When buying a used car you need to do your homework.  This includes doing a thorough inspection of the vehicle, and don’t forget to look under the hood. You don’t want to end up with a car that will leave you stranded calling for road service.  Here are some things you need to be aware of.

Squeeze all of the various rubber hoses that run to the air conditioner, radiator, etc.  The rubber shouldn’t feel hard or mushy.  In addition, there shouldn’t be cracks.  Make sure it is supple and firm.  Also, make sure the drive belts are frayed.

Check all of the fluid levels in the car.  You can consult your owner’s manual to know where to look.  You should have dark brown or black oil.  It it’s honey colored, it means it was changed recently.  If the oil is foamy or gray, it might mean there is a cracked engine block or a head gasket that is blown.  You should have pinkish transmission fluid, not brown.

Also, take a look at the battery.  Batteries that are “maintenance free” have a charge indicator that is built in.  Green means that the battery is still good, where yellow or black means the battery is no good.

With any car purchase, it is important to have an auto warranty just in case of unforeseen repairs.  After all, you don’t want to be stuck with unnecessary repair costs.

Nowadays, most people require a vehicle to get around, however, not everyone can afford to purchase a new car.  A great option for people in this instance is to buy a used car, but it can be difficult for people to arrange for funds.  Used car auto loans can help people with this problem.

The great thing about these loans is that they are available to everyone, regardless of your credit score.  However, if you need a loan for a larger amount you will have to get a secured loan where you offer collateral.  If you only require a small amount of funding, it is sufficient to get an unsecured auto loan.

To find loans for used cars it is beneficial to look online, where you can compare rates from thousands of lenders.  Also, by purchasing a loan online, the approval is accelerated and only a few days are required to drag the necessary funds into your own bank account.

Used car auto loans offer many benefits.  People with poor credit aren’t discriminated against, it is an easy and fast procedure, and you are able to choose any model or make.  In addition, after researching an auto loan online, you can compare auto warranty rates.

You may think you’re getting a bargain, but you might be mistaken.  According to Consumer Reports, a car that is inexpensive initially might cost you more in the long run.

People fail to add in additional costs such as, fuel, maintenance, an auto warranty, interest, depreciation, and interest.  After doing the math, you may find that owning the car may cost a lot more than you thought.  For example, a Mitsubishi Lancer at $17,500 is $5,000 less than the Mini Cooper.  However, if you look at owning the vehicle for five years, you will actually be paying $3,000 more for the Mitsubishi.

Consumer Reports says that the average new vehicle will depreciate in value 65 percent over the course of five years.  Just a few of these percentage points are significant for the owner of a car.  In addition, cost in fuel varies widely among vehicles.  Repairs and maintenance will add up to around 4 percent of ownership costs.

Motorists can protect themselves by considering all of the expenses that they will endure owning a vehicle and purchasing an auto warranty.  This will allow drivers to have peace of mind.

Modern vehicles feature innovative technology that has drivers in awe.  This technology is beneficial to us all, as long as we know how to use it.  Yet, how many motorists actually learn the functions of these switches and controls?

When a driver gets behind the wheel, he should feel as if he is one with his car.  People think of driving as a simple task to perform.  It may seem elementary to steer, and use the throttle and pedals.  However, driving is much more involved than that.  In order to be a defensive driver, people need to understand all of the operations of their technology before ever pulling out of the driveway.

Searching for dials and buttons while driving is dangerous because then the driver can’t focus on the road.  It is best to perform a list of operations before driving.  For example, a safe driver will turn knobs and flick switches in a familiar sequence.  It is also necessary to check gauges, such as oil pressure after starting the engine.

Enjoy the advanced technology that your vehicle has to offer, but discover the functions before hitting the road.  This will save you from getting into an accident.  Of course, with any new technology you should cover yourself with an auto warranty.  This will save you from unnecessary expenses down the road.

Chances are at one time or another you have been told that you need new shocks and (or) struts.  After being quoted a large price, you might find yourself thinking, “Can I get away without replacing them and are they covered under used car warranties?

Your shocks and struts serve two functions in your car.  Some cars only have struts, and some only have shocks.  Their purpose is to dampen the oscillation of springs and assist in ride control.

If your shocks and/or struts are worn, your suspension parts and tires will wear out sooner.  This is why it is important to take your vehicle in for preventative checkups.  It is a good idea to have your mechanic look at your shocks and struts every time you get an oil change.

There are several warning signs that might tell you it is time to replace your shocks/struts.  First, you might notice leaks on the housing or dents on the strut body.  Also, you might see high and low worn spots on your tires and pitted piston rods.  Finally, you may have rubber bumpers that are crushed from bottoming out.

It is important not to cut corners when dealing with your shocks/struts.  It is essential that these parts function correctly for handling and cornering.  Purchasing an auto warranty is a good idea for motorists in order to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  After all, you never know when your car will need maintenance.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.

Every day people are asking dealership service departments, “Isn’t that covered under my auto warranty?” A lot of drivers assume that an auto warranty allows for repairs regardless of such things as maintenance requirements, environmental conditions, and vehicle mileage.

An auto warranty is an agreement you make with the manufacturer of the car.  As the warranty purchaser, you are responsible for following specific maintenance requirements.  Only if you perform the maintenance, is the manufacturer obligated to have repairs done.

Because of questionable practices that dealers have performed in the past, car manufacturers scrutinize every auto warranty claim.  Consumers often interpret this as an effort to get out of paying for repair costs.  However, the reality is that the repair might not qualify under the terms of the auto warranty.  This could be due to things such as, vehicle abuse, expiration, or parts that aren’t covered under the agreement.

Buyers need to be extra careful and read their auto warranty thoroughly.  Make sure to fulfill your side of the deal in order to have the manufacturer fulfill their side.

Car accidents are always unnerving and happen unexpectedly.  An accident leaves motorists feeling shocked and stunned, and often, they don’t know what to do next.  Here are some important steps to take in this situation.

First, make sure everyone is OK, and if not place a 911 call.  Also, always contact the police and then place a call to your road service program.

Next, call your insurance agent.  They can inform you about what information to exchange with the other motorist, and help you survey the scene.  Be aware that you shouldn’t admit fault at the scene of the accident, the insurance companies will determine this.

Also, make sure to read the information in your insurance policy, so you file your claim within the specified time limit.  Often, if the vehicle damage exceeds $750 you need to file a SR1 form, which can be found on the DMV website of the state that you live in.

It is always scary to be involved in a vehicle accident, but unfortunately it happens to all of us at one point or another.  It is essential to know what to do in this instance.  To alleviate stress, have all important documents ready, such as your insurance policy and auto warranty.

What features can help older drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road and avoid road service calls?  The American Automobile Association has the following recommendations to help older drivers.

First, it is helpful to have a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes.  This puts the driver 10 inches from the airbag, and also alleviates shoulder and neck pain.

Also helpful are mirrors that allow for wide visibility.  This allows older drivers to compensate for a limited range of motion.

Seats that are heated with lumbar support allow relief from an aching back.

Six-way adjustable seats allow drivers who are short to see over the steering wheel, and allow for an easier entrance and exit out of the car.

A car with adjustable foot pedals will allow small drivers to be able to reach pedals while remaining far enough away from the airbag.

Four doors are better than two for older drivers because they are lighter and easier to open and close.

Purchasing the right car for an older driver is important for safety reasons.  Keep these things in mind to help your loved one avoid emergency roadside assistance calls.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty that will help you avoid unnecessary repair costs.

In case your car is dead it is always a good idea to know how to jump-start your car.  In addition, make sure you have an auto warranty to cover your car in case of an emergency.

Jump-starting a car is a pretty easy task, which only calls for a few tools.  The most important thing you will need is a volunteer.  Without a person who will allow you to use their battery, your car will remain dead.  Next, you need to have a set of jumper cables.  This should be kept in your car at all times in case of emergency.  Lastly, it is wise to wear a pair of protective glasses, or at least sunglasses.

To jump-start your car you will need to park the volunteer’s car close to yours.  Open both hoods and find the batteries.  Next, look for the batteries’ terminals.

Now that you have found the necessary parts, it’s time to go ahead and hook up the two cars.  The jumper cables should be hooked positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative.  The red cable should be attached to the positive on both batteries, and the black cable should go to the negative.  Next, start the car that operates.  Let the car run for several minutes to give your battery time to charge.

To finish the process, let the newly charged battery idle for several minutes to ensure a full charge.

Jump-starting your car isn’t difficult, and it can get you off and running.  Of course, if your battery doesn’t charge, you might need the assistance of a professional.  Make sure you have an auto warranty that will save you from costly repairs.