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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 gasâ€, 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.
How many people would shell out $45,000 for a little electric car made by the Chinese that has a driving range of 100 miles? Even though it comes with new car warranties and may be eligible to get a tax credit of $7,500, there may not be a lot of people willing to pay the money for this vehicle. However, Coda Automotive will discover the answer to that question next year with the launch of its five-passenger sedan in California.
For those who don’t know, Coda Automotive is actually a spin-off of Miles Electric Vehicles. This car is based on Haifei Auto’s sedan platform, and will drive around 100 miles. There isn’t a generator on-board, so after driving 100 miles the vehicle needs to be plugged into a power source. However, with the optional fast charger, the batteries can be recharged within 10 to 15 minutes.
Many small vehicles that are eco-friendly, such as the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight, have an aerodynamic styling that will communicate their frugal powertrains, however the Coda doesn’t do this. It has the appearance of a people’s car, not a trendy, zero-emissions vehicle.
The Pontiac G8 GXP with 402 hp will give performance sedans that are already established a run for their money. The GXP is listed at $37,610, which is at least $1,000 cheaper than the Dodge Charger SRT8 and you still get an impressive auto warranty.
The GXP has a 402 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with 402 pounds of torque, which is the most powerful Pontiac of all time. This vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission that comes standard, however you can also get a six-speed manual for an extra $695.
For those of you who might think the 361-hp G8 GT already had enough power under the hood, don’t forget added horsepower isn’t the only impressive change to the GXP. This car has a track-tuned suspension and steering, a unique interior, Brembro brakes and new car warranties.
Some people have suggested that the GXP is a BMW M5 killer, however, this car is such a great bargain that you could purchase one for you and your friend and still end up shelling out less than you would for a M5.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently performed a study to determine what the best and worst states are in the country for auto insurance. According to the study, you are paying the highest insurance premiums if you live in the Northeast.
New Jersey proved to be the most expensive state. On average, premiums in New Jersey are over $1,300 yearly. The capital of our nation, Washington D.C. was the second highest, with average yearly premiums of $1,185. New York was third highest with $1,110 being the average premium.
Revealed in the study was that urban driving, high salaries, and a lot of traffic are responsible for elevated costs in those states. In addition, liability insurance premium costs are higher in the Northeast.
Midwestern and Northern states proved to have the lowest insurance premium costs. The overall lowest was Idaho with costs at $530 per year. The next lowest was Maine at $560 a year, and North Dakota was $570 per year.
According to this study, your location is a key factor in determining your car insurance costs. Today, consumers are paying more than they ever have for their vehicles. These costs include insurance, roadside assistance, used car warranties and maintenance costs.
One of the most fun family activities is taking road trips. Families can make a lot of fond memories traveling on the open road. Americans will take more than 320 vacation trips over the spring and summer season. However, frustration and stress can come along with a family road trip, so take note of some do’s and don’ts that will allow your family to have a great time.
First and foremost, take your family vehicle in for a tune-up. You want to make sure your car is in top-notch condition. There is nothing more inconvenient than having your vehicle break down on the side of the road, leaving your family stranded. This is why you should have a road service program in case of unforeseen problems. Also, invest in used car warranties to protect your wallet.
Make sure you plan ahead. This will help your family know what to expect throughout the trip. It will also help you have a smooth trip. Software for trip planning along with a GPS will aid your family in planning the ideal vacation. This technology will literally guide you to your destination. And the tools that are easy to use allow you to personalize a trip from start to finish.
Of course, you are bound to run into some speed bumps along the way. For instance, you never know when you will run into road construction or traffic. However, don’t let your fun be ruined, just make sure you have emergency roadside assistance in case your vehicle overheats. This will bring you peace of mind and let you enjoy your family.
Consumers have been more concerned than ever about saving money on their vehicles. They are doing everything from purchasing small, fuel-efficient cars, to purchasing an auto warranty to ensure they don’t pay unnecessary repair expenses. But are they willing to skip the amenities that come in new cars, such as air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and power locks and windows, to save money? And are stripped cars even available?
The truth is that it can be hard to find a car stripped with crank windows and a manual transmission.
According to JATO Dynamics, 89% of vehicles sold in America last year came standard with automatic transmissions, which is up from 85% in 2003. Also, power locks came standard on 87% of cars sold, compared to 80% in 2003.
The vehicles that offer these features as optional tend to be on small cars, yet economy-car buyers usually pick convenience and comfort over cost if given a choice.
For example, the cheapest model by Toyota is the Yaris, which begins at $11,550 for a base model hatchback with air-conditioning. However, approximately 80% of Yaris buyers choose to pay an extra $900 for an automatic, and about 60% opt for a power windows and locks package, which costs an extra $1,680.
It appears that features, such as air conditioning, and automatic transmissions are necessities that most people aren’t willing to live without, just like new car warranties.
Every year thousands of people are killed in car accidents. Many of these crashes could have been avoided with some simple safety knowledge. Here are some tips to keep your driving experience pleasant and help you avoid dangerous accidents.
First of all, if your are taking any medicines, double check your product label to see if it could affect your driving. If your medication causes drowsiness, stay off of the roads.
Next, secure children properly in a restraint system that is size and age appropriate. All children less than 12 years of age should be in the back seat. Just by putting children in the back, and not the front reduces injuries and deaths 30%.
One of the biggest causes of car accidents is driver inattention. This means that drivers should stay off of cell phones and pay attention to the road.
Finally, prepare a safety kit in your car. It should include a first aid kit, flashlight, nonperishable foods, water, blankets, motor oil, jumper cables, and a spare tire. And all drivers should have used car warranties in order to keep up with important maintenance and car repairs without unnecessary costs.
Brake pad vibrations that result in a high-pitched noise are the cause of brake squeal. When pads don’t have proper insulation from the caliper, vibration occurs. The factory will equip brake pads with insulator shims, clips, and even a silicone backing that allows the pad to stay glued to the caliper. This helps to prevent vibrations.
Often times when brake pads become too hard brake squeal occurs. The hard and smooth surfaces then rub together to produce a noise equivalent to nails on the blackboard. When this occurs, it is necessary to resurface the rotors and replace brake pads. This will eliminate the squealing.
You should also have your rotors resurfaced when you have your brakes done. Not doing this will result in squealing. When replacing brake pads, the rotor refinishing should be done with a non-directional finish. This will make sure that brake pads are broken in properly.
Act immediately if brake squeal occurs. Take your car to a highly trained technician to make sure that your brakes are treated appropriately. And, make sure you have used car warranties to cover repairs performed. After all, you don’t want to end up paying unnecessary costs.