An extended auto warranty is a great way to bring a motorist peace of mind.  In the event of a breakdown you don’t want to end up paying unnecessary repair costs.  Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your auto warranty.

You need to know who is offering the auto warranty.  Is it an after-market company or the auto manufacturer?  Know who is underwriting on the policy.  You don’t want to wait until your car breaks down to find this out.

Read the auto warranty in its entirety to find out what coverage is included and for how long.  Keep in mind that time conditions and mileage in the auto warranty could be different for varying systems of your car.

Make sure you know the maintenance that you are responsible for keeping up with.  You have to do certain things for the auto warranty to be valid.  Also, keep records of the work you had done on your car because this will be necessary in the case of a claim.

An extended warranty will bring you peace of mind, but you need to be clear on the terms of it to get the most out of it.  Make sure to get maintenance when it required in the terms of the auto warranty.

Typically, you will get the best value purchasing a used vehicle.  This is especially true for late models.  Not only will you find the price to be lower than a new vehicle that is comparable, but also expenses for ownership, such as taxes and collision insurance will be less.  In addition, a used vehicle has already taken its largest depreciation hit.  You also can get a vehicle that is better equipped by buying used.

Used cars have become more appealing because their reliability has improved.  Exhaust problems and rust used to be a major concern, but aren’t a problem anymore.  Studies have shown that reported problems declined significantly since 1980.

Although reliability has improved considerably, repair costs and maintenance are important things to consider.  Many used cars don’t have an auto warranty left or are close to the end of its life.  This means that motorists will be paying out of pocket for expenses.  However, buying used car warranties will take care of this problem.

Overall, buying used is a great option to save money.  Also, consumers can get a car with more features than they would be able to afford new.  However, an auto warranty is a necessity so that you don’t pay for unnecessary repair costs.

In order for a vehicle to maintain its peak performance motorists must get routine maintenance and service.  This will also keep your car prepared for difficult driving conditions that come up. Purchasing used car warranties is a good idea so that you don’t dread taking in your car just to find that it requires additional repairs.  To keep your car in tip-top shape, follow these tips.

First, check your tire pressure on a regular basis.  To keep track, you should do it every other time that you get gas at the pump.  In addition, check your tire treads to look for wear and tear and ensure that there isn’t any cracking.

Second, get regular car washes to keep a nice, shiny exterior.  And add a coat of wax to keep away corrosion.

Don’t forget to be aware of your check engine light.  Don’t ignore it if it lights up.  Make sure to take your car to a professional in this case so that you don’t have expensive repairs down the road.  Of course an auto warranty will help you avoid unnecessary repair expenses.

Lastly, determine a service schedule with a mechanic and keep it.  Your car has certain parts that a professional should look at periodically.  Look at your owner’s manual in order to determine what maintenance schedule is best for your car.

Just by following these tips you can head off unnecessary repairs in the future.  However, you want to make sure you have an auto warranty to protect your wallet.

Some people think of used cars as being dirty, junky and old.  But a different market is making savvy buyers who are looking for updated vehicles pay attention.  The bonus is that these cars don’t have the sticker price of new cars.

Certified pre-owned cars have undergone rigid inspections and been refurbished by their manufacturer.  Also enticing is that they are backed with an extended auto warranty.  Automakers are realizing that they can’t ignore the certified vehicle market.

A recent study shows that certified pre-owned car sales have gone up 46% since the year 2000.  It is estimated that 1.5 million certified used vehicles are sold yearly, which is equivalent to approximately 10 % of the sales of new cars.

So what are the best and worst certified pre-owned cars to purchase?  Forbes.com has put out a list to help consumers make a good purchase.

At the top of the list of the best CPO cars are Honda Accord and Toyota 4Runner.  Following is the Acura TL, and Subaru Impreza.  Also, the Lexus GS tops the list.

Cars on the worst list are the Saturn Relay, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Also, the Volkswagen New Beetle, Pontiac G6, and Mercedes Benz E Class make the list.

Certified pre-owned can be a great way to purchase an updated vehicle without the updated cost.  Another perk is that they come with an extended auto warranty.  Just remember to keep in mind the best and worst CPO car lists when considering a purchase.

Recent tests show that pickup trucks aren’t as safe as people originally thought.  For instance, the Nissan Navara received just one out of five stars for adult safety.  In fact, the Navara has a life-threatening risk of injury.  In addition, the Navara only received three out of five stars for child protection, and two for pedestrian.

The Isuzu Rodeo has also been faced with lots of criticism because it only received two out of five stars for adult protection.  The Rodeo has also received an unacceptable rating for life threatening injuries.  This vehicle got one star for pedestrian protection and two for protection of children.

However, Isuzu says that they did internal testing of the Rodeo and it got three stars.  Also, it had a great record with real accidents.

Also low scoring in the safety category is the Mitsubishi L200.  Although this pickup got four stars for adult protection, it only received three stars for child protection and one for pedestrian protection.

Pickup truck manufacturers have recently been adding attractive options for families, yet according to safety ratings pickups aren’t the best choice for families.  However, pickup truck owners should make sure they have a good auto warranty, since you never know when you will have to pay for repairs.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is a common practice that is responsible for thousands of car accidents and calls for emergency roadside assistance every year.  Ideally, motorists should take responsibility and not get behind the wheel after drinking, but this doesn’t always happen.

Toyota has taken this matter seriously.  Currently, they are in the process of developing a system for vehicles in which cars are able to detect if a driver is drunk.  If the vehicle detects that the motorist is trying to drive while intoxicated it will shut down the car automatically.

Vehicles that have this detection system will have sweat sensors on the steering wheel, which detect abnormal alcohol levels in a person’s bloodstream.  The car won’t even start if there are high alcohol levels in the driver.

This system will also become affective if abnormal steering is detected, or if a camera determines that the pupils of the driver’s eyes aren’t focused.  The vehicle will then slowly come to a stop.

Toyota hopes to have cars equipped with this system by late 2009.

Nissan Motor has also experimented with devices similar to breathalyzers that can detect drunken drivers.  Other technologies that are similar, like alcohol ignition interlocks, are already being used in the U.S. and other countries.

Toyota and Nissan have taken a step in the right direction.  Hopefully, these new car safety features will cut down on auto accidents and road service calls.  In addition, drivers need to protect themselves with an auto warranty.

It is apparent that Ford is looking to give its buyers an assist, at least the consumers purchasing a 2010 Lincoln MKS or MKT.  In mid-year 2009, these vehicles are going to come equipped with the Active Park Assist system, which literally will parallel park the car automatically.  Ford’s MKT is a brand new crossover that is going to make its debut next month at the Detroit auto show.

Ford’s system is very similar to the one that is found on the Lexus LS 460.  However, instead of using cameras, this system uses a sensing system that is ultrasonic-based.

Ford says there are a few advantages over the technology that Lexus is using.  First of all, drivers can use Ford’s system if they are parking in a downhill situation, and Ford says its system has improved reliability and speed while parking.

This technology could prove to be very beneficial to drivers; however, drivers should protect themselves with a good auto warranty.  After all, you never know when you will find yourself needing repairs on new technology.

If you’re considering purchasing a new or used vehicle, you should do a few things first.  You can make the process of buying a car easier, and save yourself some money by following a few simple tips.

First of all, you should consider purchasing a pre-owned car.  New vehicles will immediately lose about 30% of their value when they are driven out of the dealership lot.  A used car will save you from losing that immediate depreciation.

Try to purchase a vehicle that is fuel-efficient.  There are an endless amount of new hybrid options and cars that will save you money at the gas pump.  With the variety of choices out there, there is no need to purchase a vehicle that guzzles gas.

If at all possible, save for a decent down payment.  A lot of motorists will barely put any money down on a vehicle and don’t understand why their payments the first four years are so high.  Putting down 20% will make a big difference in lowering monthly payments.

Lastly, buy an auto warranty along with your car purchase.  Many consumers try to get away with not doing this and they end up spending an unnecessary amount of money on repairs down the road.

Follow these simple tips to save yourself a headache.  Do your homework before getting to the dealership in order to make the best decisions.

New teen driving laws have now taken effect, which will help teens sharpen their driving skills.  During the first driving year, teens won’t be able to drive late at night or carry multiple teenage passengers.

The Department of Public Safety claims that teens in Minnesota are overrepresented in car accidents every year because of distractions, driver inexperience, driving at night, and not using seat belts.  From 2005-2007, drivers who were 16 and 17 yrs old had involvement in 116 crashes that were fatal, which resulted in 133 deaths.

Having these laws will allow teen drivers to be safer and result in less injuries and deaths on roads in Minnesota.  Also, having used car warranties and maintaining cars will help teens stay safe on the roads.

The limitation on nighttime driving during the initial six-month licensure period will prohibit teens from driving after midnight, until 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a driver of at least 25 yrs of age.  Drivers who are 16 and 17 yrs old are approximately three times more likely to have a car crash resulting in a fatality at night than in the daytime.

The limitation on passengers for the initial six-month licensure period will allow just one passenger under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.  Throughout the second six-month period of licensure, there can’t be more than three other people in the car under 20 yrs old, unless there is a parent or guardian in the car.

It is recommended by the DPS that parents help reinforce these laws and protect their children by making strict driving rules, purchasing an auto warranty, and keeping cars maintained.

When it comes time to purchase a family car, there are several considerations.  First, you have to think about having plenty of seats and cargo space so your family is comfortable.  Next, you need to find a car with good fuel economy, low maintenance costs, dependability and most importantly, safety.  That is a lot to ask of any car, and with all of the options out there, which car should you purchase?  Here are some top picks.

Surprisingly, the Suzuki XL7 is a great overall SUV.  You can get this car fully loaded for $29,000 with a fantastic auto warranty.  It comes complete with all-wheel drive, a DVD system, power everything, leather seats, and a 3.6-liter V6.  It also has a curvy exterior with a sporty, modern look.

If you’re looking for a great sporty sedan, the VW Passat is an excellent choice.  This car ranges from $23,915 to $39,140.  The Passat has excellent style, drivability, fuel-efficiency, and of course price.  In addition, it has a lot of high tech features, and the safety rating is excellent.

Crossovers are very popular, and the Mazda CX-7 is a great family vehicle in this category.  With a $23,750 base price, the CX-7 has room for five people, and it has a striking appearance.  Its drivability is excellent with its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection.  This car’s interior is classy, modern and comfortable.

Finding the perfect family vehicle can be challenging.  It is important to do your homework to find the vehicle that suits your family the most.  Also, your new vehicle should have an auto warranty that will protect your against unnecessary repair expenses down the road.