Preparing Your Car For Winter Weather

Unless you’re training for the Winter Olympics, this is a time of year few of us enjoy. As the leaves fall and the mercury plummets, another season of ice and snow is fast approaching. After stocking up on hot chocolate and earmuffs, you might be ready for the cold, but is your car?

Winter is by far the toughest season for your vehicle, but a few simple precautions can both preserve its value and extend its life. You can also take these precautions before there’s three feet of snow outside and the temperature is 30 below.

First things first, if you have not had your antifreeze replaced in the last year, now is the time to do so. Manufacturer recommendations can differ, but most agree that antifreeze should be changed at least every 30,000 miles, and if your climate is especially cold it may need replacing more often.

Motor oil should be addressed next. For winter weather, some automakers suggest using a lighter grade of oil than for warmer weather. Check your owner’s manual to make sure – it could be the difference in whether your vehicle starts on that first below-zero morning!

Another critical component to your vehicle’s ignition is the battery. In cold weather, batteries use extra power to start the engine – you can have the battery’s charge and the alternator tested during your next routine oil change. It’s also smart to keep your battery clean and remove corrosion that can drain the battery. You can do this by dripping a fifty-fifty combination of baking soda and water on the battery terminals and wiping them dry.

In case you do have a breakdown or get stuck in a blizzard, it’s best to be prepared. Jumper cables are essential and should be in your vehicle at all times. You should also keep some winter footwear, blankets, and other cold-weather gear to protect yourself should you become stranded with no heating. A first-aid kit and some snack bars are another good idea. Finally, if your car gets caught in some snow or ice, spreading a small bag of cat litter under your tires may give you the traction you need to escape.

Next, you should protect your windshield. Salt and grit from winter roads can wreak havoc on your visibility. Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid and check the freezing level of the fluid you are using – most will stay liquid until around 10 below but you may need something stronger depending on where you live. Also, check your wiper blades and hinges for any wear or age. If they aren’t keeping your windshield clear in rainy conditions, they need replacing.

The same salt and grit kicking up onto your windshield is also collecting around your vehicle’s front end and behind the tires. Wash your car regularly to prevent corrosion and rust.

Following these simple tips can help both you and your car get through another winter. Stay tuned to future posts from AutoExtra.com with advice on long road trips and the latest trends in the automotive industry. Remember: We’re all you need.

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Thanksgiving Travel Tips Made Simple

It’s the time of year when millions of Americans face the daunting reality of Thanksgiving travel. Spending a virtual eternity in transit only to turn around after a day or two and do it all over again is not how most people envision a vacation. No matter your mode of transportation, holiday travel can turn a joyous reunion with family into a frustrating experience. However, a little common sense and planning can turn your holiday travel into a pleasant experience.

Travel Days

The simplest way to evade the headache of holiday travel is in avoiding heavy traffic periods altogether. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the busiest travel days tend to be the Wednesday before and the day of Thanksgiving. If you can, try leaving on Tuesday – Traveling a day early will also make it easier to head home on Friday or Saturday, which tend to be less congested than Sunday.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 37 million people will travel by automobile during the Thanksgiving holiday so planning your travel days accordingly can help ease a stressful time.

Saving Fuel

Gas prices have all but disappeared from the radar screen in recent months due to a steadily dropping fuel cost. Although the drop in prices has slowed – the national average has reached $2.23 per gallon which is down $0.06 from this time last year* – most of us could stand to save a buck or two at the pump. The following tips were found on the United States Department of Energy website, FuelEconomy.gov.

· Maintenance: Simply maintaining your vehicle on a regular basis will help your car be more fuel efficient. Make sure to follow the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule to make the most out of your car’s efficiency.

· Slow Down: I’m sure you’ve heard this one before but it’s worth repeating: Maintaining a speed of 55mph can allow a vehicle to receive up to 21% better gas mileage as opposed to 65mph.

· Avoid Quick Starts: Slowly accelerate to avoid excessive gasoline consumption. Doing this will allow your vehicle to operate at its peak efficiency.

· Cruise Control: If your vehicle is equipped with a cruise control feature, use it to maintain a constant speed. This will not only help maintain a safe speed but it will save fuel.

· Excessive Idling: Idling returns zero miles per gallon so try to avoid idling over long periods of time. If you’re parked, turn your vehicle off to avoid wasting fuel.

· Tires: Properly maintained tires can also save money on gas. Make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure and have them rotated and balanced according to the manufacturers recommendations. Not only will this save you money on fuel, but it could extend the life of your tires.

Packing Tips

Packing your vehicle can sometimes be frustrating but if done correctly it can be a work of art. Start by making a list of all the items that will be necessary on your trip. You can get as elaborate as you want but be sure to include the essential travel items. Drinks, snacks, weather-related items, cash, and a map are a good place to start.

Pack the non-essential items at the back of the trunk and put the items that you may need to access during your trip at the front for easy retrieval. It’s important to pack these items in such a way to reduce shifting during travel. This will avoid damage to your belongings and keep the vehicle at a consistent level.

On vehicles with open cargo areas such as SUVs and Minivans it is important not to pack your items above the top of the seat-backs. Not only is this a potential projectile hazard in the event of an accident but it can also obstruct a driver’s view from the rear-view mirror.

Following these simple tips can help turn your Thanksgiving travel into a great (or at least bearable) experience. Stay tuned to future posts from AutoExtra.com with advice on long road trips and the latest trends in the automotive industry. Remember: we’re all you need.

Traveling With Infants and Children

Traveling with an infant has its own set of challenges. Not only do they require an arsenal of products to sustain them, but they also can become very finicky after sitting in a child-seat for several hours. One way to ease the stress of traveling is to plan transit around the child’s nap or sleep time. This way they should spend much of the time sleeping and allow you to focus on driving. Make sure that you have their essentials close at hand should you need them or if you end up caught in traffic.

Older children have their own set of requirements. Many times children can become frustrated with a long road trip. Luckily with today’s toys and gadgets a child can be quite content for long periods of time. Unfortunately many children lose interest in such games and require a bit more stimulation. In this case, try some old fashioned travel games. If you can’t remember any games you played in the car as a child then make some up. Here is a site with great ideas for travel games: http://www.momsminivan.com/. The main goal is to keep your children involved and to keep their minds busy so they don’t focus on the question: “Are we there yet?”

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Utilizing AutoExtra.com Services

Many of those shopping for a used car online expect to find only a vehicle photo, price, and maybe a short description.  However, there are countless available online tools that can make car shopping even more informative than visiting a dealership.  Since its online debut almost two years ago, AutoExtra.com has focused on providing essential tools to serious car buyers.  Let’s take a moment to highlight some of these tools.

Research Center
AutoExtra.com’s newly formed Research Center allows a user to access multiple sources of automotive data in one location.  Here a user can find information on government crash test results, vehicle fuel economy (mpg), and professional automobile reviews.  Users can also search for safety recalls on any vehicle they might be looking to buy or already own.  After reading the research data a user can click the ‘classifieds’ tab to find local used cars for sale that fit their research criteria.  Whether you are in the market for a new or used car, AutoExtra.com’s Research Center can help guide your purchase decision.

Resource Center 
AutoExtra.com’s Resource Center is also designed to compliment the used car shopping experience.  The Resource Center allows visitors to shop for car insurance, vehicle financing or get a vehicle history report.  To ensure that the vehicle you are looking at has a fair price, the Price Checker was created to allow you to compare one vehicle’s price to others of the same make, model, and year.  The Finance Calculator is another useful tool, as it can estimate monthly car payments based on a vehicle’s price, the interest rate, and term of the loan. 

Finally, the Resource Center contains a Warranty and Inspection page.  These services provide peace of mind for car buyers and can potentially save them thousands of dollars.  An Extended Warranty offers coverage for your vehicle beyond the life of a manufacturer’s offering.  A Certified Vehicle Inspection ensures the value of the vehicle you are looking to purchase.  Not only is an inspection a good idea for prospective buyers, it can also benefit a seller to have their vehicle inspected – it provides security for viewers to know what they see online is exactly what they are getting.

Online Fraud Center
AutoExtra.com’s Fraud Prevention center has been created to explain some of the latest and most common online fraud scams.    This important section offers advice on how to recognize an attempted scam and provides useful links for reporting fraud if you come across it.  We encourage all of our users to visit this section on their next visit to AutoExtra.com, as we hope to provide the best overall experience in everything automotive.  Remember, we’re all you need.

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Buying an Extended Warranty: A How-to Guide

Maybe this has happened to you:  a friend or co-worker greets you with a self-satisfied grin on their face, and when you inquire as to their newfound joy, they usher you out to the parking lot to show off their new ride.  They bought it used, of course, but it’s new to them – that counts, right?  Plus, they explain, it was a “great deal”.  The months start to pass and it gradually dawns on you that you’re seeing less and less of your once-grinning cohort.  Soon enough, though, you do run into this person and vaguely inquire just where they’ve been hiding.  Sadly, you feel a certain sense of pity when they can’t look you in the eye and say “Repair Shop” at the same time.

           

Getting a great deal on a car is a beautiful thing, whether it is new or used.  However, the informed buyer realizes that no matter the make or model, vehicles can and will break down.  That is why it is often a good idea to look into the purchase of an extended auto warranty.

           

With just one or two major repairs an extended warranty can save you money, but it is important to find one that suits your needs.  Try to ballpark how long you plan to be the owner of this vehicle and how many miles you plan to put on the odometer.  If you find you would prefer to be a title-holder for just a short time and have a brief commute to work, an extended warranty is probably not for you.  If you travel often and can’t remember the last time you purchased a car, it could save you from the fate of your friend.

           

Extended warranties, like the vehicles they cover, come in many shapes and sizes.  After you have estimated your length of ownership and mileage, it’s time to decide which warranty is the best fit.  Some protect just the power-train; some include wear-and-tear parts such as fan belts or brake pads.  You can also purchase an “exclusionary” warranty (or “bumper-to-bumper”), listing only what it does not cover – even a lengthy list of exclusions will typically provide more coverage than a warranty only documenting what is protected.  Consider your own driving history and what your previous repairs have involved when choosing your plan.

           

Along with wear-and-tear, some warranties provide roadside assistance and other services.  If you travel often, you might look into a plan that includes food and lodging costs if you break down more than 100 miles from home.  Many warranties will provide rental car reimbursement as well.

Deductibles can also vary in an extended warranty.  Most are $200 or less, but make sure to determine whether the deductible is “per repair” or “per visit”.  If you go into the shop with a bad transmission, leaky oil filter and rattling muffler, a per repair warranty will charge you three deductibles.  A lower deductible means a more expensive warranty, but they can pay for themselves quicker than you might think. 

You can purchase an extended warranty at the time you acquire the vehicle or decide to wait a while.  If you are buying a late-model used car, the limited factory warranty might still be in effect and may be transferable.  A “certified” used car from a dealership will likely include an extension of the original factory warranty – but only on certain parts. 

It is always a good idea to compare one dealership’s warranty cost with another’s, and there are viable options beyond the dealership for purchasing an extended warranty that can be less expensive.  Several online companies offer excellent warranty coverage and pricing – for instance, 5 Star Warranty, a trusted AutoExtra.com partner.  Many of these websites are happy to provide free price quotes for whatever kind of coverage you are seeking.

Be wary if a warranty requires a cash layout – that is, you pay the repair cost initially and get a reimbursement after sending in the receipts, which does not happen overnight.  Many warranty providers will speak directly to your service center and pay for repairs over the phone with a credit card. 

Another consideration is where you can get your repairs done.  Most warranties are fairly flexible in this regard but some will limit your choices to one kind of facility or even one location.  Again, this is a cost/benefit issue where you can decide if less limitation is worth having.

Finally, it is important to know who is backing the warranty.  An after-market warranty is from an independent company and you should check their credit rating with Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or a similar institution.  Warranties that are backed by the manufacturer are typically more expensive but their financial security is rarely an issue.

An extended warranty can be a great investment, especially with the current rise in repair costs.  Often, a warranty will pay for itself in only a few repairs and it provides a level of comfort and security – so the next time you show off your new ride to an associate or friend, you can do it with confidence.

Flood Damaged Vehicle Tips and Advice Part 2

Where should I start my search for another vehicle?

A great place to begin your search is on the internet. AutoExtra.com has over 1 million vehicles listed from across the country in all price ranges. Most local libraries offer free internet access. Free classified magazines, like AutoExtra.com are also available at most grocery stores.

How can I avoid buying a car with previous flood or accident damage?

It is common that unscrupulous sellers will attempt to pass flooded vehicles as undamaged to unsuspecting and careless buyers – and there will always be cars with undisclosed accident damage on the market. Now, more than ever, buyers have tools to protect themselves from unseen or covered damage. The best methods of protection are getting detailed vehicle history reports, like Carfax, and looking for certified used cars.

Other tips to avoid buying flooded cars:

• First, buy from reputable dealers.
• You can find great vehicles buying from private sellers but beware of “curbstoners” – people who sell numerous cars claiming to be private sellers and therefore avoid basic government oversight.
• Avoid auctions – online or otherwise – unless you are experienced with them.
• Check to make sure the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) match on the door sticker and the dashboard tag.
• Carefully inspect the inside of the car looking for watermarks on door panels, radiators, wheel wells and seat cushions.
• Look for rust on unusual places like door hinges, hood springs, under dash brackets, and trunk latches.
• Look for water and moisture inside exterior lighting.
• Beware of cars with new or mismatched upholstery.
• If the car has a paper air filter, check it – if it has water stains the car has likely been flooded.
• Ask the seller if the vehicle has had flood damage – sounds simple, but answers like “not to the best of my knowledge” or “the previous owner didn’t tell me of any flood damage” are red flags. Get the answer in writing with the bill of sale.
• Ask to see the title – if it is not stamped “flood” or “salvage”, get the car’s history to find out if has come from a recently or previously flooded area of the country.

When buying your next car, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Do your homework. There used to be a common misconception among car buyers that when purchasing a used car, owners inherit the previous problems of that vehicle. That is no longer the case. With certified used vehicles and services like CARFAX, consumers can rest assured they are buying a reliable vehicle. In addition, contact your local dealer of that manufacturer, and ask the service department to run the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if there are any recalls or technical service bulletins that may or may not have been performed. Also ask if there were any major repairs. If you can get receipts for any maintenance or repairs to this vehicle, it will help you decide whether the car was taken care of or just driven hard.
2. Newer is generally better. Newer models – those less than six years old – generally offer updated safety features and better crash protection. That means the car will sacrifice itself for the driver, and not the other way around. On any model, however, look for anti-lock brakes, dual front air bags and side impact airbags.
3. Know all the facts. If you are purchasing a vehicle with an insurance check, make sure you know all the details. Call your insurance agent before you purchase a new car to review the exact compensation amount for your destroyed property.

Flood Damaged Vehicle Tips and Advice

After The Storm and Your Vehicle After flood and hurricane waters subside car owners must go through what can be the frustrating and confusing process of replacing a flooded vehicle. AutoExtra.com has teamed up with Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, to offer helpful tips on how to work with insurance companies, where to look for a replacement car and how to avoid buying a previously flooded or damaged vehicle. What should I do if my car has been under water? First, contact your insurance company. Next, evaluate the height of the floodwaters around your car. If floodwaters reached the mid-point of the tire or higher, do not start your car because that may cause more damage. Once the floodwater subsides, get your car towed and send it to an ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certified technician who can look for unseen damage. Your insurance company may have specific requirements on where to send your car so make sure to ask your agent. At what point is the car not repairable? The reality is, if the water has reached that midpoint on your tire, you most likely want it to be declared a ‘total loss’. Once an automobile has been flooded, the entire electrical system becomes questionable – and many critical systems are located on the bottom of the car. Water has a way of ruining electronic components, especially for vehicles equipped with a computer controlled engine management system. Again, do not start the car and owners should find an ASE certified technician to determine further damage. Vehicles that have been completely under water should be destroyed. If the car has been sitting in saltwater – consider it a total loss. Saltwater destroys paint, rubber, electrical wiring, metal and all upholstery. What if I don’t have my insurance papers? Notify your automobile insurance company through its toll-free number. If the car is under water or partially submerged, identify any items that may be damaged and relay that information to your agent. How do insurance companies typically determine my car’s value? A car’s value is determined after it’s declared a ‘total loss.’ Once that is decided, each company has its own proprietary list of car values and specialized software for valuing cars in each region. Auto insurance companies don’t use the standard Kelley Blue Book or National Association of Automobile Dealers book value, but they do take into consideration the car’s mileage and pre-accident condition. The insurance company may also get comparative price quotes from local dealers, but their prices are generally lower than those you would see when you walk onto the lot. What if I disagree with my insurance company’s value? There are several things you can do. First and foremost, if you have maintenance records that show the car was in good condition, such as oil changes every 3,000 miles or routine check-ups by a mechanic, copy those records and present them to the insurance company. Include any information on special parts or upgrades done after the purchase of the car. Try getting price quotes on replacement cars from at least three dealers within a reasonable driving distance or on the internet and submit those to your insurance company. Also, ask the insurance company to provide you with a list of dealers within a specific distance who can sell you a comparable vehicle. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can step up the process and go to mediation or arbitration, which means presenting your case to a neutral party for assistance in reaching a compromise or, in arbitration, a binding decision. Stayed tuned next week for flood tips part 2.

Top Ten Used Cars For Teen Drivers

2000 Chevrolet Blazer

For those parents who want their child in a full-sized SUV, the Blazer is a good mix of safety, fair MPG (for a full-sized SUV) and insurance costs. “Four-door vs. two-door doesn’t matter as much as getting as many additional features as possible – look for AutoTrac for example,” said Fix. “If they ‘go in the snow’ and haul around a ton of gear, this is a good choice for kids.”

 

2001 Honda Civic

Comfortable entry-level car that’s gets great miles-per-gallon (MPG), low maintenance costs, and a good resell value. “Even though this car is small, it’s safe; the more airbags installed the better,” said Fix. “This is a good example of a savings not often talked about – lower insurance costs because of the sheer number of cars out in the market. Insurance costs tend to be lower for cars where cheap replacement parts are available, and with the Civic, parts are everywhere.”

 

2002
Toyota Corolla

All the benefits of the Honda Civic: MPG, low maintenance, good resell but in a little larger vehicle. “I like that parents can get their kids into a 2002 Corolla – the newer the car the more standard features – like driver and passenger air bags in this case,” said Fix.

 

2001 Nissan Altima

A comfortable car for five and a large trunk for hauling sports gear and dirty laundry back and forth from school. “Even the 4 cylinder model has a lot of pep,” said Fix. “If you can get into a higher mileage 2002 with a great maintenance record for under $10,000, go for it.”

 

2003 Hyundai Elantra

Korean Manufacturing has combined quality with affordability. “And the cars are safe,” said Fix. “The Elantra gives you the most powerful engine in its class for ’03 and fantastic J.D. Power crash ratings.”

 

2003 Ford Ranger

Ford Rangers are everywhere as they are top sellers – perfect solution for the child who has lots of stuff to transport. “Ford Rangers are the best bet of the
U.S. manufacturers and this one comes with driver and passenger airbags. One word of caution – look over the bed carefully for any signs of rust” said Fix.

 

2003 Suzuki Aerio

The Aerio is the least expensive all-wheel drive vehicle on the market according to Suzuki, which makes it a good choice for snow prone schools. “Some might think the small size is a problem, but for students attending a big-city school, it’s a great car to squeeze into small spaces,” said Fix.

 

1998
Toyota 4Runner

A top selling SUV which translates into better resell and low-cost maintenance. With a larger wheel base it is less prone to roll-over. “SUVs are just a more expensive vehicle so you’ll need to get an older model and factor in gas costs,” said Fix. “The 4Runner is a good bet even from ’98, but be very selective and try to find one with a well documented and well-kept maintenance record.”

 

2001 Mercury Cougar

This Cougar has a unique look inside and out and has plenty of standard features like power windows, four bucket seats, power-heated mirrors, and a detachable audio panel. “This is a great car with a distinctive look,” said Fix, “lots of storage in the back, and the back seats have great leg room.”

 

2003 Ford Taurus

The Taurus LX has low-maintenance costs, standard V6 engine and is loaded with options. “This is the car for kids going off to remote schools, because Taurus parts are everywhere, and it has plenty of trunk and interior space to haul gear,” said Fix. “Plus every ’03 Taurus includes dual-stage airbags for added safety.”

Back To School Car Survey For Teens and Parents

At this time of year, parents from across the country are sending their driving-age kids to high schools and colleges. So we at AutoExtra.com were wondering how many of those students were sent back to school with a new set of car keys? Who bought the cars? Were they new cars or used? How much did the cars cost? The AutoExtra.com Kids’ First Car Survey is designed to ask and answer questions about parents, students and their cars. Here are some of the interesting findings:

76% of their children have their own car
82% of those cars were bought used

Money Matters
54% of the cars cost under $10,000
51% were paid for in-full by the child’s parent or parents
23% shared the cost with their children
72% of the parents did not have cars bought for them when they were students

Major Factors Parents Said Are Extremely/Very Important When Buying A Car For Their Child
90% safety and reliability
79% price
68% fuel efficiency
67% age and mileage
42% make/model
24% style/coolness
13% car’s color

Major Factors That Parents Thought Were Extremely/Very Important To Their Children When Buying A Car
66% style/coolness
61% safety/reliability
53% age/mileage
53% make/model
52% price
50% fuel efficiency
37% color

Buying Habits
54% of the cars cost under $10,000
36% purchased from a private seller
2% purchased through an online auction

The national telephone survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation from Aug. 12–Aug. 17, 2005. The survey was conducted among a sample of 500 adults who have children aged 16-22 and are currently students. The polling has a margin of error of +/- 4%.

Car Buying Tips For Teens

With the results of the AutoExtra.com Kids’ First Car Survey, we know that at least half of the many parents who are buying cars for the children are looking for used cars. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach®, has the following tips to get kids on the road in the best used car possible.

1. Do your homework
There used to be a common misconception among car buyers that when purchasing a used car, owners inherit the previous problems of that vehicle. That is no longer the case. With certified used vehicles and services like CARFAX Vehicle History Report, consumers can rest assured they are buying a reliable vehicle. In addition, contact your local dealer of that manufacturer, and ask the service department to run the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if there are any recalls or technical service bulletins that may or may not have been performed. Also ask if there were any major repairs. If you can get receipts for any maintenance or repairs to this vehicle, it will help you decide whether the car was taken care of or just driven hard.

2. Keep it mid-sized
Sedans tend to have a lower center of gravity and a wider track width than SUVs, making them friendly for new drivers unfamiliar with the road. Sedans also offer student drivers enough interior room to tote books, boxes and furniture to and from school. Super small cars may have better fuel economy, but mid-sized vehicles are the best choice for new drivers.

3. Say no to sports cars and drop tops
The statistics show that younger people are more likely to be in a speed-related crash in a sports car or performance sedan. Chalk it up to peer pressure, the sound and feel of these cars and marketing. The same holds true for convertibles.

4. Newer is generally better
Newer models – those less than 6 years old – generally offer updated safety features and better crash protection. That means the car will sacrifice itself for the driver, and not the other way around. On any model, however, look for anti-lock brakes, dual front air bags and side impact airbags.

5. Find a mid-range performance vehicle
You don’t want your young driver in an underpowered slug because some power is necessary for safe passing