Lately, everyone has been talking about the trouble that the Detroit Three (Ford, GM and Chrysler) are in. People have even been speculating about the number of jobs that would be lost if these companies go under. Also, it isn’t ridiculous to believe that many other jobs would suffer on top of those related directly to the three companies.

So, as everyone goes around screaming at the nightly newscasts about a bailout over the next few weeks, remember this: About 1 million jobs are created directly by The Detroit Three in the U.S.

Also intertwined with the Detroit Three is a large supplier network. Unfortunately, if just one of the bigger ones, such as Delphi, closes, with about 50,000 employees in the U.S., you go above that 1-million jobs lost mark.

Unfortunately, many American consumers are opting to hang onto their current cars at the moment and purchase used car warranties, instead of buying new vehicles. If this continues, a bailout may be the only way the Detroit Three will survive.

In order for a car to maintain its peak performance drivers must get routine maintenance and service.  This will also keep your car prepared for difficult driving conditions that come up. Purchasing used car warranties is a good idea so that you don’t dread taking in your car just to find that it requires additional repairs.  To keep your car in tip-top shape, follow these tips.

First, check your tire pressure on a regular basis.  To keep track, you should do it every other time that you get gas at the pump.  In addition, check your tire treads to look for wear and tear and ensure that there isn’t any cracking.

Second, get regular car washes to keep a nice, shiny exterior.  And add a coat of wax to keep away corrosion.

Don’t forget to be aware of your check engine light.  Don’t ignore it if it lights up.  Make sure to take your car to a professional in this case so that you don’t have expensive repairs down the road.  Of course an auto warranty will help you avoid unnecessary repair expenses.

Lastly, determine a service schedule with a mechanic and keep it.  Your car has certain parts that a professional should look at periodically.  Look at your owner’s manual in order to determine what maintenance schedule is best for your car.

Just by following these tips you can head off unnecessary repairs in the future.  However, you want to make sure you have an auto warranty to protect your wallet.

As part of its “new day” celebration last February, Chrysler introduced a very unique promotion for its minivans: Purchase a minivan, and receive a free DVD player for the rear seat. Since the promotion, it’s difficult to argue that Chrysler has experienced something that resembles the optimism that a new day brings, yet that hasn’t stopped the carmaker from bringing back the same DVD offer this month.

When consumers buy a Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Jeep Commander they will get a free DVD entertainment package for the rear seat. In minivans, screens are included for the second row, as well as the third row. This deal applies nationwide and are in addition to other great deals, such as financing incentives, great new car warranties, and cash-back incentives.

Chrysler is hoping to spark consumer interest by putting forth red-hot deals. Unfortunately, many motorists are opting to hang onto their current cars and purchase used car warranties to protect their wallets.

We’ve all been there.  You’re driving along when all of a sudden you hear sirens blaring behind you.  You realize that you are going to get a speeding ticket and you really don’t have the extra funds to pay for it.  With all of the expenses you’re already paying for your vehicle, such as used car warranties, maintenance, and loans, the last thing you need is the added cost of a speeding ticket.  Well, never fear because the Trapster just may save you.

Pete Tenereillo of California invented trapster.  Essentially, this is a social network where motorists can use their cell phones to alert other drivers about speed traps that they have encountered.

All you have to do is sign up for a free membership at the website and then download the Trapster software on your cell phone.  Most of the latest cell phones, PDAs and Blackberries can accommodate this software.

After signing up, you’re ready to get out and start driving.  If you come across a state trooper looking for speeders you hit “pound 1” on your cell phone.  This alerts other motorists when they approach the same spot.

This system is ideal because it’s “hands free”, which means it’s safe for drivers.  Also, sophisticated cell phones can allow a map to be displayed where the speed trap is.

New legislation was announced today by Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. This legislation is intended to stimulate the sales of new cars by allowing buyers of new cars to deduct auto loan interest and any excise or sales fees from the buyers’ income tax. This plan would cover the sales of all new trucks and cars from now until Dec. 31, 2009.

The senator claims that a family would be able to save $1,553 on a vehicle that is $25,000 under this plan. This deduction would just be for families that make less than $250,000 and individuals that make up to $125,000.

While most new-vehicle buyers would probably welcome the idea, it might not be a big enough incentive given the poor economy. Of course, when you look at all of the other fantastic incentives that have been offered lately, it may just be the best market for buyers in recent history.

Of course, many people will choose to stay home and hold onto their current cars and buy used car warranties instead. Unfortunately, consumers are reluctant to make any big purchases at this point.

Imagine one day waking up to find that the only cars on the roads, in driveways, and in parking lots were electrics or hybrids.

CNW Marketing Research made some calculations to determine when America would become completely hybridized, and could stop depending on Middle Eastern powers for barrels of oil.

Based on the amount of people who live in America today (300 million), the number of cars driving on U.S. roads (11 million), the number of new cars that are sold in a year (15 million), and the number of those purchased cars that are hybrids, CNW calculated that in 2034 there is going to be:

• 357 million Americans
• 381 million cars, all hybrid or electric
• 15.7 million cars written off
• 18.1 new cars sold that are all hybrid or electric

It may seem like a long time, but it’s not unreasonable when you consider that every car being built and sold would have to be a hybrid, and every car on the road would have to be replaced with a hybrid vehicle.  Also, many people are holding onto their old vehicles and buying used car warranties because of the poor economy, so that is slowing things down.

It can be quite a challenge to find a handicap-accessible vehicle to suit your needs.  Also, it can be nearly impossible to sort through newspapers and services online.  This is why Rick Shutes started HandicapAutoTrader.com.  He wanted to help people who are disabled to find suitable vehicles.

HandicapAutoTrader.com is great for buyers and sellers.  People who want to buy can search available vehicles at no cost, and contact the website’s staff conveniently through email or phone.  Sellers are able to list their cars, with an addition of three images for free.

This website allows consumers to search cars according to the features that they desire.  In addition, you can search by categories, such as model, make, year, etc.  Also convenient is the feature, “Easy Compare Vehicles”.  This lets people compare vehicles side-by-side to get the features and price that they want.

As with any vehicle purchase, it is necessary to do your homework.  Make sure to research vehicles, used car warranties, and auto loans before deciding anything.  This will allow you to get the best deals.

According to the BMW Blog, the CS Concept that was unveiled at the New York auto show this past spring isn’t going to ever see the light of day in production.  Due to the current problems with the financial market, BMW brass had a change of mind about the possibility of a $100,000-plus-range car.

For car fans this is bad news, but most people buying cars won’t care.  But it is worrisome to car afficionados is the fact that BMW claimed in its cancellation announcement that it’s focusing on profit right now, and not brand identity.  That means that consumers can expect to see more cars like the X1 SUV and not as many statement vehicles.  The company is also claiming that it will be focusing on new technology, which probably means it will be working on engines that are more efficient and refining its iDrive system.

Although many drivers don’t have the funds to purchase a car like the CS Concept, it is sad to see that it won’t make it to production.  However, most people are choosing not to purchase new vehicles right now and instead hold onto their current cars and buy used car warranties.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new car, don’t just rely on professional expertise; make yourself a professional expert as well.  This includes taking certain measures such as doing your homework and researching an auto warranty.  You can be empowered by arming yourself with the following information about purchasing a used vehicle.

Examine the pedals to check for wear.  Rarely do people update the pedals, so this is a good indication of the cars true history.

Next, take a look at the steering wheel.  While the engine is turned off, joggle the wheel to see how much movement there is.  There shouldn’t be more than one inch of play.  If there is, a new steering gearbox may be needed.

Don’t ever buy a car that has frame-damage.  You can tell this by looking at the core support of the radiator.  This connects to the fenders in the front of the vehicle.  It shouldn’t be welded on each side, but bolted.

Lastly, check the paint job on the vehicle.  Look for dents, scratches and rust spots.  Also, examine the car for a slight waviness, which is an indication of a paint job.

Most importantly, check the history of the vehicle you are looking to buy.  You can do this at autocheck.com.

No matter how much knowledge you have, you never really know what car you are buying.  This is why it is important to buy used car warranties to protect your investment.  You don’t want to end up paying unnecessary repair costs down the road.

College students who live far from their school find it hard to commute on a daily basis.  It can be tough to wait for a bus, as well as time consuming.  Having a vehicle can help a great deal in this situation.  But students are usually tight for cash, so they need to get car loans for students.

Students need to plan their budget well.  Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a great option for students because they are cheaper than new vehicles.  Of course there are other expenses, such as insurance, maintenance, used car warranties, and fuel that come along with car ownership.  So, it is necessary to consider these factors when calculating the cost of buying a car.  Car loans for students are designed so that students can repay them without problems.  Loans such as these are offered through banks and financial companies.

Students with poor credit are even eligible to apply for car loans for students; however, their interest rate will be higher.  To make the interest rate lower, students can arrange to have a co-signer.  Auto loans for students are considered secure because if the student can’t repay the loan, the lender will take the car, and it will be sold to recover the loan amount.