A recall has been issued by Kia of 6,680 of the Rondo EX and LX minivans from the model years 2008 and 2009.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there may be a defective fuel pump for the four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine, which may not be able to get enough fuel effectively to the engine.

This could result in engine hesitation or failure of the engine starting correctly, which might endanger motorists if the problem gets progressively worse.  If the problem occurs, the check engine light coming on may alert drivers.

If you have a 2008 or 2009 Kia Rondo, Kia will replace your fuel pump free of charge.  Vehicle owners can also call Kia at 1-800-333-4542.  Taking care of the problem right away may save you trouble in the future.

Unfortunately, you never know when your car will fail, which is why an auto warranty is a must. However, listening for recall alerts can also save you from unnecessary car problems.

It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT.  In mid-year 2009, these vehicles are going to come equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically.  Ford’s MKT is a brand new crossover that is going to make its debut next month at the Detroit auto show.

Ford’s system is very similar to the one that is found on the Lexus LS 460.  However, instead of using cameras, this system uses a sensing system that is ultrasonic-based.

Ford says there are a few advantages over the technology that Lexus is using.  First of all, drivers can use Ford’s system if they are parking in a downhill situation, and Ford says its system has improved reliability and speed while parking.

This technology could prove to be very beneficial to drivers; however, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty.  After all, you never know when you will find yourself needing repairs on new technology.

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.

Teens are known for making driving mistakes, which unfortunately can result in car accidents. This leaves parents feeling anxious, not knowing if their teen driver is safe. There are numerous devices out there that allow parents to track their teenage drivers.  However, now parents can track their teen right from their own keychain.

Many technologies out there monitor the speed and location of your teenage driver, and some even videotape who’s riding in the car.  However, now there is a Canadian company that is offering a new device called the Lemur Autovision keychain.  For the low price of $99.95, parents are able to track the maximum speed that their teen is driving, as well as excessive braking and distance traveled.  Essentially all that it requires is the installation of a non-GPS based sensor box and the monitor keychain.  This system doesn’t invade a teen’s privacy, but allow parents to discipline children for speeding.  And the best part is that it is tamper proof and protected by a PIN, which lets parents know if there have been attempts to fool the system.

Parents need to take extra precautions to keep their teen drivers safe, which includes purchasing an auto warranty, monitoring teen driving, and setting strict guidelines.  You can never be too careful when it comes to your children.

The dashboard of recent vehicles feature innovative technology that will have drivers in awe.  This technology is a benefit to us all, as long as we are covered by an auto warranty.  Yet, how many drivers actually know the functions and operations of all of these controls and switches?

When a motorist slips into the driver’s seat, he should become one with his machine.  People tend to oversimplify the task of driving.  Sometimes we think the driver only has to perform elementary movements of throttle, ignition, steering wheel, and pedals.  However, there is a lot more involved in driving. A defensive driver will make himself aware of the instruments and their operations before he ever puts his car in drive.

It is risky to search for a button or dial while driving because that means that the driver’s eyes aren’t on the road.  A safe driver will go through a list of operations before taking off.  For instance, they will flick switches and turn knobs in a set sequence.  Also, they will check the gauges for the ammeter and oil pressure once the engine is running.

Enjoy the modern technology that your car has to offer, but learn about the functions off the road, not on.  Educating yourself in advance can save you from accidents.  Of course, with any technology make sure that you are covered by an auto warranty.  You never know when those convenient controls and switches will become inconvenient.

Some recent bulletins stating nagging problems with various car models make an auto warranty a necessity.  The following information is provided by the manufacturers to the service departments of dealers, as well as to mechanics.

Some General Motors vehicles have had problems with oil leaks. Vehicles that were produced between 1986 and 2008 with various 60-degree v-6 engines may experience oil leaks from the rear seal of the crankshaft.

Some of Ford’s large trucks have fuel injectors that are stuck.  This is specifically on the 2005 Ford F-150, Lincoln Navigators and Expeditions.  Apparently, the injectors could become stuck open or closed, which could result in powertrain damage.

Owners of 2007 Jeep Wranglers may have difficulty getting started in the morning.  A faulty engine camshaft sensor is responsible for a long cranking time.  To avoid this problem the sensor must be replaced.

Auto manufacturers are always discovering new problems that can be a headache for motorists.  Don’t be caught off guard, purchase an auto warranty to avoid expensive repairs.

The Honda Fit made its first appearance in Japan in 2001 and is now being sold around the world.  It has earned many awards, such as “Car of the Year” in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.  So why is the Fit so special?

Honda says that the Fit is targeted to people who are buying their first car, those who want a small affordable vehicle, and empty nesters.  Honda hit the target with this because the Fit is “The” best car as far as the small vehicle market is concerned.  It is sporty, with adaptability in the interior, and has the dependability and refinement that is found in all of Honda’s vehicles.  Of course, the Fit offers all of this at a bargain price.  This is a bonus because saving money on a purchase price allows you to buy an auto warranty that will protect your investment.

One of the major benefits of the Fit is the unexpected large area for passengers and cargo thanks to the design of the interior.  It is called: Fit’s Magic Seat.  This magic seat has different modes, including cargo, people or both.  The seatbacks allow for folding down or the bottoms of the seats can flip up.  This provides for four cargo and four seating configurations.

The bottom line is that the Fit is a great car.  The adaptability and configurations of the seating are very clever.  It’s sporty, as well as quiet and practical.  It maneuvers well and has good fuel economy.  In addition, the safety features are superb.  To protect your investment, it makes sense to purchase an auto warranty for this car that will give you peace of mind.

Regardless of the year or make, one of the biggest investments people will make is a vehicle.  Buying a used car is a great way for consumers to save some money.  However, risks can be higher, which is why an auto warranty should be purchased for the car.  Fortunately, there are ways that buyers can recognize the difference between dependable used cars and lemons.

The safest thing to do is to have the car that you are looking to buy checked out by a licensed mechanic.  However, there are some things that you can do on your own.

For instance, bring a soft magnet from your refrigerator to determine if there is damage underneath a new coat of paint.  You can run the magnet all along the fenders and doors, which are steel.  If it seems that the magnet won’t stick, there is probably a type of body filler under the paint.

Also, examine the inside of the vehicle for stains from water.  If the car was damaged in a flood, it could mean trouble in years to come.  You also want to look at the wear on the pedals of the vehicle.  It should be consistent with what the mileage claims to be.  If there is low mileage, there should be little wear on the pedals.

Don’t forget to examine the tires of the vehicle, too.  If you see wear on the outside edges of the tires, the car is probably out of alignment or might have components that are worn-out.

Knowing what to look for in a used vehicle will bring you peace of mind about your purchase.  Also, know that used car warranties will allow you to save on costly repairs that are unforeseen.

Most consumers rely on major car hire companies, such as Avis for rentals on vacations or business trips.  However, people don’t realize that firms such as these are excellent sources of reasonably priced used cars.  Avis’ business is to rent cars but they also sell their cars.  Buyers can save big if they purchase a car from Avis instead of traditional dealers. This allows you to put your money towards an auto warranty that will protect your vehicle.

Avis sells cars that are more than one year old, which allows them to make way for more recent models.  This ensures that Avis’ fleet is current and well maintained.  If certain vehicle models turn out to be very popular, Avis may sell them early, after the vehicle as passed a particular level of mileage.

Another advantage of buying a used vehicle from Avis is that their cars are treated with paint that is metallic.  This is usually not the case when dealers sell used cars.  Some motorists are hesitant to buy a second-hand car from rental firms because they feel that these vehicles have endured a lot of wear and tear.  After all, the cars have been driven frequently and for long distances.  However, Avis points out that cars up for sale are younger than six months old and haven’t been driven for more than 13,000 miles.  Another bonus is that in some cases, the vehicle’s warranty is still valid.  However, it only lasts for about a year, so it is important to shop around for an auto warranty that will protect your investment for longer.

When it comes to car features, experts claim that women take more of an interest in safety than men, while men are more concerned with the performance of a car, and the technical gadgets.

The interest that women have in safety is basically limited to safety features that are passive, such as rollover protection, airbags, and advanced seat belts, not active safety features, such as electronic stability control, and lane departure warnings, which help motorists avoid accidents.  The reason for this is that men take more of an interest in playing around with the latest technology than women do.

Generally, women request the safety features that are going to help their children remain safe.  In other words, women’s motherly instincts play a role in the safety features they choose.

In addition, women tend to have a more practical approach to vehicle shopping than do men.  That is why women’s purchases have more to do with safety, as opposed to how long it takes for the car to go from 0-60 mph.

Although men typically know more about cars than women, women seek out information about cars before purchasing.  This means that they end up purchasing cars that are safer.  Also, they make sure to purchase an auto warranty to maintain their cars.