When GM recently unveiled its latest program that allows new-car owners to return vehicles that they aren’t happy with, you had to assume that there would be some fine print on the deal.

Well, in fact the fine print attached to the deal makes taking back the vehicle much more trouble than it’s worth, especially if you have a complaint, such as highway noise or tachometer position.

Let’s add up all of the hurdles.

First of all, you must return the vehicle between the 31st and 60th day of owning the car.  GM does this because they hope that you will get over minor complaints after one month of ownership.  Secondly, although you don’t have to give your reason for wanting to return the car, you can only have up to $200 worth of damage on the vehicle.

GM says that the reason for this is to protect itself against returns on cars that have been mangled, however $200 worth of damage can happen from a simple ding or paint nick.  Of course, GM will have to determine what is considered damage on the vehicle.  In addition, the vehicle can’t have over 4,000 miles on it.  Also keep in mind that only one car can be returned in a household and leased cars aren’t covered.  Of course most people won’t want to go to the trouble of retuning a car, they will just make sure to purchase a good auto warranty from the beginning.  After all, new car warranties will protect you from expensive repair costs.

Many motorists have been in the situation where an object hits their windshield and a big crack shows up.  Your windshield might even end up bad enough that you have to call your road service program.  However, when do you know if it necessary to replace the windshield or if the crack can just be fixed?

Windshield repair or replacement depends on the location, size and severity of damage.  Windshield shops can usually repair chips the size of a quarter, as well as cracks reaching three inches.  For bigger damage it is recommended that you replace your windshield.

The location of the damage is also a big factor in whether you can keep your windshield.  When a crack is at the edge of your windshield it can affect the structure of the glass.  In this case it is usually best to replace your windshield.

Many facilities won’t repair a chip if it’s in the direct line of the driver’s vision.  The repair process may result in minor glass distortions, which are unsafe for the driver. After all, you don’t want to end up calling for emergency roadside assistance.

Keep in mind, whatever the location or size of the glass damage, it is necessary to have it looked at right away.  Waiting can result in dirt getting in the damaged area, which can affect the repair job.  Make sure you protect yourself with an auto warranty since you never know when you will need repairs made.

Many motorists don’t realize that a little bit of routine maintenance can keep you free of expensive car repairs.  And most maintenance takes no more time than refilling the fluid for your windshield wipers.  Here are a few tips to help keep drivers safe and free of trouble.

Make sure to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.  However, you should check your oil at least once a month.  You want the oil line on your dipstick to be between the marker lines.  If the oil looks dirty or black, it is time to have it changed.

If you’re having trouble shifting gears you are probably having transmission problems.  Check the level of the transmission fluid to determine if it is low.  Low transmission fluid could indicate a leak.  You should refill it with the lubricant your car recommends.  If you see leaking on your driveway take your car to a mechanic.

Also, check your coolant levels.  You should have your radiator flushed every two years and change your coolant.  In addition, make sure your radiator is corrosion free.

Finally, check your tire pressure every two weeks.  Consult your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, and fill your tires accordingly.  Remember, both overinflation and underinflation affect safety and fuel efficiency, so it is important to maintain tire pressure.

These simple maintenance tips can keep you from having major, costly repairs.  However, it is important to purchase an auto warranty because you don’t want to be faced with unnecessary expenses down the road.

Buying a car can be overwhelming, yet, keeping a car can even be worse.  Enticing television ads and the lure on the web can make it hard to resist buying a new car.  However, during this difficult economy, it makes sense not to give in to temptation.

In America, people find it hard to stay with a car for over five years.  But with a few common-sense tips and an auto warranty, an unnecessary car purchase can be avoided.

First, make sure that the current car you drive is small and Japanese.  For instance, the Honda Civic is a sure thing.  It may get a little rust, but it won’t die.  And even though driving a Tercel from ’92 may not get you a date on Friday night, it’s reliability will make you not want to give it up.

Second, do lots of research.  This is actually a great method to prevent buying a car.  Searching the Internet for the cars in your price range will overwhelm you with too many options.  Also research used car warranties to protect the car you have.

Finally, focusing on a specific model and make is a good tactic.  This is especially good if that model hasn’t been produced for at least a decade.  The odds are very slim that you will find that car on the market with less than 300,000 miles.

So, what do you do if you still desire a new car after weeks of research?  What if your old Civic is pulling you toward the dealer?  Just remember as soon as that new car gets off the lot it’s value will drop instantly.  Keeping your clunker is your best bet.

Regardless of the year or make, one of the biggest investments people will make is a vehicle.  Buying a used car is a great way for consumers to save some money.  However, risks can be higher, which is why an auto warranty and roadside assistance should be purchased for the car.  Fortunately, there are ways that buyers can recognize the difference between dependable used cars and lemons.

The safest thing to do is to have the car that you are looking to buy checked out by a licensed mechanic.  However, there are some things that you can do on your own.

For instance, bring a soft magnet from your refrigerator to determine if there is damage underneath a new coat of paint.  You can run the magnet all along the fenders and doors, which are steel.  If it seems that the magnet won’t stick, there is probably a type of body filler under the paint.

Also, examine the inside of the vehicle for stains from water.  If the car was damaged in a flood, it could mean trouble in years to come.  You also want to look at the wear on the pedals of the vehicle.  It should be consistent with what the mileage claims to be.  If there is low mileage, there should be little wear on the pedals.

Don’t forget to examine the tires of the vehicle, too.  If you see wear on the outside edges of the tires, the car is probably out of alignment or might have components that are worn-out.

Knowing what to look for in a used vehicle will bring you peace of mind about your purchase.  Also, make sure you have a good road service program in case of an emergency.

Often motorists get sticker shock or experience buyer’s remorse after buying a new car.  However, you can avoid this by considering the expenses that you will encounter in the future.

According to experts, most consumers anticipate the price of the purchase, registration and taxes.  However, many people forget to factor in the price of insurance and new car warranties.  Fortunately, by doing your homework you can get good deals on insurance and an auto warranty.

To control car costs drivers should consider these tips.  First of all, decide before you get to the dealership the amount of money that you can spend.  Also, decide on what type of car will suit your needs. It is also beneficial to get quotes from several dealers, because then you are in the position to negotiate.  Finally, check insurance and auto warranty prices on the vehicle that you want to purchase.

You don’t have to go broke purchasing a new car.  But, be smart and consider all of the costs involved.  It isn’t just the purchase price that you will be paying.

If you’re planning to put your car up for sale you need to be able to assess it properly.  It can be difficult for people to see their car the way that other people do, because you have made a special connection with it.  However, following these tips will help you evaluate your car objectively.

Some vehicle owners deceive themselves into thinking that their vehicle has a greater worth than it really does.  People see their cars as being in excellent condition, even when there is obvious wear and tear.  Even when people purchase an auto warranty in order to maintain their vehicles, they need to realize that their car isn’t fresh like when they bought it new.  Just remember that your vehicle’s condition is the most important thing to buyers, so assess it accurately.

When talking to potential buyers it is best to disclose all information about your vehicles true condition.  Usually, you don’t need to take your car to a body shop to get it looking perfect.  People realize that they are getting a used vehicle and often don’t want to spend the extra money on a perfect car body.  The most affective thing that you can do is to have your car washed and waxed, which is equivalent to the curb appeal of a house.  This will allow your old gem to look its best, without costing you an arm and a leg.

When trying to sell your vehicle, make sure to assess it honestly.  You don’t want to hold out for a lot of money if you are never going to get it.

Here is some information that parents hate to hear: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested booster seats for safety and found that 13 models out of the 41 that were tested rated so poorly in the area of seat belt fit that they aren’t recommended by the IIHS.  Parents try to do everything possible to keep their kids safe, such as maintaining their cars with the addition of an auto warranty and buying safety seats, so this news is unfortunate.

According to Adrian Lund, the IIHS president, the 13 seats not recommended don’t provide kids with the full benefit of an improved lap belt fit.  She claims that these boosters may make children more comfortable, but they don’t allow seat belts to be positioned in such a way that provides optimal protection.

The IIHS puts out a reminder to parents that booster seats aren’t intended to provide extra crash protection; instead they allow for a better fit and make the seat belt more effective.  Seat belts were designed with adults in mind and until a child is 4 feet 9 inches tall, they won’t fit correctly.  An efficient booster seat reroutes the seat belt across the bony parts of a child’s body and away from the abdomen, which is a vulnerable injury area.  However, the IIHS did say children are better off riding in any booster seat, rather than unbuckled.

Here are the tested seats that aren’t recommended:

• Cosco/Dorel (Eddie Bauer) Summit
• Graco CarGo Zephyr
• Compass B505
• Compass B510
• Evenflo Generations
• Dorel/Safety 1st (Eddie Bauer) Prospect
• Cosco/Dorel Traveler
• Cosco Highback Booster
• Cosco/Dorel Alpha Omega
• Evenflo Chase Comfort Touch
• Safety 1st/Dorel Intera
• Safety Angel Ride Ryte backless
• Evenflo Big Kid Confidence

The recommended intervals for oil changes have increased a significant amount over the last ten years.  It used to be that oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles, but now recommendations are for every 8,000 miles.  This is great news for drivers because it means less time at the mechanic and less money spent.  However, there are a few cautionary notes to consider.

First of all, consult your owner’s manual for the “maximum recommended interval”.  Make sure you don’t extend beyond that number because saving $40 on an oil change is not worth having an $800 repair due to sludge buildup.

Second, if your driving type falls under “heavy duty” you will need to change your oil more regularly.  Often, drivers don’t realize that daily stop-and-go commuting falls under this category.  Also, if you use your vehicle for short trips with little highway driving you many need shorter oil changeouts.

Finally, you should use the specific oil type/grade recommended by the carmaker.  Failing to use the right oil type can result in poor car performance, engine damage, and even void the terms of your auto warranty.

Although less frequent oil changes are convenient for consumers, people need to follow these cautionary notes.  After all, you don’t want to ruin an engine because you didn’t add a couple of quarts of Pennzoil.  This is why an used car warranties are always a good idea, too.

Most people don’t realize that a less-expensive vehicle can end up costing you more over time than a more-expensive vehicle.

For example, a Mitsubishi Lancer costs approximately $17,500.  This is $5,000 less than the sticker price of a Mini Cooper Clubman.  However, when you factor in ownership costs of each vehicle, the Mitsubishi Lancer will cost approximately $3,000 more for five years.  Also, a Toyota Highlander is $3,000 more to buy than a Ford Explorer V6, yet the Ford would cost you $6,500 more over five years.

People should consider the sticker price when purchasing a vehicle, but that’s not all.  Consumers also need to take into account how much a car will cost them with ownership.  For example, people should factor in depreciation, auto loans, an auto warranty, insurance, fuel costs, sales tax, repair costs, and maintenance.