America from crashes every year, researchers are still working to find improvements for the belts.  If experts in safety have their way, drivers will go from wearing three-point belts to four point belts.  In addition, occupants in the back seats would wear inflatable seat belts.

In 2001, Ford Motor Company showed two new safety belt systems being studied.  Each utilizes a four-point belt system.

One uses two belts that go over the shoulders and connects to a lap belt in the center.  The other one uses two shoulder belts traditional style that criss cross on the chest.

These systems would restrain a person’s body more firmly than the three-point system that is currently used in cars today.  Also, these are actually integrated into the seat, not the structure of the car.

For back seat occupants an inflatable safety belt may soon be an option.  This system uses a shoulder belt that contains an airbag that will inflate in the event of a car collision.

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their cars.  This includes purchasing cars with technologically advanced safety features and buying an auto warranty to protect their cars.

The legendary and powerful V-8 engine is finding its place in history, because very few new cars are using it, according to U.S. car industry reports.  Consumers want to protect themselves with fuel-efficient vehicles that have an auto warranty, and aren’t purchasing vehicles with V-8 engines.

The majority of carmakers are deciding not to put V-8’s under the hoods of family vehicles, USA Today stated in a NY report.  The V-6’s are also losing popularity and people are instead deciding to purchase vehicles with the V-4.  In fact, observers claim that the V-8 in particular isn’t politically correct anymore.

Carmakers who are choosing to introduce new V-8s are tending to confine them to high-performance sports cars, trucks meant for towing, and several premium cars.

New vehicles that are planning to be equipped with a V-8 engine include the Cadillac CTS-V, the Hyundai Genesis, and the Dodge Challenger.  Carmakers are making it a point to stress the fact that the newer V-8s are much more fuel-efficient than in the past.

However, GM is discarding the eight-cylinder engine from next year’s 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and Ford won’t be offering its Lincoln MKS sedan with the V-8.

Consumers are opting for cars with smaller engines that have new car warranties in order to protect their wallets.  V-8s are finding their place in history.

In future car accidents a circuit could be as crucial to survival as a seat belt.  Congress made seat belts mandatory in the 1960’s, which was revolutionary in car safety.  Since then, seat belts have greatly reduced deaths.  Now, there is an additional safety revolution in the midst.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has employed a new standard.  This makes electronic stability control equipment a mandatory component in all cars.  The adoption of ESC will save approximately 10,000 lives every year.

Most luxury vehicles already come with ESC.  Other models offer it as an option.  This is just one of the new safety advancements designed with the purpose of preventing auto accidents, not just protecting passengers.  The majority of these new features have a microchip base.  Many are still being perfected. So beware, you never know when new technology will fail.  However, new car warranties will save you from unnecessary expenses.

Many motorists are finding it easiest to buy a package of safety options, rather than individual gadgets.  Lexus, for example, places an emphasis on how its safety features work as a system.  It has a package with lane-departure warning, smart cruise control, and ESC.

Integrating such systems, and the yielding of throttle, brake, and steering raise the question: Do drivers need or want this much help?  Who is actually in charge of the wheel?  No matter the answer, an auto warranty is essential in protecting your vehicle with all of those fancy gadgets.

Volvo already has a good reputation for its impressive safety features.  Yet, Volvo has recently debuted new safety technologies.  To improve their safety features Volvo has built on its current safety features.

Volvo’s latest safety package is available on the Volvo XC60.  The package has the purpose of assisting distracted drivers.

One impressive safety feature is an automatic low-speed system of braking.  It can detect reflections from bumpers and license plates using a laser.  If the driver has a speed of less than 20mph and they get too close, the car will stop automatically.

They also added an interesting approach to the LDW system.  This system serves the purpose of audibly alerting drivers if they cross the line without the use of a turn signal.  Another program that Volvo has added detects micro corrections, which indicate a driver is falling asleep.

Drivers are becoming more concerned with safety features, and Volvo has provided great safety advancements. By purchasing an auto warranty and driving safer cars, motorists are now able to have peace of mind.

Unfortunately, mistakes often happen when you’re in an unfamiliar place.  A recent survey reported that people driving in RV’s often make expensive blunders.  More than 1,000 RV drivers were surveyed, revealing some interesting mishaps that they have had.

The blunders that were the most common are as follows:  backing up into something, failing to connect taillights in a correct manner, running out of fuel, driving out of a parking lot with the steps still out, and not judging clearance well.

Also discovered was that just over 50 percent of RV drivers spend at least a month out of the year traveling, and over 40 percent travel over 500 miles in a trip.

Although often you can find humor in blunders, they can mean big money in damages and repairs.  This is why it is so important to purchase good insurance and an auto warranty on you RV.  After all, you want to get back out on the open road quickly after a mishap.

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.