Here's some vehicle care tips so you can get your mapquest road trip planner and be on your way. Get ready for the road – summer travel tips
(NC)—Before you hit the road this summer, remember that taking proper care of your vehicle can help ensure a stress-free road trip. Vehicle maintenance and the kind of gasoline you choose can make a difference. Before your summer road trip, there are simple ways to get your vehicle ready for the road to help you get the most out of every tank of gasoline.
Make sure your car is ready for the trip
Always make sure that your car is properly prepared for a long summer journey by checking your fluids, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze.
Protect your car by using a high-quality gasoline
Some of the world's top automakers –Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen – introduced a TOP TIER detergent standard to raise the bar on fuel quality beyond minimum requirements and to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines. Shell recently introduced TOP TIER certified Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, which contain a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps protect and clean critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines. Research shows that engine gunk can build up in just 8,000 kilometres.
Watch driving habits to stretch your fuel. Practice a few gasoline-saving tips, such as:
• Use cruise control on major roads and in free-flowing traffic
• Avoid idling. When the car idles, it wastes gasoline, and you are getting exactly 0 km/litre.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Do You Know Who You're Buying Your Vehicle From?
Do you know who you're buying your vehicle from? Is it a curbsider? Protect yourself from being ripped off by a con artist. All vehicle dealers are not necessarily honest. Here's some sound advice on how not to become a victim.
(NC)—Not all vehicle sellers are the same – knowing the difference is critical to protecting yourself from con artists.
Ontario-Registered Dealers
Ontario-registered vehicle dealers are identifiable by their “Ontario-Registered Dealer” decals. These dealers have a permanent lot, ownership signs and are members of the community in which they operate. They are licensed professionals who follow the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and are regulated by OMVIC, the governing body of Ontario's motor vehicle sales industry.
Don't Be a Victim:
What You Need to Know About “Curbsiders”
The biggest danger of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller is the risk of buying from curbsiders: unlicensed dealers who pose as private sellers. The cars they sell are often misrepresented, accident-damaged, odometer-tampered, stolen, or have liens. Previous industry research suggests that more than 25 per cent of used car classifieds are posted by curbsiders.
There are many signs that you may be dealing with a curbsider:
• Conduct business over the phone, email or the Internet.
• Will offer to show the vehicle in a public place.
• Won't provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), as required by law.
• The vehicle registration may not be in their name.
• May have other vehicles for sale.
Remember: If something about a vehicle seller doesn't seem right, step back and ask questions. If a vehicle purchase seems too good to be true, it probably is. More information is available online at omvic.on.ca.
Registered Vehicle Dealers
Operate visibly in the community: permanent lot and ownership signs
Display OMVIC registration
Bound by the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and OMVIC's code of ethics
Contribute to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, a consumer protection fund
Private Sellers and “Curbsiders”
Often conduct business over mobile phone or Internet
Hard to track down; no history in the community
Not governed by OMVIC
Purchase not covered by consumer protection legislation or consumer protection fund
(NC)—Not all vehicle sellers are the same – knowing the difference is critical to protecting yourself from con artists.
Ontario-Registered Dealers
Ontario-registered vehicle dealers are identifiable by their “Ontario-Registered Dealer” decals. These dealers have a permanent lot, ownership signs and are members of the community in which they operate. They are licensed professionals who follow the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and are regulated by OMVIC, the governing body of Ontario's motor vehicle sales industry.
Don't Be a Victim:
What You Need to Know About “Curbsiders”
The biggest danger of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller is the risk of buying from curbsiders: unlicensed dealers who pose as private sellers. The cars they sell are often misrepresented, accident-damaged, odometer-tampered, stolen, or have liens. Previous industry research suggests that more than 25 per cent of used car classifieds are posted by curbsiders.
There are many signs that you may be dealing with a curbsider:
• Conduct business over the phone, email or the Internet.
• Will offer to show the vehicle in a public place.
• Won't provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), as required by law.
• The vehicle registration may not be in their name.
• May have other vehicles for sale.
Remember: If something about a vehicle seller doesn't seem right, step back and ask questions. If a vehicle purchase seems too good to be true, it probably is. More information is available online at omvic.on.ca.
Registered Vehicle Dealers
Operate visibly in the community: permanent lot and ownership signs
Display OMVIC registration
Bound by the regulations of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and OMVIC's code of ethics
Contribute to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund, a consumer protection fund
Private Sellers and “Curbsiders”
Often conduct business over mobile phone or Internet
Hard to track down; no history in the community
Not governed by OMVIC
Purchase not covered by consumer protection legislation or consumer protection fund
Night-Driving Tips For Older Drivers
Night driving tips for older drivers can help everyone who drives at night. Night driving presents different challenges for some people and AARP has some driving safety tips that can inform and help us all.
(NAPSI)-Night driving, which can be problematic for everyone, can present particular challenges for older drivers. Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the return to standard time.
AARP urges all drivers to consider the link between night visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, it urges you to get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions and make sure you're driving when you feel most comfortable.
To focus attention on roadway safety, AARP is proclaiming this November Driver Safety Month. Since folks will be driving more at night, they offer the following tips:
• See And Be Seen.
Get your headlights checked and turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.
• Stay Alert On The Road.
With reduced visibility, it's important to reduce your speed, be extra alert and maintain a three-second following distance.
• Recognize And Prevent Drowsiness.
The change in time can throw off your internal clock and may cause drowsiness, so run errands in the morning when you are fresher and more alert.
Refresh Your Skills
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants nationwide seeking to refresh their driving skills. The no-test course updates drivers' defensive driving techniques and knowledge about relevant laws and offers strategies to compensate for age-related changes that may affect driving ability.
The course also includes a section on assessing driving abilities, and since November is also National Caregiver Month, now may be a good time to have a "family conversation" about driving to help ensure your loved one stays safe on the road.
(NAPSI)-Night driving, which can be problematic for everyone, can present particular challenges for older drivers. Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the return to standard time.
AARP urges all drivers to consider the link between night visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, it urges you to get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions and make sure you're driving when you feel most comfortable.
To focus attention on roadway safety, AARP is proclaiming this November Driver Safety Month. Since folks will be driving more at night, they offer the following tips:
• See And Be Seen.
Get your headlights checked and turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.
• Stay Alert On The Road.
With reduced visibility, it's important to reduce your speed, be extra alert and maintain a three-second following distance.
• Recognize And Prevent Drowsiness.
The change in time can throw off your internal clock and may cause drowsiness, so run errands in the morning when you are fresher and more alert.
Refresh Your Skills
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants nationwide seeking to refresh their driving skills. The no-test course updates drivers' defensive driving techniques and knowledge about relevant laws and offers strategies to compensate for age-related changes that may affect driving ability.
The course also includes a section on assessing driving abilities, and since November is also National Caregiver Month, now may be a good time to have a "family conversation" about driving to help ensure your loved one stays safe on the road.
A New Year's Resolution For Your Car
A New Year's resolution for your car helps you understand how becoming more organized will help keep your car in top running condition. Look how things like keeping good car repair records and keeping on top of car service reminders, plus some new seasonal car care tips, can help keep your car running longer.
(NewsUSA) - Getting more organized is a common New Year's Resolution -- whether it's a harried taxpayer's pledge to be a better record keeper or a pack rat's promise to de-clutter.
"Getting organized works wonders for the family car," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "The money saved from approaching your vehicle in a systematic manner is a pretty strong incentive to keep your resolution."
The following tips from ASE will help motorists get and stay organized.
- Record Keeping.
Keep a copy of every completed work order, from oil changes and brake service to major repairs. In addition to helping document any warranty work, a complete service record is very appealing to potential buyers.
- Service Reminders.
Read your owner's manual and follow the service schedules listed. Some shops send out automatic reminders to their regular customers. Many of today's manufacturers include e-mailed reminders and even remote satellite diagnostic reports. Timely, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by helping your vehicle run efficiently.
- Tactical Care.
Don't ignore service-engine lights, poor engine performance, rough handling, fading brakes or other issues that present themselves. Neglect can cost more in the long run by making minor issues worse. For example, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than are brake rotors.
- Housekeeping.
Don't use the trunk as a catch-all. Keep only essential items there. Remove roof-top cargo carriers as soon as your trip is over. Less clutter means less weight, which means better gasoline mileage. Keep your vehicle's interior clean of trash and clutter and vacuum the seats and carpeting on a regular basis to prevent premature wear and tear and staining. Wax your car at least once a year to help preserve the paint job (and its resale value).
- Heal Thyself.
Other automotive resolutions are less about your vehicle and more about you. Avoid jackrabbit starts; sudden accelerations waste fuel and are hard on the engine. Slow down; speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon. Hard stops wear out brakes.
(NewsUSA) - Getting more organized is a common New Year's Resolution -- whether it's a harried taxpayer's pledge to be a better record keeper or a pack rat's promise to de-clutter.
"Getting organized works wonders for the family car," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "The money saved from approaching your vehicle in a systematic manner is a pretty strong incentive to keep your resolution."
The following tips from ASE will help motorists get and stay organized.
- Record Keeping.
Keep a copy of every completed work order, from oil changes and brake service to major repairs. In addition to helping document any warranty work, a complete service record is very appealing to potential buyers.
- Service Reminders.
Read your owner's manual and follow the service schedules listed. Some shops send out automatic reminders to their regular customers. Many of today's manufacturers include e-mailed reminders and even remote satellite diagnostic reports. Timely, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by helping your vehicle run efficiently.
- Tactical Care.
Don't ignore service-engine lights, poor engine performance, rough handling, fading brakes or other issues that present themselves. Neglect can cost more in the long run by making minor issues worse. For example, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than are brake rotors.
- Housekeeping.
Don't use the trunk as a catch-all. Keep only essential items there. Remove roof-top cargo carriers as soon as your trip is over. Less clutter means less weight, which means better gasoline mileage. Keep your vehicle's interior clean of trash and clutter and vacuum the seats and carpeting on a regular basis to prevent premature wear and tear and staining. Wax your car at least once a year to help preserve the paint job (and its resale value).
- Heal Thyself.
Other automotive resolutions are less about your vehicle and more about you. Avoid jackrabbit starts; sudden accelerations waste fuel and are hard on the engine. Slow down; speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon. Hard stops wear out brakes.
Car Buying Tips
Auto Warranties: Buyers Beware is some really good advice. You don't want to get ripped off purchasing a lousy extended vehicle warranty. Not every warranty is equal, so read on and learn what to look for before you sign on the dotted line.
Some vehicle warranties are wonderful plans, and some are not. It's up to you, as the buyer, to make sure the warranty you are signing is a good one.
Car buyers purchase auto warranties for many reasons, including a sensible desire for auto coverage, pressure from the dealership, or outright lies told to convince them that extended or additional coverage is mandatory.
While auto warranties are important and can offer protection when it is most needed, many available warranties are unnecessary.
Some include long lists of exclusions that may not be obvious, others provide cover only during specific periods of time or for a set number of miles, and still others may provide little or no protection at all for the vehicle being purchased. Customers often fail to fully read their contract or pay attention to the fine print it contains. Many are unable to understand their coverage options and exclusions, and either choose not to ask for an explanation, or are not given a proper one at the dealership.
These issues can lead to wrongly filed claims with the warranty company, as well as significant and unexpected expenses in the event that the vehicle becomes damaged or needs work.
It is crucial for all car buyers to fully read and understand every aspect of all warranties they are considering. It is also important to remember that dealers are often given incentives to pressure customers into purchasing unnecessary or overpriced warranties. Some warranties are worth the extra money, but others are not worth the coverage that they provide. Below is an overview of various auto warranty types and the coverage they offer.
Basic Warranty:
A basic warranty, or "bumper-to-bumper" warranty, provides cover for everything on the vehicle, except for wear-and-tear items such as brakes, tires, oil filters, and wiper blades. Most car manufactures offer protection for a minimum of three years and 36,000 miles - whichever comes first. Basic warranties are fairly standard, but customers should still read over every aspect of the warranty before signing.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This type of warranty, also called a powertrain warranty, covers all the major vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission, and drive shaft. The drivetrain does not cover general wear-and-tear items, hoses, or belts, but focuses on internal engine parts only. Most manufacturers offer a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles of cover, but increasing numbers of auto makers are extending their drivetrain warranties to provide coverage for as long as ten years and 100,000 miles. As with the basic warranty, it is essential to carefully read the fine print included in the drivetrain warranty, and make note of any hidden exclusions or other areas of concern.
Extended Warranty:
Some dealers try to force extended warranties on customers, and some even claim they are required in order to receive bank financing for an auto loan. Extended warranties are often very expensive and completely unnecessary. However, if the vehicle will be kept longer than the period of time the basic warranty provides coverage for, an extended warranty may pay for itself over time. Eventually, even the best vehicles will need repair work done, and those costs can quickly add up. It is typically better to buy the warranty directly from the warranty company, and not from the dealer when purchasing a car.
Before an extended warranty is purchased, several questions should be asked about the policy and coverage. If the warranty is being purchased at the dealership, it is important to determine if the plan can be used elsewhere, or if repairs must be performed at that specific dealership. Does the warranty cover the cost of repairs upfront, or will there be a need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement? Is a vehicle inspection required before any repairs are made? Additionally, customers should ask their warranty provider if they offer a buy-back clause that allows a sum of money to be returned if the vehicle is sold before the warranty expires. Purchasing an extended warranty should be done cautiously. Research should be conducted on any companies that are being considered as coverage providers.
Rust and Corrosion Warranty:
This type of warranty protects against body damage caused by rust or corrosion. Unfortunately, these warranties typically do not cover surface rust. This means that the problem must be long-term and severe before the warranty kicks in. If a customer is interested in repairing the problem before this point, or wishes to take preventative measures to protect their vehicle against this type of damage, a rust and corrosion warranty will not provide cover. Keeping a vehicle clean, dry, and waxed is often the only protection a vehicle needs against rust.
Roadside Assistance:
While this type of coverage comes in handy, it is also provided with many auto insurance policies. Having both forms of protection does not necessarily mean better coverage. Before agreeing to pay for this type of warranty, a call should be made to confirm that the auto insurance policy does not also offer this protection.
Luxury Auto Warranty:
Luxury auto warranties go by many different names, but the cover is basically the same. This warranty protects luxury components, such as DVD players, GPS navigation systems, phones, and other expensive equipment. Many customers are lured into purchasing this very expensive warranty for fear of having to replace one of these items should it become stolen or damaged. However, unless a vehicle is stocked with numerous expensive electronic components, repairing or replacing these items is often cheaper than the cost of the warranty.
Extended and additional warranties can provide a car buyer with peace-of-mind, but often the coverage they offer is not worth the expense. Customers should take an active role in their car buying experience, ask questions, and demand complete answers. Just like a new car, warranties should be researched before they are purchased.
Some vehicle warranties are wonderful plans, and some are not. It's up to you, as the buyer, to make sure the warranty you are signing is a good one.
Car buyers purchase auto warranties for many reasons, including a sensible desire for auto coverage, pressure from the dealership, or outright lies told to convince them that extended or additional coverage is mandatory.
While auto warranties are important and can offer protection when it is most needed, many available warranties are unnecessary.
Some include long lists of exclusions that may not be obvious, others provide cover only during specific periods of time or for a set number of miles, and still others may provide little or no protection at all for the vehicle being purchased. Customers often fail to fully read their contract or pay attention to the fine print it contains. Many are unable to understand their coverage options and exclusions, and either choose not to ask for an explanation, or are not given a proper one at the dealership.
These issues can lead to wrongly filed claims with the warranty company, as well as significant and unexpected expenses in the event that the vehicle becomes damaged or needs work.
It is crucial for all car buyers to fully read and understand every aspect of all warranties they are considering. It is also important to remember that dealers are often given incentives to pressure customers into purchasing unnecessary or overpriced warranties. Some warranties are worth the extra money, but others are not worth the coverage that they provide. Below is an overview of various auto warranty types and the coverage they offer.
Basic Warranty:
A basic warranty, or "bumper-to-bumper" warranty, provides cover for everything on the vehicle, except for wear-and-tear items such as brakes, tires, oil filters, and wiper blades. Most car manufactures offer protection for a minimum of three years and 36,000 miles - whichever comes first. Basic warranties are fairly standard, but customers should still read over every aspect of the warranty before signing.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This type of warranty, also called a powertrain warranty, covers all the major vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission, and drive shaft. The drivetrain does not cover general wear-and-tear items, hoses, or belts, but focuses on internal engine parts only. Most manufacturers offer a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles of cover, but increasing numbers of auto makers are extending their drivetrain warranties to provide coverage for as long as ten years and 100,000 miles. As with the basic warranty, it is essential to carefully read the fine print included in the drivetrain warranty, and make note of any hidden exclusions or other areas of concern.
Extended Warranty:
Some dealers try to force extended warranties on customers, and some even claim they are required in order to receive bank financing for an auto loan. Extended warranties are often very expensive and completely unnecessary. However, if the vehicle will be kept longer than the period of time the basic warranty provides coverage for, an extended warranty may pay for itself over time. Eventually, even the best vehicles will need repair work done, and those costs can quickly add up. It is typically better to buy the warranty directly from the warranty company, and not from the dealer when purchasing a car.
Before an extended warranty is purchased, several questions should be asked about the policy and coverage. If the warranty is being purchased at the dealership, it is important to determine if the plan can be used elsewhere, or if repairs must be performed at that specific dealership. Does the warranty cover the cost of repairs upfront, or will there be a need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement? Is a vehicle inspection required before any repairs are made? Additionally, customers should ask their warranty provider if they offer a buy-back clause that allows a sum of money to be returned if the vehicle is sold before the warranty expires. Purchasing an extended warranty should be done cautiously. Research should be conducted on any companies that are being considered as coverage providers.
Rust and Corrosion Warranty:
This type of warranty protects against body damage caused by rust or corrosion. Unfortunately, these warranties typically do not cover surface rust. This means that the problem must be long-term and severe before the warranty kicks in. If a customer is interested in repairing the problem before this point, or wishes to take preventative measures to protect their vehicle against this type of damage, a rust and corrosion warranty will not provide cover. Keeping a vehicle clean, dry, and waxed is often the only protection a vehicle needs against rust.
Roadside Assistance:
While this type of coverage comes in handy, it is also provided with many auto insurance policies. Having both forms of protection does not necessarily mean better coverage. Before agreeing to pay for this type of warranty, a call should be made to confirm that the auto insurance policy does not also offer this protection.
Luxury Auto Warranty:
Luxury auto warranties go by many different names, but the cover is basically the same. This warranty protects luxury components, such as DVD players, GPS navigation systems, phones, and other expensive equipment. Many customers are lured into purchasing this very expensive warranty for fear of having to replace one of these items should it become stolen or damaged. However, unless a vehicle is stocked with numerous expensive electronic components, repairing or replacing these items is often cheaper than the cost of the warranty.
Extended and additional warranties can provide a car buyer with peace-of-mind, but often the coverage they offer is not worth the expense. Customers should take an active role in their car buying experience, ask questions, and demand complete answers. Just like a new car, warranties should be researched before they are purchased.
Auto Warranties: Buyers Beware
Auto Warranties: Buyers Beware is some really good advice. You don't want to get ripped off purchasing a lousy extended vehicle warranty. Not every warranty is equal, so read on and learn what to look for before you sign on the dotted line.
Some vehicle warranties are wonderful plans, and some are not. It's up to you, as the buyer, to make sure the warranty you are signing is a good one.
Car buyers purchase auto warranties for many reasons, including a sensible desire for auto coverage, pressure from the dealership, or outright lies told to convince them that extended or additional coverage is mandatory.
While auto warranties are important and can offer protection when it is most needed, many available warranties are unnecessary.
Some include long lists of exclusions that may not be obvious, others provide cover only during specific periods of time or for a set number of miles, and still others may provide little or no protection at all for the vehicle being purchased. Customers often fail to fully read their contract or pay attention to the fine print it contains. Many are unable to understand their coverage options and exclusions, and either choose not to ask for an explanation, or are not given a proper one at the dealership.
These issues can lead to wrongly filed claims with the warranty company, as well as significant and unexpected expenses in the event that the vehicle becomes damaged or needs work.
It is crucial for all car buyers to fully read and understand every aspect of all warranties they are considering. It is also important to remember that dealers are often given incentives to pressure customers into purchasing unnecessary or overpriced warranties. Some warranties are worth the extra money, but others are not worth the coverage that they provide. Below is an overview of various auto warranty types and the coverage they offer.
Basic Warranty:
A basic warranty, or "bumper-to-bumper" warranty, provides cover for everything on the vehicle, except for wear-and-tear items such as brakes, tires, oil filters, and wiper blades. Most car manufactures offer protection for a minimum of three years and 36,000 miles - whichever comes first. Basic warranties are fairly standard, but customers should still read over every aspect of the warranty before signing.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This type of warranty, also called a powertrain warranty, covers all the major vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission, and drive shaft. The drivetrain does not cover general wear-and-tear items, hoses, or belts, but focuses on internal engine parts only. Most manufacturers offer a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles of cover, but increasing numbers of auto makers are extending their drivetrain warranties to provide coverage for as long as ten years and 100,000 miles. As with the basic warranty, it is essential to carefully read the fine print included in the drivetrain warranty, and make note of any hidden exclusions or other areas of concern.
Extended Warranty:
Some dealers try to force extended warranties on customers, and some even claim they are required in order to receive bank financing for an auto loan. Extended warranties are often very expensive and completely unnecessary. However, if the vehicle will be kept longer than the period of time the basic warranty provides coverage for, an extended warranty may pay for itself over time. Eventually, even the best vehicles will need repair work done, and those costs can quickly add up. It is typically better to buy the warranty directly from the warranty company, and not from the dealer when purchasing a car.
Before an extended warranty is purchased, several questions should be asked about the policy and coverage. If the warranty is being purchased at the dealership, it is important to determine if the plan can be used elsewhere, or if repairs must be performed at that specific dealership. Does the warranty cover the cost of repairs upfront, or will there be a need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement? Is a vehicle inspection required before any repairs are made? Additionally, customers should ask their warranty provider if they offer a buy-back clause that allows a sum of money to be returned if the vehicle is sold before the warranty expires. Purchasing an extended warranty should be done cautiously. Research should be conducted on any companies that are being considered as coverage providers.
Rust and Corrosion Warranty:
This type of warranty protects against body damage caused by rust or corrosion. Unfortunately, these warranties typically do not cover surface rust. This means that the problem must be long-term and severe before the warranty kicks in. If a customer is interested in repairing the problem before this point, or wishes to take preventative measures to protect their vehicle against this type of damage, a rust and corrosion warranty will not provide cover. Keeping a vehicle clean, dry, and waxed is often the only protection a vehicle needs against rust.
Roadside Assistance:
While this type of coverage comes in handy, it is also provided with many auto insurance policies. Having both forms of protection does not necessarily mean better coverage. Before agreeing to pay for this type of warranty, a call should be made to confirm that the auto insurance policy does not also offer this protection.
Luxury Auto Warranty:
Luxury auto warranties go by many different names, but the cover is basically the same. This warranty protects luxury components, such as DVD players, GPS navigation systems, phones, and other expensive equipment. Many customers are lured into purchasing this very expensive warranty for fear of having to replace one of these items should it become stolen or damaged. However, unless a vehicle is stocked with numerous expensive electronic components, repairing or replacing these items is often cheaper than the cost of the warranty.
Extended and additional warranties can provide a car buyer with peace-of-mind, but often the coverage they offer is not worth the expense. Customers should take an active role in their car buying experience, ask questions, and demand complete answers. Just like a new car, warranties should be researched before they are purchased.
Some vehicle warranties are wonderful plans, and some are not. It's up to you, as the buyer, to make sure the warranty you are signing is a good one.
Car buyers purchase auto warranties for many reasons, including a sensible desire for auto coverage, pressure from the dealership, or outright lies told to convince them that extended or additional coverage is mandatory.
While auto warranties are important and can offer protection when it is most needed, many available warranties are unnecessary.
Some include long lists of exclusions that may not be obvious, others provide cover only during specific periods of time or for a set number of miles, and still others may provide little or no protection at all for the vehicle being purchased. Customers often fail to fully read their contract or pay attention to the fine print it contains. Many are unable to understand their coverage options and exclusions, and either choose not to ask for an explanation, or are not given a proper one at the dealership.
These issues can lead to wrongly filed claims with the warranty company, as well as significant and unexpected expenses in the event that the vehicle becomes damaged or needs work.
It is crucial for all car buyers to fully read and understand every aspect of all warranties they are considering. It is also important to remember that dealers are often given incentives to pressure customers into purchasing unnecessary or overpriced warranties. Some warranties are worth the extra money, but others are not worth the coverage that they provide. Below is an overview of various auto warranty types and the coverage they offer.
Basic Warranty:
A basic warranty, or "bumper-to-bumper" warranty, provides cover for everything on the vehicle, except for wear-and-tear items such as brakes, tires, oil filters, and wiper blades. Most car manufactures offer protection for a minimum of three years and 36,000 miles - whichever comes first. Basic warranties are fairly standard, but customers should still read over every aspect of the warranty before signing.
Drivetrain Warranty:
This type of warranty, also called a powertrain warranty, covers all the major vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission, and drive shaft. The drivetrain does not cover general wear-and-tear items, hoses, or belts, but focuses on internal engine parts only. Most manufacturers offer a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles of cover, but increasing numbers of auto makers are extending their drivetrain warranties to provide coverage for as long as ten years and 100,000 miles. As with the basic warranty, it is essential to carefully read the fine print included in the drivetrain warranty, and make note of any hidden exclusions or other areas of concern.
Extended Warranty:
Some dealers try to force extended warranties on customers, and some even claim they are required in order to receive bank financing for an auto loan. Extended warranties are often very expensive and completely unnecessary. However, if the vehicle will be kept longer than the period of time the basic warranty provides coverage for, an extended warranty may pay for itself over time. Eventually, even the best vehicles will need repair work done, and those costs can quickly add up. It is typically better to buy the warranty directly from the warranty company, and not from the dealer when purchasing a car.
Before an extended warranty is purchased, several questions should be asked about the policy and coverage. If the warranty is being purchased at the dealership, it is important to determine if the plan can be used elsewhere, or if repairs must be performed at that specific dealership. Does the warranty cover the cost of repairs upfront, or will there be a need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement? Is a vehicle inspection required before any repairs are made? Additionally, customers should ask their warranty provider if they offer a buy-back clause that allows a sum of money to be returned if the vehicle is sold before the warranty expires. Purchasing an extended warranty should be done cautiously. Research should be conducted on any companies that are being considered as coverage providers.
Rust and Corrosion Warranty:
This type of warranty protects against body damage caused by rust or corrosion. Unfortunately, these warranties typically do not cover surface rust. This means that the problem must be long-term and severe before the warranty kicks in. If a customer is interested in repairing the problem before this point, or wishes to take preventative measures to protect their vehicle against this type of damage, a rust and corrosion warranty will not provide cover. Keeping a vehicle clean, dry, and waxed is often the only protection a vehicle needs against rust.
Roadside Assistance:
While this type of coverage comes in handy, it is also provided with many auto insurance policies. Having both forms of protection does not necessarily mean better coverage. Before agreeing to pay for this type of warranty, a call should be made to confirm that the auto insurance policy does not also offer this protection.
Luxury Auto Warranty:
Luxury auto warranties go by many different names, but the cover is basically the same. This warranty protects luxury components, such as DVD players, GPS navigation systems, phones, and other expensive equipment. Many customers are lured into purchasing this very expensive warranty for fear of having to replace one of these items should it become stolen or damaged. However, unless a vehicle is stocked with numerous expensive electronic components, repairing or replacing these items is often cheaper than the cost of the warranty.
Extended and additional warranties can provide a car buyer with peace-of-mind, but often the coverage they offer is not worth the expense. Customers should take an active role in their car buying experience, ask questions, and demand complete answers. Just like a new car, warranties should be researched before they are purchased.
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