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Monday, December 31. 2007Making Sense Of An Auto Warranty
An auto warranty is a type of contract between the purchaser and manufacturer or seller of a vehicle. Like any other contract, auto warranties can often be over-complicated and full of legalese, making it difficult to understand the various aspects of your warranty coverage
Case in point: standard new-car warranties these days are often 30, 40 or even 50 pages in length, with dozens of different subsections and clauses. Unless you're a contract lawyer, you could rightly begin to feel intimidated about a warranty, and even assume that it is beyond your comprehension. But the fact is that the majority of new-car and used car warranties are very similar, and they routinely contain many of the same common points. Here is a brief overview of the most common warranty types, and the basic points you need to understand about each. New cars are actually sold with several warranties. The first of these is called the basic warranty, and it covers most major systems and parts of your car. The basic warranty for most cars sold in the United States is limited to three years or 36,000 miles. However, there are a few notable exceptions, including Hyundai, which offers a five-year basic warranty, as does their affiliated company, Kia. Basic warranties will cover the car's electronics, most interior parts and details, rims, and ignition components. It is important to note that tires are never covered in a basic warranty, and certain interior parts, such as carpeting and mats will usually not be covered either. The other warranty that all new cars are sold with is called the powertrain warranty. This is also sometimes known as the drive train warranty, and it covers the larger mechanical aspects of the car. These would include the engine, transmission and differential, and usually the axles and drive shaft. Powertrain warranties tend to be in force quite a bit longer than the car's basic warranty. It is not uncommon to see 10-year powertrain warranties on new cars, and although this sounds like an awesome deal, it is important to remember that the larger mechanical parts of new cars are normally not the parts that break down. Unfortunately, smaller and electronic-based parts tend to be the ones that are the least reliable, and these are not included under the powertrain warranty. That means that they will only be replaced or repaired during the time limits of the basic warranty -- normally three years or 36,000 miles. In other words, don't be too overwhelmed if a new car offers a 10 year powertrain warranty. It would actually be far more impressive if they offered a 10 year basic warranty, which covers nearly every part and system of the car. But unfortunately, you're unlikely to see a basic warranty in effect for that long. Finally, new cars also have what is known as an "adjustment warranty." This is simply a very basic warranty between the purchaser and the car dealership that sold you the vehicle. These cover most parts and systems within the car, but are normally in effect for only 30 days. The adjustment warranty is actually of little consequence when buying a new car, because every part that it covers will also be covered by the manufacturer's basic warranty. It is really only there to increase the purchaser's peace of mind, and help make a sale. In other words, never base your purchasing decision on an adjustment auto warranty, even in the rare cases where it is valid for 60 or 90 days. Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on an auto warranty and understanding auto warranties at http://www.extendedautowarrantyadvice.com Monday, December 31. 2007Back Up Auto Sensor
The best solution for protecting your car when reversing is to install a back up auto sensor. By adding an infra red sensor to your rear bumper, you will be able to keep track of anything that is behind your car. By knowing what is hidden behind your car when you are going backwards, you will be able to avoid any accidental bumps that will cause damage to your vehicle.
It is almost impossible to see the details of everything behind your car when you are reversing. Thanks to the limited field of view provided by your mirror, and the shape of the rear of your car, seeing small or low objects such as the front of other cars, docks, and even small children can be extremely difficult. If you cannot see objects, or are unaware of what is behind your car, you run the risk of bumping into it and either causing damage to your vehicle, or injury to any person who is behind you. This is where a back up auto sensor comes into play. These sensors act as your eyes, and work to detect any objects behind your car, and provide you with a warning before you hit them to prevent damage or injury. Typically, a back up auto sensor takes the form of row of sensors across the rear bumper of your car connected to a warning device inside the car to let you know when you get too close to an object. When reversing in a car, it is all too easy to be unaware of any small objects behind the car. If you have children, you will no doubt have had at least one scare when the kids have run out from behind the car when you are reversing. Just imagine if you had not been lucky. By having a back up auto sensor fixed to the rear of your car, you will give yourself peace of mind that you are not putting the lives of loved ones at risk. Most sensors use an ultrasonic field that echoes off any objects in the way of your vehicle as you reverse, and then provide audible feedback to warn you as you close in on the object that is in your way. Basic back up auto sensors simply combine an alarm with the sensors to warn you, but more advanced models also include a visible display to give you an indication of how close you are getting to any static objects. Fitting a back up auto sensor to your car can be a very straightforward process. All you need to do is fix the sensors to the rear of your car, and then connect it to the power supply and the internal warning device, whether this is an alarm, or a display screen. In the past, many people have been put off purchasing a parking sensor for the rear of their car, because they thing that having the sensor devices on their bumper spoils the lines of their car, and is a little unsightly, but this is no longer the case. To address these concerns, many manufacturers have now started to offer more discreet back up auto sensors which are concealed around the license plates at the back of the car. These are just as effective as the other models, but are less obvious on the back of your car. You can choose from back up auto sensors that offer a simple audible alarm that beeps at an increasing rate as you close in on objects, through to much more advanced models that include a screen to display the exact distance to objects to make it completely clear to you just how close to something you are getting. The latest versions can be integrated into the car more completely than ever, and include the possibility of having an LCD display as part of your existing rear view mirror that shows you the distance in either feet or metres. If you want to make it simpler to park, reduce the risk of bumping into static objects when you are reversing, or protect other people when you are going backwards, fitting a back up auto sensor to the rear of your car will offer you the kind of warning that you need. The expense of bumping into someone else’s car can be quite high, and for a fraction of that cost, you can protect your self and keep your vehicle looking great. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. -http://www.redhillsupply.com/Shop-Air-compressor.htm Air Compressors Monday, December 31. 2007GOVERNMENT AUTO AUCTIONS: What to Expect at a Government Auto Auction.
You have probably seen the ads: BUY GOVERNMENT CARS AT AUCTION FOR $200. The truth is that you'll be unlikely to pick up a nearly new, high-end car in perfect condition for $200. However, you CAN find great deals on used cars at government auto auctions. (By the way, government auctions are not limited to cars, but can include boats, aircraft, office equipment, furniture, heavy machines, and even foreclosed or seized land and houses.) Government auto auctions are held all across the country in many locations. Information regarding the auctions is available online for from sites that generally charge a small membership fee.
While government auto auctions are great for those who are looking for a huge bargain, it's best to collect some knowledge first. The following tips will put you in a better position to grab the best deal from the car auctions. 1. Search for information that will give you a clear picture of the specific used car market that you are interested in. Different cars can command far different prices in different parts of the country. There are great online sources available such as Edmunds.com, kbb.com (the Kelly Blue Book people) and nada.com (the National Automobile Dealers' Association). Print out some of the information for reference at the auctions. 2. Bring your drivers license and some other form of ID to the auto auction. 3. Be early at the auto auctions. This is definitely a situation in which the early bird catches the worm. Be at the auctions ahead of the crowd so you can take a close look at and inspect each of the cars that interest you. 4. Perform a physical inspection of the cars that interest you. Check the body fit, the paint, the engine compartment and the tires to see that each appears to be in good condition. It is highly recommended that you write down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and have a friend at home check the number with an online service. Several online services will generate a detailed history of the car using the VIN for a nominal cost. The reports will list any problems with the car from accidents and sometimes even include service history. 5. Once you successfully bid on a car, be sure to closely review the contract so that it does not contain any conditions that you are not comfortable with. Pay particular attention to the period in which the seller has to deliver the title to the car to you. Often sellers do not have physical titles to the cars they are selling with them and you do not want to have to wait too long to receive your title. 6. There is no financing available at government auto auctions, so make sure you have money available to pay for any car you buy. Many auctions require that you pay for the cars you buy with a bank draft so be sure to investigate the payment requirements of any particular auction before you attend. 7. Set a limit that you are willing to spend BEFORE you get to the auction and do not go beyond that limit. Too often people get caught up in the frenzy of bidding and chase the price of a car well above what would be considered a good deal. If you are not sure that you want to buy a car at action, go ahead and attend one just to see how the process works. You may be surprised how many quality vehicles and good deals are available. Finally, don't leave your brain at home. Just because a car is being sole at an auction does not necessarily mean it's a great bargain. If the car needs serious repairs of has a checkered history, it may not be worth much. As always, information is king. Get good information, do your homework, know in advance what you can spend and inspect the cars as much as possible before you head out to the auctions and you will find some great deals. The author is a long-time gear-head who has bought and sold at auction for years and maintains the blog on Government Car Auctions. Get more of his free auto-auction information at his website: www.Seized-Auto-Info.com. Monday, December 31. 2007How To Check and Change Your Air Filter
You car's air filter is very important since it maintains some parts of your car system clean and free of dirt. If your air filter doesn't work properly and dirt enters your car this might make it go through different problems, and therefore it is important that you check the filter and change it when necessary. Your mechanic can do it for you although it is very easy and you could do it yourself as well.
It is recommended that you change your car's air filter once a year or every 15.000 miles if you live in an averagely dusty area. But, if you can check it once in a while and replace it as soon as it needs it this would be much better. Checking it is a very easy thing to do and replace it is not complicated once you learn how to do it. If you wish to check your car's air filter yourself and in an easy way, you can do so by using a light from inside pointing outside and check how bright it looks through it. If you see the light clearly, then your air filter is still good, but if you can't see much of the light then it indicates the filter needs to be changed. Newer cars have different air filters than older ones. If your car is rather new, its air filter is probably rectangular and you might find it located under the hood, near the radiator area or the fender wells. In order to change it, you must open it and take the actual air filter from it, replacing it by the new and then closing it again. If your car is older, then the air filter will probably be of a big round shape and located near the engine area. It might probably be screwed, and all you might need to do is to unscrew the cover, let the air filter come out, and place the new one instead of it. You must pay attention in case it has any other attachment mechanisms such as clips which you would need to take off as well. About the author: Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more! Circulated by Article Emporium More auto tips at http://www.tipsezine.com Saturday, December 29. 2007VW acknowledges success of retailer fleetDuring the Fleet Awards event which happened at a five-star hotel, VW Fleet Services acknowledged the success of its top-performing retailers and staff. The VW Fleet Services has already own the Fleet News Manufacturer of the Year Award five times and the German automaker is saying that its success is due to the first class products and the quality its staff provides. Vincent Kinner, the Head of VW’s Fleet Services, said that it’s their staff who serve their customers who really make a difference. The ethos is that driving force behind the success of the Fundamentally Fleet Program of the German automaker VW, this program had been launched back in 2005 and the objective of the program is to educate, motivate, and recognize the excellence within the retailer network. The candidates were from different Retailers across the UK and they have gone through a series of activities which aim to measure their capabilities, product knowledge, and skills. According to the candidates, the understanding and awareness of the environmental issues were one of the most challenging activities. However, the activities involving environmental issues also proved to be rewarding for the candidates. These activities have given them enough knowledge about the BlueMotion Range of VW. Kinner commented on the Awards event, saying, “I’m delighted to be able to meet so many individuals who make such a difference to our business. There were many new faces in the programme this year and the quality of candidates was particularly high. Attending this event has made me extremely proud of Fundamentally Fleet and what it has achieved, and it also gives me great confidence that Volkswagen Fleet Services can continue its success in the coming year.” Friday, December 28. 2007One VW Beauty – the new VW Polo MatchThe new VW Polo Match is set to be the replacement of the S level in the Polo range line-up. In line with this, the German automaker is expecting that this new addition or replacement to the line-up will be the biggest selling model in the VW Polo range. There are some significant differences with the S such as the Polo Match offers increased value and equipment. But still, it keeps the famous characteristics of the VW Polo of efficiency, quality, and practical ability. The new VW Polo Match is accentuated by its set of wheels which is 15-inch ‘Charade’ alloy wheels and its body-colored door strips, door handles, bumper strips, and wing mirrors which have indicators. When one looks at the model’s front end, one will see that there is a pair of fog lights set into the car’s twin air dams. These are not the only highlights of this new VW model. Knowing VW and its elegance, it also improved the look of the model’s interior. The steering wheel, handbrake grip, and the gear knob have been leather-trimmed. For entertainment, VW has installed a six-disc CD autochanger or an iPod connection for endless music playback from one’s very own music library. Aside from that, the German automaker has incorporated some practical additions such as split folding rear seats, useful drawer under the passenger’s seat, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and electric front windows. The engines providing the VW Polo Match’s power include the 1.4-liter TDI engine and a 1.2-liter petrol engine. the price for the new VW Polo Match start around £9,315 for the 1.2-litre three-door model and will increase to £11,380 for the 1.4-litre TDI five-door variant. If one wishes to get a taste of this new VW offering, then one can start ordering now at any VW Retailers. Thursday, December 27. 2007VW releases its revolutionary seven-speed DSG gearbox in its VW GolfGerman automaker VW has done it again. The German automaker has released the latest evolution of its revolutionary DSG twin-clutch transmission box. This gearbox is proud to feature seven gears which help bring about an increase in efficiency and it features a more compact design. The seven-speed gearbox is mounted transversely in the engine and the difference it has with the current six-speed DSG gearbox is that it makes use of dry clutches versus the pair of clutches immersed in oil in the six-speed DSG gearbox. Because of the dry clutches, the new gearbox became more compact, had reduced weight, and has an improved efficiency. The new seven-speed DSG gearbox has been designed to operate under moderate power and torque loadings. This new transmission box from VW will be mated to a 1.4-liter TSI 122 PS engine. However, this gearbox can also be mated to a 1.9-liter TDI diesel engine with Diesel Particulate Filter. The seven-speed DSG gearbox, when installed in the VW Golf hatchback, helps the vehicle save 10 g/km CO2 from 149 g/km to 139 g/km. the fuel economy of the VW Golf hatchback also improved to 47.9 mpg from 44.8 mpg, which is an increase of 3 mpg. This transmission box is also able to provide the VW Golf with the seemingly contradictory virtues of great performance and increased fuel economy. Its lower gears are closely spaced, thus, the in-hear acceleration is improved, making it easy to do overtaking maneuvers. On the other hand, the higher gears are lengthened in order to maximize economy and decrease loading on the engine. Car enthusiasts waiting to try out this new transmission box will have to wait for another month or two as it will make its debut in UK in February. However, the seven-speed DGS gearbox is already open for ordering at any VW Retailer. Price for this transmission box starts at £15,982 when mated with the Golf S 1.4-liter TSI 122 PS. Friday, December 21. 2007VW’s 2008 New Beetle SThe 2007 VW New Beetle S is naturally the modern version of the Old Beetle. And as the old Beetle is comfortable to drive in, so is the New Beetle S. This VW model makes use of a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder powertrain. This engine gives out a maximum power output of 150 horsepower at 5000 revolutions per minute and 170 pound-feet of torque at 3750rpm. This engine is then mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which shifts easily and smoothly. This model has a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Continue reading "VW’s 2008 New Beetle S"Friday, December 21. 2007
Safe Winter Driving Starts with ... Posted by Szymon
in Car care at
07:54
Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) Safe Winter Driving Starts with Proper Car Preparation
As winter takes hold, keeping your car in proper running order becomes a challenge. It does not have to be that way! Here are a few tips that can turn the tables on old man winter and make winter motoring easier for you and your family.
Continue reading "Safe Winter Driving Starts with Proper Car Preparation"
Thursday, December 20. 2007Saving A Bundle At Your Next Car Auction
Many of us have been at the car dealership and have been drained by a salesperson during price negotiations for the purchase of a new car. Most people give in too easily or do not negotiate at all to avoid the dreadful act. This only means more money in the car dealers? pocket, while you are out of several thousand dollars! Yes, they make that much in profit per car.
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Thursday, December 20. 2007
VW Santana best-selling vehicle in China Posted by Szymon
in Volkswagen Golf at
22:48
Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) VW Santana best-selling vehicle in China
For more than two decades or twenty years, VW’s Santana cars have been roaming the streets and highways of China. And just last month, the VW Santana cars have regained their recognition as the most popular model in the country, proven by their sales.
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Thursday, December 20. 2007The book on VW CamperVW has just recently celebrated the 60th year of its VW Transporter or Mini Bus by showcasing it in front of a large crowd. The festivities seem not to end as now, a book has been released about this legendary van for its fans to relive and read all about it. It was only 3 months a go, in October, when more than 5,100 VW Transporters and Mini-Buses met up at the Hanover Exhibition Center for the International VW Mini Bus Meeting. Over 71,000 visitors paid a visit to the event to celebrate and relive the VW vans. It was Lutz Schilling and Cliff Serna who came up with the book named ’60 Years VW Bulli – The Book” (Bulli being the van’s nickname in Germany). This book contains 330 pages of snap shots, studio shots, and pictures of almost every VW Bulli present during the event. The story of the VW Transporter is also included in the book in detail and coupled by pictures of the van from the finest exhibits at the Wolfsburg Automobile Museum. Some of the pictures in the book include a stretched Mini Bus painted in black and red, a mint-colored TI pick-up with camper trailer and a yellow T3 ambulance conversion. Harald Schomburg of VW Commercial Vehicles said, “The International VW Mini Bus Meeting was a remarkable experience. This book will be a perfect memento of an unforgettable event.” Thursday, December 20. 2007Detroit 2008: The King is back atop the hill - 2009 Corvette ZR1known as the "Blue Devil" and SS for at least the past five years has now been officially designated as the ZR1. The new monster from Bowling Green has revived the ZR1 designation for the first time since the C4-based original faded away in 1995.
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Thursday, December 20. 2007Detroit 2008: The Heart of the King, the LS9 is born!Every great king needs a great heart. Given the competition out there, if a car intends to claim the mantle of "King of the Hill",
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Thursday, December 20. 2007Presentation is Everything: gift-wrapping a carWe already knew that a production version of the CS Concept BMW debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show was in the automaker's product plans. Dubbed 'Gran Turismo', the four-door technological tour de force took a serious step toward reality today when BMW announced that Gerhard Richter, a manager at BMW M GmbH, is taking over control of the car's development. While he's adding that little bit of M flair to the Gran Turismo, Albert Biermann will be taking his place developing M models for the rest of us to enjoy. While BMW didn't release any real details about the production version of the Gran Turismo, it did say that the car "will round the BMW product range upward as important technology carriers." That's the broken English of our translation, but you get the point. Like we said before, it'll be a technological tour de force.[Source: BMW via Zercustoms]Gallery: BMW Concept CS
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