After recalling 944,000 vehicles, GM has had to discontinue its HotShot windshield washer system, which was responsible for an electrical short.  So far, the malfunction has caused 34 auto warranty claims and three fires as a result of a short in the circuit board, which caused the control-circuit ground wire to overheat.

GM claims that the system’s supplier, Microheat, is responsible for the dangerous glitch.  GM feels that Microheat should pay the $20 million to $25 million that has been estimated for the cost of the recall.  However, the supplier claims that it is still owed by GM for tooling and parts.  Microheat is already suffering financial troubles, which means the recall could cause Microheat to go out of business, even though its innovative system is great for getting rid of insect remains in warm months and ice in cold months.

Vehicles that were involved in the recall are the Cadillac DTS and Escalade; the Buick Lucerne and Enclave; the GMC Yukon, Sierra and Acadia; the Hummer H2; the Saturn Outlook; and the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe.

A new rating system for roof-strength has been launched by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and has conducted its first tests on small SUVs.  Unfortunately, only four out of the twelve vehicles tested managed to get a Good rating, which is the top rating.

The SUVs that scored the Good rating were the Honda Element, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan and the Jeep Patriot.  SUVs that scored Acceptable were the Chevrolet Equinox, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Mitsubishi Outlander.  Ranking Marginal, were the Ford Escape, and Honda CR-V, while the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage were the only vehicles to rate Poor.

This new standard for roof-strength is intended to combat rollover deaths, which account for about a quarter of all deaths having to do with traffic.  For vehicles to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick, they have to now withstand four times their own weight before the car’s roof will collapse 5 inches.  The IIHS’s strength to weight ratio is a much higher standard than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s, which says that roofs should bear 2.5 times the car’s weight.

Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with vehicle safety, which is why more people are purchasing an auto warranty.  With used car warranties, people can rest-assured that they won’t be paying unnecessary repair costs.

Consumers are buying sedans more than ever.  They want to rely on their cars with the addition of an auto warranty and feel peace of mind.  This year Acura has taken note. Just take a look at the Acura TSX, which is quite impressive.

The Acura TSX is a sedan that is very sporty, and it might surprise people who assume that entry-level means basic and stripped.  The TSX is loaded with numerous features, such as Bluetooth capabilities and leather seats.

The latest model of the Acura TSX would be familiar to aficionados, however it is larger in practically every way.  This includes width, track, length and wheelbase.  This provides for a ride that is more stable and comfortable.

Although the look of the Acura TSX is familiar, it has a new design element that is distinct.  Its grill that is almost shield-like is a love or hate feature.  It is displayed best with the body color being light.  The longer vehicle provides Acura lovers a ride that feels sporty and aggressive.

All in all, the 2009 Acura TSX is a success.  Motorists can rest assured that this is a solid car that will provide the comfort and safety that they need.  As with any car, an auto warranty is recommended to ensure that your vehicle is protected in case of breakdowns.

Here is a question for car consumers:  What has the low cost of a used car with the reliability and auto warranty of a brand new car?  The answer is a certified pre-owned car.

The term CPO is used in the car industry to identify late model used cars that have low-mileage.  These automobiles have gone through a detailed inspection and come with an auto warranty by the factory to back them up.  CPOs are usually in better shape than other used cars and have a maintenance schedule that can be verified by using Carfax.

Most of the time certified pre-owned programs come with an inspection, auto warranty, and an option to return the vehicle if you decide you don’t like it.  What you end up getting for the extra money you spend on a CPO vehicle varies quite a bit.  For instance, Lexus will give you a 100,000 total vehicle and 3 year limited warranty on its CPO cars.  Chrysler, on the other hand, gives an inspection with a return policy, but only offers a limited auto warranty of 3,000-mile, 3 months.

In order for consumers to feel like they have the same service as a new car, they should ensure that they get an extension of the factory auto warranty offered.

Lately, there have been many headlines stating that used vehicles are selling better than new vehicles.  However, car shoppers need to keep in mind that currently new cars have an abundance of cash-back incentives from carmakers, and pre-owned vehicles don’t.

Do you want to spend under $20,000 on a brand new car?  Or what about $15,000?  The small cars that are currently on the market are ten times better than cars that were made 10 years ago, and since their price tags are so small, even small incentives make up a big part of their total cost.  If you’re looking at a car that only costs $15,000, $1,000 cash back is a good deal.

Here are a few of the new small cars and their cash-back offers.  You can buy a 2009 Toyota Yaris for $12,205 with $1,000 cash back.  Also, You can pick up a 2009 Toyota Matrix for $16,290 with $1,250 cash back.  And if it is a Nissan you’re looking for, you can purchase a 2009 Nissan Sentra for $16,730 with $2,250 cash back.  In addition, you have to keep in mind that all of these cars come with a good auto warranty.  New car warranties will also save you money because you won’t end up spending unnecessary repair costs.

Many people maintain their car under the hood but neglect their car’s exterior.  To freshen up your car and make it look brand new, follow these simple tips.

To care for your car’s exterior start by giving it a comprehensive washing.  You’ll want to remove all of the mud and grime that has built up on your car.

Make sure to use a pH balanced wash on your car.  You should avoid harsh detergents because they will strip off the car wax on your vehicle.

After a good car washing, make an evaluation of the surface of your vehicle.  You can do this by rubbing your hand along the surface of your vehicle.  If the surface feels rough on your hand, chances are you have bugs, tar, or water deposits.  These things need to be removed before you wax your car.

After doing these things it is time to put a car polish and wax on your car to protect it’s finish from harmful elements.

Make sure to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your car.  This includes maintenance, washing, waxing, and buying an auto warranty.

When purchasing a new car, it is up to consumers to do their homework before shopping.   This will ensure the best deal possible.  Three important tips will save you from unnecessary costs.

First, look around to find the best dealership.  One way to do this is to check the Internet about dealerships. Web searches can be a wealth of information. Many times you will find complaints or positive revues that could help you.  Also, it is a good idea to contact several car dealerships in your area to see which ones are going to respond quickly and be helpful.

Next, don’t buy alarm systems or dealer financing. These are two ways that consumers lose in the end. For example, when cars are manufactured they already have wiring installed.  However, automakers sell alarms separately for up to $1200.  This is added on to the price of the new vehicle.  Also, finance offices don’t usually give you the best deals.  A better option would be to put your money towards a much needed auto warranty.

Finally, sell your car before arriving at the dealership.  If you sell it yourself, you will get a much better deal than you would on a trade-in.

The bottom line is that any mechanical breakdown leaving a motorist stranded could wipe out all of the gains from a perfectly negotiated deal.  New car warranties should be an essential part of your purchase in order to protect you from unnecessary repairs.

An extended auto warranty can bring motorists peace of mind.  However, drivers need to get the most out of their auto warranty by keeping documents organized and asking the right questions.  Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your auto warranty.

Often times an extended auto warranty requires service records.  This is why it is necessary to keep your records straight.  Create a central location for your records if you don’t already have one.  This will alleviate frustrations down the road when you are trying to locate documents.

Don’t just rely on your computer to keep records.  Print hard copies of records if you buy an auto warranty online.  You never know when your computer will be down, and it could be when you need your auto warranty.

Make sure to read everything in the auto warranty.  If something isn’t written in the contract, then it isn’t covered.  Never make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.

Finally, make sure that you have contact information accessible to you at all times.  This will make things easier when you have a claim.

If you’re considering buying a new vehicle this year you need to consider the worth of the car in a few years, when you’re ready to trade it in for another car.  Consider these four factors that determine the resale value of a vehicle.

Supply and demand is a big factor.  Vehicles that have a high volume of production, such as Chevrolet and Ford pickup trucks don’t hold a high resale value because they are so numerous.

Next, brand image is key.  For instance, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda have great images, which is the reason they end up on the high end of the table every year.  Regardless of whether the vehicle deserves it or not, brand name is a huge factor in the resale price of a car.

If there is a high incentive for spending on a new car, the residual value will be lower on a recent model.  Just remember, there is a reason for high incentives.

Also investigate the number of units of a certain model that were sold to rental and commercial fleets.  If there was a great number sold, the resale value will be less.

Look at these factors when buying a new car.  A vehicle is only a good deal if it is worth something when it comes time to trade it in.  In addition, purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet against unnecessary expenses.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued for 39,711 Outlanders and Lancers from 2008 and 2009 model years because of a brake-booster check valve that is faulty.

This brake-booster check valve was constructed with material composition that is poor, which leaves it vulnerable to stick when the engine isn’t running, says the NHTSA.  In turn, this may cause the brakes to lose responsiveness and make the stopping distance increase during slow car maneuvers.

Car owners with these vehicles can contact their dealer to have car valves replaced free of charge.  Also, you can contact Mitsubishi directly at 1-800-222-0037 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Unfortunately, you never know when your car will be recalled or experience failure, which is why it is essential to have a good auto warranty.  New car warranties will save you from paying unnecessary repair expenses down the road.