Buying a car is so much more than showing up at the lot and picking one out of a lineup. You need to put in a considerable amount of work and research to narrow down the kinds of vehicles that work for your price range and check off all the boxes you're looking for in a car. Once you have the potential purchase narrowed down your next move is to take a test drive. However, you need to do more than just take drive around the block. Instead, here is exactly what you need to do to get the most out of your test drive. 

During a test drive, you need to:

• Check Your Cables
• Cup Holders
• Stroller/Kid Seat
• Climate Control
• Turn Off the Radio and Listen
• Parking Lot Test

Check Your Cables

If you spend any amount of time driving your vehicle you'll be charging your phone and other electronics on the go. To get a good feel of the new vehicle bring your current devices and see how everything connects. 

Cup Holders

Do you pick up coffee on the way to work? Maybe you bring a thermos with you. Test to make sure your cup not only fits, but that it's within a comfortable reach. These might be small aspects to a new vehicle, but you likely will spend a good amount of time in the vehicle, so you need to make sure it fits you perfectly. 

Stroller and Kid Seat

If you have a small child, you'll need to put in the car seat and stroller. Don't complete your test drive without seeing how easy it is to set up your child seat and fit the stroller into the trunk. If it's a problem now, just think how big of a headache it will be when you have other items in the trunk and back seat. 

Climate Control

Test out the climate control. Take note how how well it works. This is especially important if you're buying a used vehicle. If it takes a while on a used vehicle there might be problems under the hood. 

Turn Off the Radio and Listen

Take note of how noisy the drive is. Can you hear everything going on outside? Is it windy when you're on the highway? The salesman will probably want to show off the stereo system, which is fine. Take a good listen. But then take a hard listen with everything off. You can always upgrade the stereo later. You can't upgrade how quiet the car is when you're driving it. 

Parking Lot Test

You'll be parking the vehicle several times a day. So, take it to a parking lot and see how it handles. This is where you'll see if the vehicle makes wide turns or if it's difficult to see past certain blind spots. 

It doesn't matter if you're on the market for a brand-new pickup truck or for a used station wagon, you need to follow these tips and suggestions during the next test drive. As long as you follow these instructions, you'll have the knowledge you need to make a final decision on which vehicle works best for your needs. 

In order to ensure that you are not stuck with repair bills after your purchase, head on over to True Auto’s website. Check out how we can give you a piece of mind while on the road!

There are many things people look for when they are purchasing a car. For some, it’s color, design, or affordability. Others purchase solely on how spacious the interior is, like how much leg room it provides. If you are a “vertically gifted” person who’s shopping for a new car, there are certain features that you will have to consider besides practicality.  One of the features that you cannot afford to overlook is leg room. You have to think about which car will offer you and your passengers the most space. Luckily, there are plenty of cars with ample leg room. We have put together this post with an overview of the top 8 cars for leg room. Take a look:

2018 Cadillac CTC

With a whopping 46.4 inches in front legroom and 40.42 inches in rear leg room, this large luxury sedan takes the number one spot. Besides having ample legroom, the CTC comes with adjustable front seats that can be adjusted in 14 different ways. 

2018 Chevrolet Impala

Coming in at number two is this full-size sedan that gives you 45.8 inches in front leg room and 39.80 inches in rear legroom. The driver’s seat can be adjusted manually in 4 ways, and the back seats can accommodate 3 adults comfortably.

2016 Chevrolet Impala

Complete with 45.8 inches of front legroom, this full-size sedan is certainly a good choice for people with long legs. With a trunk capacity of 18.8 cubic foot, complemented by a passenger volume of 105 cubic feet, this large car is big and comfortable enough for everyone.

2018 Genesis G80

This mid-sized sedan is an ideal car for tall drivers as it has ample front legroom of 45.7 inches. Passengers at the back are sure to stay comfortable as the G80 has ample rear legroom of 35.0 inches. The front seats come with power lumbar support and they can be adjusted in 12 ways.

2016 Hyundai Sonata 

The Sonata has a capacious cabin, featuring up to 45.5 inches of legroom. Besides delivering so much interior volume, this midsize sedan has a fresh exterior design and a host of other handy features that make it a very comfortable car to drive in.

2016 Kia Optima

Even though the 2016 model was redesigned, the car maker retained the 45.5 inches of front legroom that the previous model had. With such ample leg room, it is not hard to see why tall people love this car.

2018 Honda Accord

This is another mid-sized sedan that comes with features that favor the tall ones. With front legroom and rear legroom of 42.3 inches and 40.4 inches respectively, the 2018 Honda Accord is without a doubt one of the top cars for leg room. 

2018 Toyota Avalon

Cars that have the most front and rear legroom are often big in other dimensions as well, and such is the case with the 2018 Toyota Avalon. This full-size sedan features 42.1 inches of front legroom and 39.2 inches of back legroom.

If you’re looking for a car that has lots of space for your legs, the above cars will do. The good thing about most cars that have ample front and rear legroom is that they also have ample head room. 

Leg room or not, cars will break down either day. If you are wanting a little piece of mind while driving on the road, call one of our sales representatives and learn how True Auto can take care of any repair bills. Trust True Auto and call us at 877-397-1024 today!

 

Having a True Auto extended warranty for used cars is the best protection you can have against costly repairs. With that being said, there is more that you can do to avoid repairs, extend your vehicle’s life, and potentially raise its value. In addition to having an extended warranty, regular maintenance is essential to the vehicle’s longevity and keeping it out of the repair shop. The following are steps you can take to keep a car, truck, or SUV running its best:

· Avoid aggressive driving like slamming down on the gas to accelerate and hard braking. This will extend the life of the brakes, suspension, tires, transmission, and engine.

· Avoid driving in city traffic and for very short distances as much as possible. This extends the life of the brakes, transmission, and the engine.

· Keep the vehicles exterior and paint clean by regularly washing and waxing the vehicle. Removing pollution, sludge, and road salt will prevent rust and the corrosion of metal parts.

· Use seat covers and floor mats, condition leather seats, and keep your interior clean. Doing so prevents wear and tear and extends the life of the vehicle’s interior.

· Add thousands of miles to the life of the vehicle’s tires by keeping them properly inflated and rotating them regularly.

· Change the oil and filter in the vehicle according to the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. This can add years and thousands of miles to the life of the vehicle’s engine, and this is possible the most important maintenance task.  

· Replace the vehicle’s thermostat and change the engine’s coolant based on the vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Doing this improves the vehicle’s performance, prevents overheating, and extends the life of the cooling system and engine.

· Change the vehicle’s transmission fluid and filter regularly based on the recommended service intervals. This extends the life of the transmission.

· Regularly replace the air filter, drive belts, and the spark plugs to improve the vehicle’s gas mileage and extend the life of the exhaust system and the engine.

· Replace the water pump and the timing belt based on the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule. This helps prevent damage to the engine’s internal components and prevents overheating while improving engine performance.

Even the most rigorous preventative maintenance schedule cannot prevent all repairs. Vehicle owners should have an extended warranty for used cars to help mitigate the cost of unexpected repairs. Here at True Auto, we offer a variety of coverage options so we can find one to best suit you! Call 877-397-1021 to learn more about how we can protect your vehicle!

Have you ever stopped to think what effects winter has on your car? Winter exposes your vehicle to problems ranging from wear and tear, a shift in wheel alignment; build up of sludge, dirt and moisture in engine air filter, etc. However, spring cleaning deals with most of these problems so, when spring cleaning, don’t forget your car!

Spring cleaning is the thorough cleaning of your house during the spring season. The cleanup is not a preserve of those in snowy regions, and it makes your vehicle’s maintenance cheap while at the same time offering safer rides. Here are simple car cleaning tasks.

Tips for Spring Cleaning your Car

1. Check Fluid Levels

Your vehicle's life depends on the fluids. Therefore, check the fluid levels to see if there is a need for replacement or top up. Your car system has the following fluids, brake fluid, engine oil, power steering, washer fluid and the cooling system. Look out for any threats whose evidence are stainings in your car park or on the driveway and act appropriately. Consequently, Replace the depleted fluids with high-quality ones for the enhanced and efficient performance of your car.

2. Add Coolant

Coolant helps reduce the engine temperature to acceptable levels while preventing leakages since it acts as a sealant. Overheating of the engine is the primary course of avoidable vehicle breakdowns. You can avoid the failure by either replacing your old antifreeze or taking the expensive alternative of engine repair. Nevertheless, adding coolant during the spring cleaning will spare you much trouble.

3. Wash the Car’s Exterior

Your vehicle has a buildup of dust, mud and salt on the exterior of your car. Use a car wash first after which you can wax it using either spray or liquid wax. Not only will the wax add shine to your car’s exterior but also it will increase the firmness of the paint. While at it, don’t forget to wash mirrors and the headlights. Revamp the appearance of your vehicle by spring washing.

4. Clean the Inside

Driving in a not-so-clean car in the chilly winter is forgivable. However, with the brightening up of the weather, you should clean all the crumbs, debris, dry salt, trash, and all the dirt that has collected in the different compartments. Check under the floor mats, and seats it's unsightly too. 

Vacuum clean all the areas then proceed to organize everything in the inside of your car. When it comes to seats cleaning, use a wet cloth since chemicals will eat away your nice seats.

5. Replace the Winter Tires

Remember to replace the winter tires with the normal ones which are properly inflated to avoid wear and tear and blow-outs.  Also, inflate your spare tires too.

If planning for spring cleaning, don’t forget your car. During the cleaning make sure to change fluids, vacuum clean the inside of the car, wax the exterior and fill up the coolant.

 

Emergent car technologies are making vehicles safer and more enjoyable to drive. From parking assist features that make the fear of parallel parking a thing of the past, to crafty gadgets such as wireless charging adapters, new vehicles are bridging the gap between utility, performance, and comfort. 

Car technologies are natively integrated into each model they work on, while gadgets can turn a 90s vehicle into a hub of technology. Here are some trendy technology features and gadgets that are currently dominating the market.

1. Surround view cameras and sensors 

How cool would it be to maintain a 360-degree view of your entire vehicle in real time? Surround view cameras turn this fantasy into reality. Although not completely new, surround view cameras were only available on high-end car models that would cost several thousands to purchase. These cameras are now an essential component of affordable sedans and SUVs. 

How do they work? They use a system of sensors placed around the vehicle to generate a 360-degree view of your vehicle from the inside. Actual cameras can also be placed on the front and rear of the vehicle to provide high-resolution images of your surroundings when driving and parking. No more stubborn blind spots while on the freeway, or guessing when you’re backing up into tight spaces. 

2. Tire pressure monitoring gadgets 

Monitoring tire pressure is key to the longevity of your tires and better fuel efficiency. If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have tire pressure incorporated into its infotainment system, you can use a portable tire pressure monitor to keep track of your tires in real time. 

This gadget, installed conveniently on each tire, can communicate with your smart phone via Bluetooth signals to provide important information regarding your tires. The end result is a safer driving experience, lower maintenance costs, and better fuel efficiency while on the road. 

3. Parking and lane assist technology 

Many motorists are captivated by those ads that show parking assist technologies. Indeed, one of the trendiest car technology features is parking assist, where the vehicle uses a combination of cameras and sensors to help you navigate into tight spaces. These systems particularly help with parallel parking, where they direct you on how to adjust the steering wheel as you back up into a desired spot. Say goodbye to dents and scratches. 

Lane assist technology is another feature that’s making new vehicles more desirable. This technology detects the reflective patterns of road line markings and can adjust your steering wheel to help you remain in your lane.

4. Pro car adapters 

If you’re looking for a simple device that can turn an old car into a smart technology hub, then pro car adapters are the gadgets for you. These adaptors connect with your vehicle and collect important data such as mileage, location, and speed. They add functionality to older vehicles and can revive the old vintage car that you keep stored in your garage. 

As soon as a vehicle is purchased and drives off the dealer's lot, it drops in value. That is just part of the nature of vehicles. Very few vehicles end up more valuable than the original purchase price, and it typically takes decades for this to happen. For anyone who is looking to sell their vehicle and wants to do everything in their power to increase the car's value before selling, there are ways to boost the overall value of the vehicle. Small issues when selling a used car can drastically bring down the potential asking price, which is why anyone looking to sell their vehicle should use these five tricks. 

1. Vehicle Tune-up

Taking the vehicle in for a tune-up is a must. Buyers at a used car lot can spot common problems and knock all sorts of cash off of the price, while private buyers will want to have it inspected and likely not even buy the vehicle if there are substantial problems. A vehicle tune-up costs money up front, but it makes it much more valuable when selling (like selling a house, sometimes an owner needs to spend a little bit of money to receive a much better return). 

2. New Tires

New tires can be an instant selling point, especially when selling a vehicle in colder climates where snow and ice are a problem. It is possible to keep an eye out for sales on new tires which instantly increase the value of the vehicle. 

3. Detailing

Detailing the vehicle brings out the inner shine and gives it the roof to fender cleaning, inside and out. It increases its marketability and really catches the eyes of interested buyers. it is amazing how a little bit of cleaning can go a long way in boosting the asking price. 

4. Print Out the Car Fax

Printing out the Car Fax can help when selling a vehicle privately. The main holdup private buyers have is not knowing the history of the vehicle. By having it readily available, car buyers now what to expect and are willing to part with more money when they know the vehicle has an excellent history. 

5. Avoid the Extreme Add-Ons

Add-Ons can actually reduce the value of a vehicle as it alienates buyers away from the vehicle. Oversized rear fins, bright undercarriage LED lighting and other add-ons drop the value when selling the vehicle. 

Most of us have experienced being left on the side of the road with a broken-down car. It's always inconvenient, and sometimes even scary. If you've gone through this even once, you will no doubt want to try to prevent it from happening again. 

Here are a few tips to help prevent breakdowns.

• Do scheduled maintenance and yearly tune-ups.
• Whether you do them yourself or take your car to a mechanic, tune-ups and scheduled maintenance are opportunities to catch problems before they leave you stranded. While under the hood, you or your mechanic can look for cracking or bulging hoses, shiny belts, and other signs of potential problems. In addition, staying on top of regular maintenance can also prevent problems from becoming big enough to strand you.
• Listen for problems.
• Always pay attention to how your car sounds and how it feels to drive it, and look for the cause whenever you notice significant changes. Sometimes a new noise can give you enough warning to have something fixed before your car actually breaks down somewhere.
• Visually inspect your car every time you drive it.
• Make it a habit to look at your car every time you walk up to it to drive somewhere. Look at all four tires to make sure none are flat, and look for fluids leaking out from underneath. Look at your parking spot after you pull out of it for signs of fluids, too. You might be able to catch a problem before you drive away, just by paying attention.

Of course, sometimes no matter how vigilant you are, your car may still break down. Not all problems can be seen coming or prevented with regular maintenance. If it does happen, you'll want to have a Plan B, a vehicle serve contract from True Auto. Not only do we take care of unexpected breakdowns and vehicle repair bills, we also offer roadside assistance, so you are never stranded alone of the side of the highway.

In the event that your car does leave you stranded, help is just a phone call away when you have a vehicle breakdown protection plan already in place.  Please browse our site to find out more about how one of these plans can protect you.

Whether you are looking to save a few bucks on gas or are simply eco-conscious, there are many fuel-efficient cars you can consider in 2019. 

Here are top 10 fuel-efficient cars that have made it into our list. 

 

1. Audi A4 Ultra

Many people believe that the terms “Audi” and “fuel economy” can’t go hand in hand. The Audi A4 ultra proves otherwise. This is a luxury car that achieves a cool EPA of 31 miles per gallon, giving you better performance for less.

2. 2019 Honda Fit

With a rating 36 miles per gallon, the 2019 Honda Fit features excellent fuel economy without necessarily sacrificing on practicality. The vehicle still maintains its impressive driving experience but comes with an addition they call the “Magic Seat,” whereby the seats fold to free up cargo space.

3. Mazda CX-3

Boasting an attractive styling, a well-tuned chassis, and a fuel-efficient engine, this is one car that you’ll love to own. It has an EPA-rated fuel economy of only 31 miles per gallon, which is impressive for an SUV. 

4. 2019 Toyota Prius Hatchback

If you think of hybrid, what most probably comes to your mind is the Toyota Prius Hatchback. The latest Prius won’t dent your pocket because it’s extremely fuel efficient, with a consumption rating of 54 miles per gallon.

5. Skoda Superb Hatchback

This is a family car featuring an ultra-fuel-efficient engine with an EPA rating of 76.4 miles per gallon. This consumption is impressive for a large car of its caliber. 

6. Chevrolet Colorado Duramax

The current generation of Chevrolet Colorado vehicles is a game changer as it introduces diesel power, achieving an EPA rating of 23 miles per gallon. Now that’s some serious fuel economy for such a powerful truck!

7. Renault Kadjar SUV

 Featuring a powerful 128bhp 1.2-liter engine, the Renault Kadjar SUV vehicle achieves an impressive 50.4 miles per gallon fuel consumption. It’s an elegant car perfect for a family or daily commute.

8. Hyundai Loniq Hybrid

Some may argue that the Hyundai Loniq Hybrid’s design and performance was inspired by the Prius Hatchback, but what’s important is that it achieved the expected goal of being fuel efficient and reduce CO2 emission.  It has an EPA rating of 66 miles per gallon, which is quite a bargain compared to other Hyundai models.

9. Fiat 124 Spider

If you are into sports cars and want one that sips fuel, the Fiat 124 Spider is a great option. With an EPA rating of 30 miles per gallon, this sports car comes with some Italian flair and an optional six-speed auto.

10. Dacia Sandero Hatchback

This vehicle has an extremely low running cost, achieving a consumption rating of 54.3 miles per gallon. This isn’t bad for a car that runs on petrol and costs less than $10,000. 

There you have it! Ten fuel-efficient cars of 2019 that promise to save your gas cost without necessarily sacrificing on performance.

 

For many people, the purchase of a motor vehicle is one of the most expensive investments they will ever make.  With that in mind, it pays to take whatever steps are necessary to protect that investment and make sure it provides a reasonable amount of returns.  This is where the concept of an extended auto warranty comes into play.

The Basic Idea Behind the Warranty

Since all new and most pre-owned vehicles that have been restored to factory standards come with a standard warranty, it is not unusual for consumers to question the wisdom of paying extra for an extended auto warranty.  The thing to remember is that this type of warranty picks up where the basic warranty leaves off.  As the provisions within the basic plan expire, our extended plan will continue for a longer period of time.

Why is the Extra Time So Important?

Basic warranties do cover a reasonable range of services and support, but there are limits in terms of time and total mileage on the vehicle.  The fact is that many motorists exceed the allotted mileage long before reaching the time limit. For people who use their vehicles extensively, it is possible to reach that mileage limit in less than half of the time frame.  At that point, the basic warranty is basically no longer in effect.

Since the extended warranty ensures that those benefits continue for longer than that initial time or mileage limit, the owner can retain coverage for more years.  The result is that if a component covered under the warranty terms breaks down due to a manufacturing defect three months after the basic warranty has expired, the part can still be replaced at little to no charge under the provisions found in the extended auto warranty.

What About the Expense?

Whether the extended warranty is purchased from the auto manufacturer or from a third party provider, there will be some expense involved with the transaction.  One way to keep that cost in perspective is to consider it a form of preventive maintenance for the vehicle.  While the hope is that there will never be any reason to invoke one of the clauses in the warranty plan, it is nice to know that there is coverage in place if it is needed.  That peace of mind will easily justify the expense of securing and maintaining the extended warranty.

Even if one covered event does take place, chances are that all the money paid toward the extended auto warranty will still be less than that one event.  This is true even if that event takes place several years after the purchase of the vehicle and the expiration of the basic warranty.  For people who tend to drive their cars for the better part of a decade before trading them in, having that extra coverage in place makes a lot of sense.

The bottom line is that securing an extended auto warranty with True Auto is the way to go. With our warranties in place, it is easier to relax, enjoy the ride, and know that help is there if any serious problem should arise.

Do you have a new year’s resolution to save more money this year? Well, start with your car. A vehicle is only as good as it is maintained. The best designed cars can falter without proper servicing and checkups. Simply waiting for something to go wrong on the vehicle is a recipe for expensive auto repairs. To avoid this, performing some general preventative car services not only extends the life of the vehicle but it helps cut down on expensive replacement parts. Here are a few preventative vehicle maintenance tips that will save any car owner both time and money:

Engine and Transmission 

The engine and transmission are essentially the heart and brain of the vehicle. If one fails, it not only causes significant damage to the vehicle, but these areas are some of the most expensive to repair and replace when either goes bad. Due to this, proper engine and transmission maintenance is a must. This starts with changing the oil when recommended. At this time, all other fluids can be checked and filled. Plus, serpentine and timing belts can be inspected and serviced as well. A coolant flush may be necessary to rid the engine of old and corroded coolant while filling up the power steering fluid keeps the vehicle turning properly. Should a driver feel their vehicle fighting them during snow speed turns, it likely means the steering fluid is low. A new spark plug can boost engine efficiency and safe on fuel economy as well. All of these areas of the vehicle can be looked over and inspected in one short visit to the auto shop, so having the car looked over during a standard oil change can help avoid more expensive repairs later on. 

Wheels and Brakes

Replacing brake pads is a must. Should the brake wear down to nothing, it may require additional repairs, including new tie rods. When new brakes are installed, having the tires rotated can help ensure universal wear on the tires, which in turn improves handling and driving performance (while also extending the life of the tires). Tires should be replaced on a regular basis as well. An easy way for any driver to know if it is time to replace their tires is to pull out a quarter and slide it into the tire tread. If the top of Washington's head can still be seen, the tread is too low and needs to be replaced.

Alignment problems should be addressed at this time as well. If the vehicle is turning to one side or the other instead of pointing strait (where the steering wheel is pulling to one side) it means the alignment is off and it needs to be straightened and corrected.

Let True Auto Help

If you would like to make sure that you are never stuck with an expensive vehicle repair bill, True Auto can provide you with an extended vehicle warranty. Call 877-397-1021 today to discuss your options with one of our representatives. Trust True Auto to take care of your vehicle!