Proper Auto Maintenance

Posted by in Auto Maintenance on August 26, 2011

By David S Caldwell

As a car owner, you are responsible for the everyday upkeep of your vehicle. By keeping your car in good working condition, you can protect yourself as well as those around you from car accidents. There are several different auto systems that should get regular maintenance and attention.

First, your tires feel every single mile that you travel. Thus, this is a part of your car that you should check frequently. Flats are a common problem on the road. A tire may not look flat, but you may notice it pulling in the direction of the flat. You should check your tires’ pressure when you are parked on an even surface. Your car should have a recommended tire pressure on a sticker in the frame or on the door, and all of your tires should be the same psi. Additionally, you should also check for wear.

Next, your brakes also deserve your attention. Your brakes are arguably the most important part of your car’s control system, and when your brakes go out, it can lead to devastating accidents. Brakes need replacing every 12,000-60,000 miles. If you check your brakes as soon as they start making strange noises or feeling strange, you may be able to replace the pads without having to replace the calipers or rotors.

Another thing that you may not realize that you need to check is your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Wiper fluid is necessary when things splatter on your windshield, obscuring your vision. Your wipers are of utmost importance when it is raining. Without these to clear your windshield, you may be blinded by rain.

Lastly, to keep your engine running smoothly, you should get oil changes every 3 months or every 3,000 miles, which ever comes first.

Frustratingly, you may keep excellent care of your vehicle yet still suffer from an accident due to a defective auto part. If you have been injured because of an auto malfunction, you should contact an experienced Iowa auto defect attorney from LaMarca & Landry, P.C., today.

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How to Find the Best Car Warranty

Posted by in Car Warranty on August 26, 2011

By Rich Stark

The best auto warranty is the one that best protects you and meets your needs. The original car warranty on vehicles is the manufacturer`s warranty that comes with the vehicle at the time of purchase. The manufacturer warranty varies for different makes and models with basic coverage generally extending to vehicles with mileage between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. For Ferrari’s and Aston martins it extends to 999,000 miles. For Morgans and Lamborghini’s it only extends to 12,000 miles. Power train warranties vary from 36,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Warranties against corrosion general extend four to twelve years or 50,000/100,000 miles.

Extended warranty for cars is a vehicle service contract between the buyer and the car warranty company that is offered at the time of purchase. It extends warranty beyond the manufacturer warranty and is offered as either a wear and tear warranty or a mechanical breakdown warranty. Wear and tear warranties covers classic breakdowns and the gradual reduction in the vehicle performance including leaky seals, gaskets, and damage from overheating. Mechanical breakdown warranty is very specific and does not cover bumper to bumper. Buyers can save money and get the best car warranty by bypassing the dealer and buying directly from the provider.

Lots of myths and scams exist regarding extended warranty for cars so it is best to research, get more than one auto warranty quote, and do some comparison shopping before making a decision. It is important to take time to know what the policy says and more importantly what it means. Various levels of coverage exist, some with deductibles and waiting periods. Some require that the vehicles be repaired at specific locations and are very limited in what they pay for. This can be problematic if the dealership is far away or goes out of business. Some policies require inspections for preexisting conditions that would limit coverage. Extended warranties can be purchased for vehicles with up to 250,000 miles. Mechanical breakdown warranties are only recommended for vehicles that do not qualify for wear and tear coverage.

With extended warranties for cars, a cheap auto warranty quote does not always mean the best car warranty. It is important to look at the insurance company that backs the coverage. The most reputable policies are backed by companies with an A ratings. These companies provide fast, friendly, professional services and offer claim services 24 hours a day.

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