Automakers have been redesigning vehicles so that they are stronger than ever.  They have achieved this by using lightweight materials, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient. This technology makes vehicles more durable, cutting down on road service calls.  Also, it is saving numerous lives.

The only disadvantage to these new, stronger materials is that rescue workers are having a difficult time cutting into vehicles that are mangled from wrecks.

According to experts and rescue officials around the nation, vehicles designed with safety measures, such as reinforced steel, are creating a challenge for rescue workers to get motorists out of cars.

One answer to this problem is investing in rescue equipment that is better.  Heavy-duty cutters are necessary to release motorists.  A cutter such as this from Hurst costs approximately $25,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is well worth the tradeoff of tougher cars because many lives are saved.  In fact, the rate of fatalities for passenger cars is lower than it has ever been in history.  Consumers are becoming more concerned with car safety features and are protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties.

Often motorists get sticker shock or experience buyer’s remorse after buying a new car.  However, you can avoid this by considering the expenses that you will encounter in the future.

According to experts, most consumers anticipate the price of the purchase, registration and taxes.  However, many people forget to factor in the price of insurance and new car warranties.  Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance and an auto warranty.

To control car costs drivers should consider these tips.  First of all, decide before you get to the dealership the amount of money that you can spend.  Also, decide on what type of car will suit your needs. It is also beneficial to get quotes from several dealers, because then you are in the position to negotiate.  Finally, check insurance and auto warranty prices on the vehicle that you want to purchase.

You don’t have to go broke purchasing a new car.  But, be smart and consider all of the costs involved.  It isn’t just the purchase price that you will be paying.

Why would someone want to buy a pickup?  They offer the most flexibility in carrying cargo.  In addition, pickups have large payload facilities and the ability to tow.  Trucks with four door cabs allow seating for five, which makes them a good family vehicle.  In addition to an auto warranty, what other considerations do you need?  Here’s a list.

Consider whether you need compact or full-sized.  They offer different towing capacities and engines in addition to being different sizes.  Compact pickups are more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and cost less.  Full-sized pickups offer more room inside and out, have stronger engines, and have greater towing capabilities.

Bed lengths vary.  Beds range from 8 feet to 4 feet.  The longer the bed, the more difficult it is to maneuver.  Some compact trucks have a bed extender that flips out, which allows for carrying cargo that is longer.

Engines and transmissions can accommodate different needs.  For compact trucks, the base engine is a four-cylinder, which offers fuel-efficiency.  Five or six cylinder engines are optional, giving more power.  A V6 is the base engine for a full-sized truck.  For heavy towing and hauling consider a V8, V10, and diesel.

Pickups come in many sizes, with many options. Determine your use for a truck and pick the best option for you.  Doing your homework on such things as truck options, new car warranties and insurance will save you money and time down the road.

Although General Motors has been busy planning a lineup of electric cars and subcompacts, it doesn’t mean that they have forgotten how to have a little fun.

The 2010 Camaro is based on the 2007 model.  It has a design that is modern, but has an influence of the Camaros in the late Sixties.  Chevrolet is trying to use the retro influence that has made the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger successful.

The new Camaro isn’t exactly an economy car.  It is offered in a 3.6-liter V-6 with 296 hp, or a 6.2-liter V-8 with 416 hp.  However, the V-8 has the ability to make itself a four-cylinder while cruising on the highway.  According to Chevrolet, the car can get more than 30 mpg in this mode.

Although consumers are demanding small, fuel-efficient cars, and protecting themselves by purchasing new car warranties and roadside assistance, it doesn’t mean they don’t get excited about fun cars.  The Chevrolet Camaro is the prime example of this.

Carmakers around the world are realizing that consumers are looking for ecologically friendly vehicles.  There are many new car models that provide fuel-efficiency, yet look great.  Here are some of the latest.

The VW Golf TDI Hybrid provides low emissions with longer legs.  This is a compact hatchback that is popular in Europe.  It utilizes a high-tech engine that is diesel and an auto start-stop.  In addition, it has a DSG gearbox that has 7 speeds, as well as an electric motor.  This car gets 69 mpg.

The Audi TT TDI is proof that a great looking sports car doesn’t have to be a gas-guzzler.  This car can sprint from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds flat with its 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.  This car has the power of a sports car with the fuel-efficiency of a compact car.

People are realizing that fuel-efficient cars are a necessity.  Consumers are protecting their wallets with eco friendly vehicles, new car warranties and emergency roadside assistance programs.

The heart of the cooling system in a vehicle is the water pump.  It serves the purpose of circulating engine coolant through the entire system, starting with the radiator, then to the engine and back.  The water pump allows you to use air conditioning when it’s hot out.

The vehicle’s engine powers the water pump so that it works correctly.  It uses either a gear and chain system or a belt and pulley.  The pump generates power that goes to a shaft with an impeller.

The impeller circulates the coolant throughout the vehicle.  The impeller can be compared to a propeller that makes a boat move.

The impeller and shaft spin on a sealed bearing.  Checking this part of the water pump is essential because it wears out easily.  You can look for coolant that is leaking and an odd noise.  Also be aware that a wet engine is an indicator that you should replace your water pump.

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to replace your water pump.  Also, it is a good idea to have a road service program and used car warranties just in case of emergencies.  After all, you can’t always foresee when your car will fail you.

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

With about 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 distractions by GPSs.  In addition, drivers should protect themselves by purchasing used car warranties, and avoiding other in car distractions.

According to Audi, there will be minor adjustments to the Q7 SUV, which include a front and rear end that is slightly revised.  However, the change that is the most noticeable on this vehicle is the LED running lights that encircle the entire design of the headlight.  In addition, the rear also gets LED brake lights.

The interior of the car pretty much stays the same, except for front seats with new leather and the third-generation of the infotainment system that sports a multi-media interface.  And this car has an intriguing navigation system operated by voice-activation.  Motorists can just say a command, such as “I’m hungry” or “I need gas”, and the computer will locate the appropriate points of interest in the local vicinity.  This will eliminate car accidents and roadside assistance calls that were caused by distractions having to do with the navigation system.

Choices for the engine include the current 3.6-liter V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8, as well as a new option of TDI for those people who want a diesel alternative.  Audi claims that the 2010 Q7 TDI is going to get approximately 25 mpg with a range of 600 miles.  This car comes complete with new car warranties.

The economy isn’t just hurting Mom and Dad, teenagers, who are being told they have to pick up more of the tab on a new car purchase, are having to settle for less than in the last few years.

Gas prices have also caused a shift in the kinds of cars teens are purchasing, as they are now responsible for more of the gas tab than in the past.  In addition, more people are protecting themselves with an auto warranty.

Approximately 400,000 new cars are bought for teenagers every year.  Small and compact cars like the Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cobalt account for 24% of teen sales this year, which is up drastically from just 15% one year ago.

However, compact SUVs, such as the Jeep Wrangler, account for around 24% of all cars purchased for teenagers this year, but that’s drastically down from 33% of sales a year ago.

According to a study by CNW Marketing Research, it was discovered that teens are purchasing more low-end models thanks to the economy.  Also, more people are concerned with new car warranties to protect themselves from unnecessary repair expenses down the road.

According to a recent survey by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, many drivers believe they have super abilities to complete complex tasks behind the wheel.  And although it may seem monotonous to just drive a car, multi-tasking while driving increases the chance for having an accident drastically. In addition, many calls for road service are due to multi-tasking. So, what are drivers really doing behind the wheel?

Well, 32% of drivers surveyed admit to reading while driving.  The survey didn’t specify whether they are reading maps or autobiographies, but it doesn’t really matter.  Either way, these drivers are 3.4 times more likely to get in an accident.

And, although most of us detest seeing drivers eat behind the wheel, NETS says that 70% of the surveyed drivers do it.  These drivers have a two to three times greater chance of crashing because of their eating habits.

Another group of people are making work preparations behind the wheel.  In fact, 10% of motorists admitted to making phone calls, reviewing notes, using computers, and making lists, all while trying to navigate during rush hour.

Although driving may seem monotonous at times, motorists need to resist the temptation to multi-task behind the wheel.  These habits can result in accidents and calls for emergency roadside assistance.  In addition, drivers should protect themselves with used car warranties.