There is nothing worse than getting your car repaired and hearing, “It isn’t covered under your auto warranty.”  Often, motorists are confused because they assume that certain repairs are covered.  Drivers need a little education to understand more about their new car warranties.

People need to understand that an auto warranty isn’t an entitlement, but an agreement you make with the car manufacturer.  Your responsibility is to fulfill specific maintenance requirements that the manufacturer sets.  After doing your part, the manufacturer must perform repairs resulting from a defect or a failed part.

So, what parts are covered?  The auto manufacturer must cover the parts that it makes.  For example, transmissions, engines, steering, suspension, computers, instruments, chassis wiring, and other parts that they manufacture are covered.  Maintenance items and wearable items aren’t covered under new car warranties.  For example, filters, hoses, belts, brakes and tires aren’t covered.

What about the parts not made by the manufacturer of the car?  Items such as stereo systems and conversion components have a warranty through their manufacturers.  These can be found in paper work you received with the purchase of the car.

The best thing that you can do to avoid misunderstandings about new car warranties is to educate yourself.  Make sure that you do your homework and read all of the fine print in your auto warranty.

Probably at one time or another you have been told that you need new shocks and (or) struts. After being quoted a large price, you might find yourself thinking, “Can I get away without replacing them?

Your shocks and struts serve two functions in your car. Some vehicles only have struts, and some only have shocks. Their purpose is to dampen the oscillation of springs and assist in ride control.

If your shocks and/or struts are worn, your suspension parts and tires will wear out sooner. This is why it is important to take your vehicle in for preventative checkups. It is a good idea to have your mechanic look at them every time you get an oil change.

There are several warning signs that might tell you it is time to replace your shocks/struts. First, you might notice leaks on the housing or dents on the strut body. Also, you might see high and low worn spots on your tires and pitted piston rods. Finally, you may have rubber bumpers that are crushed from bottoming out.

Make sure you don’t cut corners when dealing with your shocks/struts. It is essential that these parts function correctly for handling and cornering. Purchasing an auto warranty is a good idea for motorists in order to avoid unnecessary repair costs down the road. After all, you never know when your car will need maintenance.

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.

There are millions of traffic tickets issued out every year in the U.S., which often cost over $100. This is a billion dollar business in our country. Paying the ticket through the mail is essentially admitting that you’re guilty. Also, you will have the ticket on your record at the DMV for up to three years. So, is it possible to wiggle out of a speeding ticket? Here are a couple of things to try.

First of all, if you get pulled over for speeding, stay in your vehicle. You should never get out. When the policeman approaches your window, try to look remorseful. Make apologies to the officer and be polite. Be nice, and ask for a warning. Don’t try to answer questions, such as: “Do you know why I pulled you over?” Tell the officer you aren’t sure.

Don’t pay the speeding ticket by mail because it means you are admitting you’re guilty. In the U.S. you are considered innocent until proven guilty, so show up at court. Often, the police officer will make mistakes leading to the dismissal of your ticket. For instance, the officer might not go to court. Many times you will get your ticket changed to a lesser charge by showing up at court. For example, they might change it to a parking ticket from a speeding ticket. This is beneficial because it won’t increase your insurance and will give you fewer points on your license.

Many motorists assume that if they are given a speeding ticket that they should just pay it through the mail. However, it is a much better idea to make an effort to get out of it so you don’t have to pay an increased insurance premium. After all, we factor in costs such as an auto warranty and maintenance costs, but don’t consider speeding tickets and raised insurance.

If you love old cars, you aren’t the only one.  There are antique shows all over the country that have vintage cars on display.  Crowds flock to admire these cars, and owners take great pride in displaying them.

Many vintage owners have restored their cars piece-by-piece.  Owners haven’t just rebuilt these cars; they have restored them to their original state.

The difference between rebuilding and restoring is simple.  Rebuilt cars have new parts in them, where, restored cars have authentic parts.

The restoration process includes the car body, as well as mechanical components.  For a true restoration to take place the parts must be from the original make and year of the car.

The vehicle’s interior is also included in the restoration.  If possible, upholstery should be repaired.  It can be virtually impossible to find the authentic upholstery for a vehicle, but it is necessary to get as close as possible.

It’s a labor of love to restore a car, but worth it.  There is nothing more satisfying than turning a clunker into a classic car.  As with any car, make sure you have an auto warranty to protect yourself.

If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it.  The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.

A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting.  This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources.  A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.

When getting a car history report look out for the following things.  This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.

If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly.  These cars have probably endured more abuse.

Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others.  For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.

Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car.  Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.

Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon.  Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.

There are several small cars over the years that have had a cult status, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, the French Deux Chevaux and the original Mini.

Each one of these vehicles was popular in their time.  However, they also possessed something extra; a quality that is indefinable, but gave them a cult following.

Today, there are some new cars in the American market that possess a retro style.  For example, the Chrysler PT Cruiser in 2000, the Volkswagen New Beetle in 1998, and the Mini are all in this group.

These vehicles all contain similar qualities.  First of all, they have great style and perform well.  But in addition, they contain a classlessness that lets drivers make a statement without letting people know that they have tons of money.  Drivers like them for two reasons; they are a lot of fun to drive and they have tons of personality.

Small cars are making a big comeback in the United States, and just a few of these possess a cult status.  Motorists enjoy driving a “cool” vehicle that has personality, and they will maintain it until it dies.  People often purchase an extended auto warranty so that they can enjoy their cars without the headache of unnecessary repair expenses.

Many motorists find it difficult to find a trustworthy place for their automotive repairs.  Some people prefer to take their vehicle straight to the dealership, while others feel more comfortable with an Independent repair shop.  So, which is better?

There are several dealership advantages.  First, dealerships have to pay for the training of their technicians, and provide special equipment and tools to maintain their franchise license.  Also, they have one year’s worth of proprietary information on new cars that they have sold and serviced.  This is information important for diagnosis and repair, and yet no one except the dealer can access it.  Finally, service departments in dealerships basically work on the makes and models of the vehicles that they sell.  This means that they are more familiar with these particular vehicles, so often diagnosis is quick and accurate.

There are also advantages to the independent shop.  Independent facilities are there to serve their neighborhood.  This means that customers enjoy personal customer service.  In addition, an independent shop offers services that are versatile on a diverse range of vehicles.  Many independent repair shops that are top-notch also offer an auto warranty through the parts suppliers.  Finally, independent shops tend to offer better prices than dealerships.

Dealerships and independent repair shops both have advantages to consider.  It is important for consumers to find a repair facility that they feel comfortable with.  And always make sure that you purchase an auto warranty to cut down on unnecessary repair expenses.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a small SUV you’re in luck because there are many good choices.  Compact SUVs offer practicality, fuel-efficiency, and nice style.  In fact you can find many models for under $25,000 complete with an auto warranty.  So what are the best and worst models to consider?  Read on.

The Honda CR-V is the #1 compact SUV.  It scored the highest for performance, safety, and interior.  According to reviewers, it drives really well, has a sleek design and offers ample storage room.  Following close behind, the Toyota RAV4 comes in second place in its class.  This vehicle has a surprising amount of power for its size. It now offers a V-6 engine, as well as a third row seat. The RAV4 was the first compact SUV in its class over a decade ago.  Coming in #3 is the 2008 Subaru Forester.  This SUV is known for being a fun, family-friendly vehicle.  Reviewers complained about the exterior being bland and the balky transmission, but were willing to overlook these things because it had some great positive features.

Unfortunately, there are some compact SUVs that didn’t rank as well.  In last place was the Saturn Vue Hybrid.  According to reviewers, it isn’t very refined and isn’t as fuel thrifty as many other hybrids.  Also at the bottom of the list is the Mazda Tribute because its power and handling doesn’t match its competitors.  Finally, the Jeep Compass drives more like a car, but doesn’t have the sportiness or off-road capabilities that other Jeeps have.

If you’re looking to buy a compact SUV, there are many great choices out there.  The most important thing is to do your homework and make sure you are choosing wisely.  Also keep in mind the cost of new car warranties, maintenance costs and auto loans when determining your budget.

Today, there are many different options of places to buy pre-owned vehicles.  You can shop from your own home via the Internet, use a car dealership, or use a private owner.  These are all good options if you take the time to do some homework.

Search used vehicle websites if you plan on shopping from home.  You will need to type in your price range, the kind of car that you want, and your zip code.  Then, you will see a list of vehicles in your area with information about the sellers.  You can even sell your current vehicle by placing a classified ad.

Independent used car dealerships typically handle all makes of cars.  You can find a practically new car to a clunker.  Keep in mind that if the dealer has been in business for a long time they are probably reputable.  A big bonus to buying through a dealer is that financing and an auto warranty can be arranged for you.

A private owner will most likely give you the best price.  Usually they would just like to get their car sold as soon as possible and they have no overhead like a business does.

Pre-owned cars are a good option for any motorist.  However, consumers should protect themselves by doing homework on vehicle prices, used car warranties, and car loans.