These days many vehicles are being offered with 4WD systems.  It can be difficult for consumers wanting to purchase a car with 4WD to distinguish between the different systems.  There is Part Time 4WD, Full Time 4WD and permanent 4WD.  So, what’s the difference?

The most basic of the 4WD systems is Part Time.  This allows the driver to choose if they want to drive in two-wheel drive or 4WD.  This sounds appealing, but has a downside.  The 4WD shouldn’t be engaged unless it is very slippery.  The reason for this is that 4WD will lock the front and back wheels.  Although this is good for slippery conditions, it makes for awkward handling on dry surfaces.  This system is, however, less expensive and very durable.

The most commonly used system is Full Time 4WD.  This system offers a two-wheel drive mode and 4WD.  Also, there is a high and low mode for various conditions.  An advantage to this system is that a center differential allows the front and back wheels to rotate at two different speeds.  Also beneficial is that this system offers more control and better handling on different road conditions.

Permanent 4WD is comparable to Full Time, yet it doesn’t have a two-wheel drive mode.  The car will always be in 4WD with this system.  Torque is being applied constantly to all of the wheels, which allows for traction in various weather conditions.  This system has high and low modes that are applied automatically.

Four- wheel drive is a great feature to have on any vehicle that may encounter challenging road conditions.  However, with any technology make sure that you purchase an auto warranty to cover you from paying unnecessary repair costs down the road.  This will allow you to have peace of mind.

It is a good idea for drivers to purchase an extended auto warranty for peace of mind.  However, for motorists to get the most out of an auto warranty, they should keep their documents organized and ask appropriate questions.  Follow these tips to utilize your auto warranty.

Many times service records are required for an extended auto warranty, which is why it is essential for you to keep your records organized.  Keep your documents in a central location to alleviate frustrations down the road.

It is great to have records on your computer, but don’t just rely on that.  If you purchase an auto warranty online, print hard copies also.  You can’t foresee when your computer will be down, and it might be when you need to use your auto warranty.

Read your auto warranty thoroughly.  If you don’t see something written in the contract, then it won’t be covered.  You shouldn’t ever make assumptions when it comes to your auto warranty.

Lastly, have contact information accessible to you at all times.  This will make things go smoothly when you need to file a claim.

An original innovative system will boost fuel economy approximately 1 m.p.g. in the all-wheel drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, 2009 models.  Motorists will be thrilled to have extra savings, due to this technology.  Also, new car warranties will ensure that drivers don’t pay extra expenses.

This system is one of the several innovative technologies that are soon to come.  The company revealed this new system at its technical center in Auburn Hills.

Chrysler has already made significant changes to its vehicle models.  In fact they have made 500 improvements since last year.  For example, they reduced excess engine noise in their Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot.  Also, thanks to new mounts for the engine, noise and vibrations are lessened in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.

The updated all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient by disconnecting the drivetrain from the front axle, until it is necessary to activate all-wheel drive for safety.  The economy ratings by the EPA for all-wheel drive versions of these models will be comparable to the rear-drive model ratings.

Currently, the 300 and Charger, as well as other all-wheel drive vehicles lose at least 1 m.p.g. in ratings by the EPA because energy is being sent to the front axle, even if it isn’t needed.  This new technology will alleviate this problem.  However, motorists should always protect themselves with an auto warranty with any technology, just in case it unexpectedly fails.

You may think you have to spend a fortune to buy a new car, but that isn’t true.  There are cars out there that are affordable, reliable and come with an auto warranty. What affordable cars will give you the most bang for your buck?

The Toyota Yaris is a 2-door hatchback at a great price.  The sticker on this vehicle is $12,704.  This is a sporty looking vehicle that gets 40mpg on the highway and 34mpg in the city.  This car has a 1.5-liter engine putting out 106hp.  It has a spacious interior and a moderate amount of trunk space.  The only cheap thing about this vehicle is the price.

The Hyundai Accent Hatchback GS is a bargain at $13,581.  This car is sporty and sexy and even offers options for customizing.  It gets 35mpg on the highway and 32mpg in the city.  The engine is a 1.6-liter putting out 110 hp.  This car has an impressive interior with a wraparound dashboard.  Also, you can fold down the back seats to create quite a bit of cargo space.

The Chevy Aveo LS is a four-door hatchback. Its price is impressive at $13,724.  It has a fun, aerodynamic style with comfortable ride.  It has a driver’s seat that is height adjustable, ample rear legroom, and an interior with a clean layout.  The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 hp.  This car gets 37mpg on the highway and 27mpg in the city.

If you’re on a budget for car shopping, never fear.  These cars will give you the most bang for your buck and all come with new car warranties.

An electric recharging station is going to be added to the affluent suburb of Lake Oswego in Oregon.  Local leaders believe that adding this station downtown will draw people into the area.  Portland General Electric will be working with the city in hopes of creating a network of similar stations.

At the moment, there are only 270 electric cars that are registered in Oregon, but with cars like the Chevy Volt, and electric Toyota, Chrysler, and Ford vehicles; stations like these may become more common.  It hasn’t been mentioned whether it will be free to charge, but the electricity is being supplied by renewable sources, although the specific type- solar, wind, etc. isn’t stated.

The main drawback is that charging a vehicle with electricity takes a lot of time.  For instance, GM claims that it will take the Chevy Volt about four hours to recharge with a high-voltage outlet.  Ideally, stations such as these would be placed near local businesses where commuters could recharge their cars during their workday.

Unfortunately, electric charging stations aren’t available anywhere else in the U.S., so people are apprehensive to purchase these cars.  And remember, with any car an auto warranty is a necessity so you don’t end up paying for costly repairs.

It wasn’t long ago, when gas prices were at $4 per gallon and a new Toyota Prius would cost you around $25,000 and your first-born child.  Well, since it has been acknowledged that we are in a yearlong recession and gas prices are rock bottom, demand for the once popular hybrid is upside down.

Cars.com did an inventory search on their website, finding 1,241 Prius’ for sale within a 500 mile radius of Chicago.  Yet, there were only three Toyota Camry Hybrids and 124 Ford Escape Hybrids in the same area.

According to Toyota, last month it sold 8,660 Prius’, which is down considerably from 16,737 in November of 2007.  However, the highest total sales this summer was lower than November 2007 also, at 14,785 for July, and that was during the fuel crisis.

So what does this information mean?  Could it be that low gas prices have turned car shoppers off of the most well known hybrid out there?  Or does it just say that everyone is feeling the hit of the economy, so they are waiting to buy vehicles and instead just hanging onto their current ones with the addition of an auto warranty?

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.  Just make sure you get new car warranties with any car, especially one with many features, to avoid unnecessary repair costs.

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.  Consumers are excited about this vehicle.  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.

Before Barack Obama made the switch to a Ford Escape Hybrid back in 2007 when he entered the presidential campaign, the Senator was the proud owner of a 2005 Chrysler 300C sedan.  He often spoke of the fact that he owned an American car, and for the people out there who have concern about the 340-hp Hemi and its poor gas mileage of 15/23 mpg, just remember that was his family’s one and only vehicle.

Well, that 300C that was so often talked about is now on eBay for sale, but the price tag is quite hefty.  Apparently, driving the former sedan of the soon to be 44th president is going to cost you at least $100,000, which is the opening bid.  The Kelley Blue Book value of this car is only $17,000.

However, what’s an extra $83,000 to own a piece of presidential history?  But if you become the proud owner of this vehicle, make sure you purchase an auto warranty and maintain the car properly because the fact is that the value of this car will continue to go up.

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

Some GM 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 pickup 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.

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

There is nothing worse that purchasing a car and finding out that it has an ocean of problems, literally.

Why?  The number of cars on the market in the last five years that have been damaged by flooding, hurricanes or rains has doubled.  Certain states have actually reported an increase of six times more than the number recorded five years ago.

A lot of times, vehicles with this problem are moved from regions that experience a lot of flooding to less suspicious areas.  These cars will find themselves back on the pre-owned market, disguised and rebuilt to look clean.

It can be hard to realize if a flood has damaged a car, yet if a car has been underwater it will rot inside and out.  Also, water damage can threaten the mechanical systems and ruin electronics in a vehicle, without even leaving a sign on the outside of the vehicle.

Since sales of used cars are expected to reach 45 million this year, consumers need to be on high alert for any signs of flood damage.  Also, purchase an auto warranty to protect yourself in case you have unforeseen repair costs.