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.

In NYC the top taxicab lobby didn’t take lightly Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempt at making the taxi fleet hybrids.  After the announcement that NYC would require taxi companies to gradually phase out the V-8 Crown Victoria, which is a gas-guzzler, for hybrid vehicles that are much more expensive, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade started its campaign designed to fight back.

Last week it won a victory because Paul Crotty, who is a federal judge, ruled that the federal government’s laws about fuel economy pre-empt and city or state regulations.

Obviously, Mayor Bloomberg wasn’t pleased, claiming that “Archaic Washington regulations” should not keep cities from taking matters, such as efficiency and pollution reduction into their own hands.  Certainly, consumers are taking steps to reduce their car costs by purchasing hybrids with new car warranties.

The ruling is peculiar considering the nation has moved away from gas-guzzlers, but it is likely that the decision won’t hold.

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.

Consumers can get sensory overload walking down the car care isle at their local store.  It can be confusing to know what products to purchase, or even if you need to purchase them.  Some people assume that if you have a factory auto warranty that includes the finish, you don’t need to bother washing and waxing, but this isn’t true.

A factory auto warranty will protect you by ensuring that the paint job was sound, that they used quality paint, and that it was cured correctly.  However, new car warranties won’t protect you from oxidation that occurs over time.  This happens naturally if you don’t care for your finish.  Car wax serves the purpose of being a sacrificial layer between Mother Nature and your paint.

If car owners want to keep their finishes looking great, they don’t have to spend a lot of time or money.  Preventative maintenance is the key for your finish, just like it’s under the hood.  All you have to do is wash your vehicle frequently with car care products.  Even just a basic car wash will do a lot to help protect your investment.  After washing, you can spray-on a wax that will boost the shine and extend the intervals between regular wax jobs.

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo5 didn’t have many trophies to its name; however, it was best known for being the most affordable car in America.  But for 2009 there are several new contenders.  Nissan just announced its new rock-bottom entry, which is now the cheapest car in America; it is the Nissan Versa 1.6 that has an MSRP of $9,990 including new car warranties.  That price beats the Accent by about $1,000 and the Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo by around $2,000.

The Versa has a four-cylinder 107 hp, 1.6-liter.  It has 15 hp fewer than the standard Versa 1.8, however it is still competitive.  The newer version has a standard five-speed manual with the option for a four speed automatic for $11,990.  Gas mileage is 26/34-mpg city/highway for the manual and 26/33 for the automatic version.

For the price, Nissan makes air-conditioning an option for $1,000 extra. However, it comes standard on the other models, and also on the 1.6 Versa.

Not only is the Versa the least expensive car in America, but also it exceeds its competition in passenger volume and has good power and mileage ratings, as well as an excellent auto warranty.

A recent report shows that new car customers aren’t doing enough to ensure the best deals on financing, insurance and new car warranties.

Only 64 percent of motorists would even attempt a negotiation on the price of a new vehicle.  In addition, over 2 million motorists wouldn’t even bother to research the current value of their existing car when planning to do a trade-in.  In fact, over 30 percent of drivers admitted they wouldn’t even spend an hour researching how they are going to pay for their new vehicle.

Alarmingly, 91% of customers weren’t able to explain what the phrase ‘lease purchase’ meant, which is a term often used in car financing deals.  Also, 50 percent said they would go ahead and purchase a new car without getting any quote for the insurance.

Our nation is known for being bargain hunters and trying to get the best deal.  But for some reason when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle motorists are falling short.  It’s crucial for all drivers wanting to buy the newest vehicle to do their homework.  Financing, insurance and an auto warranty are an essential part of the car buying experience.  So, shop around and find the best deals.  Otherwise, pay the price.

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.

According to Honda, the 2009 Element that has undergone a restyling is now on sale with a beginning price of $20,175, not including a destination charge of $670 or new car warranties.  Standard on the base model is a five-speed automatic, unlike the model last year, which included a manual for $18,980.  In addition, there is a price bump of less than $500 from a 2008 LX including an auto warranty.

Most casual observers wouldn’t recognize any big design changes for the 2009 Element, however there are changes, such as the updated front grille and bumper, and also different headlights.

The Element is available in three different trim levels.  The basic model is the 2WD LX.  By upgrading to the EX and SC models, motorists will benefit with the optional navigation system, which wasn’t provided on the previous Element.  This navigation system includes such features as a rearview camera, voice activation and a USB port for media players.

What is important about age 13 that makes it OK for children to finally ride in the front seat of the car?  Are they finally big enough to withstand the impact of an airbag?  Are they at the age where they can behave in the front seat?

A big part of the problem is behavior.  When kids mess with the radio, and play around, they usually aren’t in a proper position when an airbag deploys.  In injuries and deaths, the proximity to the airbag in the front is a huge issue; in addition, proper positioning in the seat is a factor.  By 13, kids are more able to sit still and behave.

Around ages 11 and 12, children are also bigger physically.  This is an issue because it is hard for children to have their backs against the seatback if their feet don’t touch the floor.  This means that they scrunch down putting them in a bad position for airbag deployment.

Kids under 13 need to ride in the back seat for their safety.  It isn’t worth it to put your child in the front and have them injured by an airbag.  Parents are concerned with many things such as new car warranties, auto loans, and maintenance, but most important is the safety of their children.

It isn’t surprising that Ford’s aiming the new 2010 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion hybrids straight at the Toyota Camry Hybrid, but what is attention getting is Ford claiming that its sedan hybrids will outdo the city mileage of the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg.  That would make the Milan and Fusion hybrids’ rating at 38 mpg.  Although there wasn’t a number provided for highway mileage, Ford claims that it beats the Camry Hybrid in this area as well.  The Camry Hybrid currently gets 34 mpg/highway.

The complete reveal of the Milan and Fusion hybrids is going to wait until the Los Angeles auto show, however Ford just disclosed a few tidbits today about the new sedans.

The Milan and Fusion hybrids will be the first hybrid technology use, besides the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner hybrids.  Battery technology has undergone a big improvement since the launch of Ford’s compact SUV hybrids.

Consumers are anxious for new hybrid technology and want to save money on such things as gas, new car warranties, and auto loans.  In this poor economy, people are looking for all of the financial relief they can get, including hybrid technology.