People need to realize that in today’s cars the main source of power is still the battery.  The battery is not just used to start the engine; it is also used to supply electrical energy that maintains the memory of the numerous computers onboard.  Batteries and cable connections that are poorly maintained fail to supply the voltage needed for innovative electronic devises.  This can cause a vehicle to perform erratically. Maintaining your battery and purchasing an auto warranty can save you from breakdowns.  Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts that can help you maintain your car battery.

First, it is important to check cables to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion.  Make sure that terminals are lubricated with petroleum jelly to keep cables clean longer.  Also, the battery should be secured firmly to the mounting bracket.  If it’s not, it can result in short circuits.  Finally, make sure to maintain fluids.  If fluid is low, distilled water should be added.  If there isn’t fluid the battery needs to be replaced.

There are some important things that you shouldn’t do concerning your battery.  Don’t charge your battery if it’s frozen because there is a possibility it could explode.  Instead, you must replace the battery.  Never charge a battery that is dead with an alternator.  The alternator may be damaged in this case.  Also, you shouldn’t disconnect battery cables if your car is running.

Make sure to maintain your battery so it can perform at its peak.  These simple tips can help your battery last longer.  Of course, you never know when your car will fail, so make sure to purchase an auto warranty that will protect you in the event of a breakdown.

BMW, Ford and VW announced the plan to boost sales of small cars that are fuel-efficient after the slump of consumer spending, which shows that improving gas powered cars will come before vehicles with alternative fuel.

Automakers in the U.S. are cutting emissions by steering away from SUVs and trucks and focusing on smaller cars, as major advances in other technology are being delayed because of the global financial crisis.  Just like European automakers, they are making the most of the combustion engine, for example improving turbochargers, to increase efficiency while continuing to burn fossil fuels.

Vehicle sales in the U.S. plummeted 27% last month, extending the slide in the industry to 11 months in a row, which is the longest in 17 years.  Tightening credit has discouraged buyers, as the U.S. and Europe shovel out money to help bail the banks out.  Meanwhile, the roads won’t be full of electric vehicles until huge investments have government support.

Carmakers are finding themselves in a position where they have to pay attention to the basics, selling gas-powered cars.  In the meantime, many motorists are hanging on to their current vehicles and purchasing an auto warranty to protect them from unnecessary repair costs.

Most people believe that SUVs are the safest vehicles on the road; however, recent test results show that midsize SUVs may not offer the best safety.  In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that a lot of cars produced better results in crash tests than six midsize SUVs.

The SUVs tested were the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.  These vehicles were tested in a front collision at 40mph and a side impact.

All of these vehicles showed improvement since the last IIHS test.  In the instance of the front collision, five out of the six vehicles were rated Good.  The Trailblazer was rated Acceptable.

However, the results of the side-impact tests weren’t as good.  The Trailblazer and Grand Cherokee didn’t protect the torso because they are only equipped with standard side airbags to protect the head.  The Pathfinder, 4Runner, and Xterra had better performance with side impact because they include side airbags that protect the torso as well as the head.  However, cars had better ratings on side impact.

If you’re looking to purchase a midsize SUV, purchase one with high crash ratings.  For instance, the Ford TaurusX and Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Tribeca are the highest rated midsize SUVs.  Although these SUVs are durable, it’s necessary to purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself from repair costs down the road.  After all, no vehicle is full proof.

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 2008 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.

When thinking of the engine, most people don’t consider how important the alternator is.  In fact, the alternator is indispensable because the engine won’t run without it.  The alternator is the source where the power train derives power.

Alternators were created in order to convert mechanical energy into a current that is alternating.  In order to do this the engine belt drives the alternator shaft.  Doing this allows electricity to be produced from the mechanical energy of the machines.  Then, the power becomes channeled.  The electricity produced recharges the battery and powers the electrical system of the vehicle.

If you need to replace your alternator you will discover that some contain more amps and some are definitely more costly. However, an auto warranty will give you peace of mind with any vehicle repairs.

Whatever car you have, make sure you can see the bolts.  Many times, other parts have to be removed to have access to the bolts.  Before you remove your alternator, take note of the way it’s connected.  Then, mark its location so you know where to connect it.  Afterward, start to unplug the wires that connect to the alternator.  Finally, take off the bolts and remove the alternator.

Without the alternator, the engine can’t function.  If you can’t replace it yourself, find a professional to take care of it.  Whatever you decide, make sure you have an auto warranty to save you from costly repairs.  After all, you never know when you will need to replace a part on your vehicle.

It is common to show affection to the people you love, but we don’t want to forget to give some thought to our vehicles.  A lot of us find our vehicles to be more than just another asset.  They are such a big part of our lives because we depend on them to get us where we need to go safely.  They deserve a bit of attention and affection too.

A recent survey reinforces the powerful relationship that drivers have with their cars.  Apparently, 44 percent of men and 48 percent of women claim they have thanked their car in different situations.  In addition, 30 percent of women and 37 percent of men claim they have given their cars compliments on dependability.

So what can you give your car to show your appreciation?  There are several things you can do.  First of all, make sure you have a preventative maintenance plan.  Also, purchase your car an auto warranty to ensure that it is covered in the event of a breakdown.  Your car will thank you by getting you to your destinations safely.

When your car needs basic services, such as an oil change, where do you take it?  Chances are you will go to a quick lube business, not your dealer.

However, Acura is striving to get back the quick-lube consumers by creating its Accelerate service program for Acura owners.  The concept is for Acura dealership service departments to start offering affordable, quick services that bring car owners back to the dealership.

Services will include tire rotation, an oil change, brake-pad checks, tread checks, air monitoring, a car wash and a vacuum for $38.95, and the whole thing will be completed in less than 47 minutes.

Acura says that more than half of the profits of a dealership come from service and parts, so it is smart to give car owners a reason to come to the dealer instead of the quick lube service joint.  This program will begin with select dealerships in Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, but will be in all Acura dealerships by 2011.  Maybe this will encourage Acura owners to have their cars serviced more often and with an auto warranty, drivers need not fear unnecessary repair costs.

Over the last week there has been a story circulating on the Internet about the owner of a 2009 Nissan GT-R who couldn’t get his auto warranty to cover his blown transmission.  What was the problem?  He claims he turned off the stability control in order to use the vehicle’s launch control feature.  Making that mistake cost him about $20,000 in auto repairs.

Nissan is well aware of the story on the Internet, and it says that utilizing the launch control feature or turning the VDC off by themselves wouldn’t void the auto warranty.  However, Nissan claims that when the two features are abused and lead to damage, the auto warranty becomes void.  The auto warranty includes normal stipulations about racing, modifications, as well as other changes that void auto warranties.

Nissan couldn’t calculate how car owners could use the vehicle, meaning how often it could be driven on a track or other difficult uses.  Other GT-R drivers have complained about the car’s transmission, but most of them attacked the author of the original story for not being a good driver.

The result of this story is clear for owners of GT-R owners: You shouldn’t drive your GT-R too hard if you don’t want to be the one to pay for it.

Nissan is trying to catch up with its competition, Honda and Toyota, in the hybrid area and is all set to debut a luxury hybrid next year sometime, according to Nikkei, which is a Japanese business daily.

Although in the past, Nissan has utilized Toyota’s hybrid system, on the Nissan Altima Hybrid, it is planning to come up with its own drivetrain for this time, and will most likely be used on the Infiniti M sedan.

This move is a bit questionable if you look at the iffy sales record on past luxury hybrids.  Nissan only needs to look at Toyota, its competition, which has had a difficult time selling its luxury hybrids under the Lexus name. People are generally opting for more affordable hybrids with a good auto warranty instead of splurging on luxury vehicles.

It may be a smarter move to build a hybrid model that would be able to compete with the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, instead of nationally promoting the Altima Hybrid.

The two-mode hybrid system will be available soon.  The Allison Transmission division of BMW, GM, and DaimlerChrysler originally developed this system.  This alliance is referred to as the Global Hybrid Corporation.

The reason that this system is called a two-mode hybrid is because it has high and low-speed modes for the electric variable transmission.  Four fixed gear ratios have been incorporated for high efficiency.

Some of the same functions are featured that are on the Ford and Toyota one-mode hybrids.  For instance, the vehicle will turn off at a standstill, while breaking the batteries charge, and the electric motor, the engine, or both, can be used to power the vehicle.

The two-mode hybrid is very adaptable.  It can be used with several engine or drive train configurations.  In addition, it can be mated to engines powered by gas, E85 or diesel fuels.

This new system will be put into the GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Tahoe by late in the year.  Mercedes and BMW will also be offering this system, but they haven’t said what cars will be utilizing this technology.  With any new car technology, an auto warranty is a necessity.  After all, you don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs in the future.