For motorists who like to take things into their own hands, the Internet is the place to look for valuable information.  Consumers are seeking research online to aid them in buying a new automobile, finding out about car service, and finding a good auto warranty.

A new study shows that 74 percent of people who do research on service and parts say they are utilizing the Internet more now than two years ago.  In addition, 90 percent of motorists researching service information about automobiles say that the Internet influenced their purchase.

Customers who are well informed can do a good job of describing issues for potential repair when they visit their mechanic for maintenance.  However, it can be a problem when car owners try to do significant repairs by themselves because many times they make misdiagnoses on their car.  This can end up harming their car more.

For example, if a motorist replaces the alternator because the car is having trouble starting, when in fact the battery should have been changed, it could cost hundreds of dollars to rectify the situation.

It is good for consumers to use the Web to research about cars because it can aid their mechanic.  However, motorists who think they can fix anything could end up stranded somewhere.  At any rate, it is always good to have used car warranties to protect your wallet.

When it comes time for you to test-drive a car, you need to be aware of a few things.  After all, this will be one of your most important drives ever, so make sure to get the most out of it.

First, make sure you test-drive the exact model that you’re thinking of buying.  There may be big differences in various models, such as transmissions and engines, tires and suspension, and features in the cabin that will largely affect the way a vehicle handles and feels.

If the salesperson is talking a lot, ask him to please be quiet.  You need quiet to properly evaluate a vehicle.  This will allow you to hear how the vehicle operates.  It might make things easier to tell the salesperson in the showroom that you might need some quiet driving time.

Request a specific test route of your liking if you are familiar with the roads.  You are the only one who knows what kind of driving you will be doing and on what roads.

It is easy to get excited when test-driving a car, but don’t forget these important tips.  They could save your from purchasing a car that might not end up liking.  Also, do your homework to get a good deal.  You’ll need to factor in the price of maintenance costs, an auto warranty, and auto insurance.

Every day people are asking dealership service departments, “Isn’t that covered under my auto warranty?” A lot of drivers assume that an auto warranty allows for repairs regardless of such things as maintenance requirements, environmental conditions, and vehicle mileage.

An auto warranty is an agreement you make with the manufacturer of the car.  As the warranty purchaser, you are responsible for following specific maintenance requirements.  Only if you perform the maintenance, is the manufacturer obligated to have repairs done.

Because of questionable practices that dealers have performed in the past, car manufacturers scrutinize every auto warranty claim.  Consumers often interpret this as an effort to get out of paying for repair costs.  However, the reality is that the repair might not qualify under the terms of the auto warranty.  This could be due to things such as, vehicle abuse, expiration, or parts that aren’t covered under the agreement.

Buyers need to be extra careful and read their auto warranty thoroughly.  Make sure to fulfill your side of the deal in order to have the manufacturer fulfill their side.

There are some vehicles that have become part of the American psyche, which makes them frankly indispensable, just like an auto warranty.  But, what if some of these cars disappear?

The question of the hour is should the Detroit Three be knocked down or helped up?  With Chrysler and GM eating up federal money like a bowl of soup, the question is being debated.  But even people who are against a bailout for the auto industry acknowledge the large loss that will come if these carmakers go away.  For starters, good jobs would be lost, but also, we would lose cars.  Of course, new car models come and go, however the automotive world wouldn’t be the same without certain vehicles that have created memories that are unforgettable and inspired owners to be fiercely loyal.

Recently, 1,000 people were surveyed to find out which American vehicles they couldn’t live without.  The model that ranked first was the Chevrolet Corvette.  Other winners include the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Saturn Sky roadster.  Pickup tricks on the list include the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram.

Whether you agree with bailing out the Detroit Three or not, you probably agree that Americans would be sad to see some of these vehicles go.  They are as valuable to people as new car warranties.

Motorists feel great relief after finally paying off their car.  So, why do drivers want to dive right in and buy a new car?  Before you take the plunge, consider a few things.  If you don’t have a good reason to make a new car purchase you will be making payments that are unnecessary.

It could be beneficial to buy a car for several reasons.  First, if you have experienced a change in your lifestyle, such as having children, you might need a bigger car that can accommodate you.  Secondly, if you are driving a gas-guzzler, a more fuel-efficient car may be a smart buy.  Third, if you are experiencing a lot of repair costs, it might be time to trade in your vehicle.  However, an auto warranty eliminates unnecessary repair costs.  Finally, if your car doesn’t have the safety features that you desire, you should purchase a safer car.

However, if you are just feeling bored with your current car and are tempted by the new car ads, beware.  The new technological features, such as navigation systems and satellite radio might be alluring, but think twice about getting rid of your paid off vehicle.  After all, the cash that you were giving your lender will end up in your pocket.  As long as your old tried and true has an auto warranty, you can enjoy your car for many years.

The government has announced to carmakers that they must get a fleet average fuel-efficiency of 35 mpg by the year 2020, however Hyundai now claims that they will hit this goal by the year 2015, which is five years earlier.

How will the Korean company hit this goal?  Hyundai doesn’t just plan to move forward on developing new hybrid cars, but also to take an approach to its gas engines that are holistic, by discovering ways to take off a mpg here and there.

Some of the new technologies that Hyundai plans to use in its new cars include transmissions that increase efficiency, turbocharging, eight speed automatic transmissions, direct injection, integrated Stop and Go technology, and dual continuously variable valve timing. And, consumers can rest-assured that they wouldn’t end up paying for repairs of these technologies if they have a good auto warranty. Other carmakers plan to make changes that are similar, but Hyundai has a lineup that is relatively small, with no large trucks and SUVs, so it makes it easier to make a quicker mileage jump.

Hyundai’s increased fuel-economy will make consumers happy, since gas prices have been such a concern to all.  Currently, people have been pushing the limit and running out of gas often, which have put roadside assistance calls at an all time high.

Electric and hybrid cars are in great demand these days.  However, these cars also will come at a cost.  They will strain scarce resources for water, according to a new study.

Every mile that is driven using electricity consumes approximately three times the water than a car using petrol.  Sciencedaily reported this.

Michael Webber and Carey King calculated the usage of water, consumption, as well as withdrawal during refining of petroleum and generation of power in the United States.

This does not mean that the impacts on sources of water make the shift undesirable.  Instead, the increase in the usage of water resources should be a consideration when people are planning for an automotive economy that is plugged-in.

Every technological advance has potential downfalls.  Vehicles that lack petroleum are good in many ways for out environment, and our wallets.  Also good for your wallet, is an auto warranty that protects you in case new technology fails.  Also, it brings drivers peace of mind.

We’ve all been there.  You’re driving your vehicle when suddenly your check engine light comes on.  If you’re like the majority of motorists, you aren’t really sure what the light is telling you.  This could be the most misunderstood light on your dashboard because it can mean many different things.  If your check engine light comes on you don’t have to immediately pull over and call for road service, but there are several tips that you should follow.

First, you should check for serious problems that would require immediate attention.  Look at your gauges to see if there is overheating or low oil pressure.  If they are apparent you should pull over and shut off your engine.

Next, tighten your gas cap.  Many times this will solve your problem.  Know that it might take a few trips before your check engine light resets.

It might help to reduce your speed.  If your light is blinking or your car is performing poorly reducing your speed will help.  Have your car checked as soon as possible.

If your check engine light comes on, remember not to panic.  Just follow these simple tips to deal with the problem. It is important to have a good auto warranty in case repairs are needed. You don’t want to end up paying unnecessary repair costs.

Ideally, people like to take their time to purchase a new vehicle, but some drivers just can’t wait a month or two.  A theft, accident, or breakdown may leave you scrambling for something to drive.  Here’s a strategy to help you buy quickly, but wisely.

First, think about the car that you just had.  If you loved everything about it, you can purchase the same car.  However, most likely there were a few things about your car that weren’t ideal.  Maybe you needed more cargo space, more legroom, etc.  Let your old car problems be a guide for your new purchase.

Next, calculate what you can spend monthly on a new car.  You can go to CNNMoney.com to find calculators that help you determine what you can afford.

Now, its time to do some research.  Look at vehicles online in your price range that meets your specific criteria.  You can begin to eliminate cars that don’t have exactly what you need.  Make sure to read reviews on the cars that you like.

Finally, contact a dealership and go in and test drive the 3-4 vehicles you favored.  Even though you are looking to purchase fast, make sure to tell the dealer that you’re not going to buy that day.

Doing research will allow you to get the car that you want for the best price possible.  In addition, make sure you purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road.  After all, you never know when you will need repairs.

When teenagers turn 16 years old, they are excited to get their drivers license.  Unfortunately, teens have more driving accidents than any other age group.  For the majority of teen drivers, the question isn’t whether they are going to have an accident, but when they are going to have an accident.

Inexperience is the main reason that teenagers are vulnerable to traffic accidents.  Although 16 to 19 year olds only make up 5.3 percent of the driving population in our nation, they’re involved in 13.3 percent of all of the traffic accidents and 11 percent of crashes that are fatal.

A new program aimed to protect teenagers is “graduated licensing”.  Although the age of licensing is the same, full privileges come gradually.

The program begins with a learner’s permit.  Next, is the intermediate stage, in which teens can drive during the daytime alone, and in the evening they can drive between 9 p.m-6 a.m. with a licensed driver.  Then, the advanced stage comes. This is when teens can drive with no restrictions.

The graduated licensing program is a good step to make sure that our teens remain safe.  However, teens need to protect themselves with a good auto warranty to avoid unnecessary repair costs.