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Increase Your Car’s Worth with These 5 Tricks

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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. 

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Topics: extended car warranty, Preventative Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle Options, Vehicle

How to Choose the Correct Extended Warranty for Your Car

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The perfect extended warranty from True Auto Protection

When you own a vehicle, there are many different things that you need to take care of in order for you to get the most use and enjoyment out of that vehicle. To keep costs down and still have yourself covered, you should get an extended warranty that will provide the extra coverage that many car owners need. The best extended car warranty for you and your vehicle will have certain features, so make sure that these features are in the policy before you sign up and pay for a new policy. Here is a list of what you should look for in a contract with a new provider.


Having an extended warranty can provide extra coverage for car owners

When you have an older car that has been well-maintained, can it be covered in a similar manner like newer model cars are? Not many companies will cover older cars with an extended warranty, but a few will. Is your vehicle's model young enough to be covered under a policy for services at or near the same level of coverage that newer model cars are covered? If updates to the interior of your vehicle are covered under individual warranties from the manufacturers, amenities being excluded from coverage by a policy might not need to be a deal-breaker if the frame and motor is covered by that policy.

Affordability plus coverage of parts and labor should be included under policy benefits. Some policies have you pay for the labor, forcing you into paying whatever price their pre-approved service center charges, and sometimes that can be expensive. Read the fine print in the policy before you sign and see exactly what is offered for your car or truck's make and model. Finding the best extended car warranty and purchasing a policy can help you prevent this problem.

When you travel out of your home state, will you still be covered? Will you be required to have repairs done only at an approved shop, or are you free to take your vehicle to any repair shop that is licensed and qualified to do the work? This is a very important, and also cost-reducing, aspect of any policy. If you are required by your policy to have work done only at certain pre-approved shops, or only in a certain geographic area, this can cause you extra frustration in locating such a place. It can also end up costing you a great deal if you must have your vehicle towed a long distance just to have work performed, plus it can ruin a business trip or vacation, costing you in lost reservations and clients. Make sure you can have work done in any state you might travel to with your vehicle.

Finding a policy that pays the shop performing the repairs directly, instead of reimbursing you after you've paid to retrieve your vehicle, can be beneficial in many ways. You'll receive your vehicle much quicker, you won't be out the cost of repairs waiting for a check in the mail, and the cost of parts and labor will be set by the policy company and the shop itself, eliminating the need for you to negotiate with the shop, and also any surprise work that 'needs' done.

Always read the fine print to make sure that you understand the policy you are about to sign, and ask any questions about aspects that you don't understand. Having an extra policy won't do you any good if you've bought one that can't or won't provide benefits when you need it most but finding the best extended car warranty for you will solve more problems than another policy might create.


 

Click HERE to request a FREE QUOTE or Call 877-397-1022 to find out how we can make you and your vehicle a priority. If your current warranty is about to expire, please consider True Auto for your future automobile extended warranty needs.


 

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Topics: extended warranty, car warranty, auto warranty, Warranty, Best Extended Car Warranties, auto car warranty, vehicle warranty, extended car warranty, automobile warranty, used car warranty

Avoiding Unexpected Breakdowns

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How to avoid unexpected breakdowns 

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 cell phone and someone you can call to come rescue you.


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.  If your extended car warranty is soon to expire, please consider True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection with your next extended warranty. Click HERE to recieve a FREE Quote or CALL one of our team members at 877-397-1022.

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Topics: car extended warranty, extended warranty, car warranty, auto warranty, Warranty, Best Extended Car Warranties, Auto Warranties, auto car warranty, vehicle warranty, extended car warranty, used car, resale value, automobile warranty, car warranty quote

Making Your Car More Serviceable

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Making you car more serviceable

Having a vehicle break down can be inconvenient and expensive.  Auto warranty companies, such as True Auto Protection, provide a sense of security from such expenses but one should keep their vehicle in peak operating condition.  By doing so, potential problems may be spotted early and actions taken to prevent more costly repairs.

How to Make Your Vehicle Serviceable:

1. The Service Manual is Your Guide

A vehicle's service manual can be a valuable resource to obtain information.   Drivers can learn about the individual manufacturers' recommended service intervals, when parts such as wipers and brakes should be replaced and about the vehicle warning alerts.

Reading the service manual can be of assistance in planning for the cost of repairs and general maintenance. 

2. Watch the Dashboard

Drivers should never ignore the warning lights on the dashboard.   They can be the first indicators of trouble with the car.   Taking action when the lights appear may initially cost money.  But it is important to know that spending this money now can prevent much more expensive repairs at a later time.

3. Know The Timing Belt

The timing belt is a major engine component.   If it malfunctions, there can be serious, expensive damage to the vehicle's engine.   Depending on the type of car, replacing the timing belt can and will differ.   Check the service manual or research online to tell how the timing belt is going bad, or how the timing belt should be replaced.

4. Monitor the Tires

Tires play a significant role in vehicle performance and safety.   Drivers must ensure their tires have sufficient tread and are properly inflated to the manufacturers' recommendations. They should also be aware of the tires expected usable mileage.   Once the tires have exceeded this limit, they should be replaced.  

Take the average miles driven to calculate the remaining tread life for tires.   Doing so can help the driver budget their funds for tire replacement.

5. Drive Sensibly

While this may seem like common sense, it should be noted.    Do not make sudden starts or "burn rubber" upon acceleration.   Do braking gradually when stopping the vehicle.  Do not overload the vehicle with cargo beyond the recommended levels.

Drivers who take the time to learn about their vehicle and drive rationally can save money on costly, unnecessary repairs.   They can enjoy years of service from their vehicle.  

For drivers who are tougher on their vehicles, an Extended Warranty might be a wise investment.   Often times, extended warranty companies cover new and used vehicles; not to mention all makes and models -Acura, Chevrolet and Dodge, as well as Hyundai and more. 

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Topics: car extended warranty, extended warranty, car warranty, auto warranty, Warranty, Auto Warranties, extended car warranty, extend your car warranty, auto warranty quote, extended warranty options

Used Car Warranties: What You Need To Know

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Buying a pre-owned car can be a stressful enough process without thinking about warranties; however, it is important to understand your options to ensure you are making the best choice. Factors to take into consideration are whether it is worth purchasing a used car warranty and what type would be suitable for your needs. Although used cars tend to have fewer warranty options than new models, policies can be daunting due to a mixed coverage.

 

Used Car Warranty Types

 

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

 

A certified pre-owned warranty is one of the best options available if you are looking for reassurance as cars sold as valid for CPO must be in great condition. These warranties have more coverage than other options and generally include a longer powertrain coverage.

 

Basic Used

 

Basic used warranties are rudimentary policies that offer to pay a percentage of parts or labor specified in the coverage in the case of failure. They usually expire within 30 days to one year after the sale of the car.

 

Extended Length

 

An extended length used car warranty is similar to those for new cars. They are sold by the automakers or third party sellers and can cover as little as serious engine failures to as much as everything minus regular maintenance. The basic policies usually have higher deductibles than their more pricey counterparts.

 

Implied

 

Implied warranties are required in states that do not allow a used car to be sold in as-is condition. In such a case, the used car must be able to run when sold and if the buyer experiences a failure shortly after the sale from a condition proved to have existed previously, the seller is liable to pay for the repairs.

 

Aftermarket Accessories

 

Aftermarket accessories are rarely included in new car warranties but are offered by manufacturers of products such as stereos and turbochargers. If you are considering to buy an aftermarket accessories used car warranty, it is important that you read the policy thoroughly as coverage usually only applies to the aftermarket component and not original parts.

 

Replacement Parts

 

Warranties for replacement parts usually last for one year but can sometimes be longer, especially in the case of replacement batteries. These warranties cover parts bought from a dealership to replace defective ones.

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Topics: car extended warranty, car warranty, vehicle warranty, extended car warranty, auto warranty quote, used car warranty

5 Extended Warranty Tips

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 Auto Warranty

The average new car costs over $25,600. With that cost, owner expect trouble free operation and longer vehicle life. So why are many turning to extended warranty plans? The answer is simple:they want to protect their investment. Here are a few simple tips you should keep in mind when considering an extended warranty.

1. Decide Whether You Really Need It

Most Manufactuers offer at least 3-year/36,00 mile bumper-to-bumper protection on their new products. In addition, many offer extended warranty coverage on engine and powertrain components and limited warranties on certified used cars. In most cases, these plans offer consumers excellent protection. However, if you drive more than 12,000 miles per year or plan to keep your vehicle for a long time, then an extended service plan might offer the kind of security you are looking for. 

Keep in mind it is less expensive to purchase the plan while the vehicle is still covered by the manufactuer's warranty. 

2. Choose a Provider

There are three basic organizations that offer extended warranties; automobile manufacturers, new and used car dealerships, and independent companies or third parties. As usual, it is up to the consumer to decide which is best for their circumstances, but here are a few of the pros and cons of each:

Manufacturer

  • Pros: Factory-backed dealer repair network nationwide. No haggling about repair,price, or components.
  • Cons: Highest upfrnt costs, and dealer network might be limited in your area.
Dealer
  • Pros: Lower up-front cost:but plan and service car at same place.
  • Cons:Usually only one service point. If they can't fix it, who do you call?
Independent
  • Pros: Lowest cost (usually between 30-50 percent less than manufacturer plan), most coverage choices, dealers, or local repair shops. Third-party warranty programs are usually their only business.
  • Cons: shop coverage might not be as promised. Some are 'here today, gone tomorrow" companies.
3. Know What to Watch Out For
Signs of a good plan:
  • Corporate credit card to pay for services
  • ability to choose dealership or independent repair shop
  • Warranty is transferable
  • Trip-interruption coverage
  • Free loaner car
  • BBB certified
Signs of a bad plan:
  • Out of pocket to cover repairs
  • Specific caps on repair costs
  • Large number of exclusions
  • Dealership pressure to purchase plan
  • Non-transferable
  • Company lacking strong track record of customer satisfaction
4. Select the Right Plan

Do you want bumper to bumper coverage? This is the most expensive up front option, but it offers the most coverage.
Selecting higher per-repair deductibles can decreases the initial cost of the plan, but if your vehicle ends up being trouble-prone, it can be more expensive  in the long run.
Read the fine print of the plan. What is covered and what isn't? Where can you have the repairs performed? Do you have to pay cash up front for the repair? Each plan/provider is different. Make sure the plan you select is right for your needs.
Some plans offer perks like roadside assistance, car rental reinbursment, and travel expenses, such as food and lodging, if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are on a trip. These services can come in handy if you travel for business or commute long distances to work.
Finally, call the customer service number. See how long the wait time is before you talk to a claims adjuster. Note their demeanor and willingness to discuss the plan.
5. Know the Bottom Line
Like all services, you get what you pay for in extended warranties. If you look for the most inexpensive plan out there, you probably aren't getting the coverage you need. But paying more isn't necessarily better. You have to read the fine print, make sure your needs are met, and feel confident that the plan will be there to protect you when repairs arise.
Click me
Bilek, Mark. "5 Extended Warranty Tips" 21 October 2005. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/cg-extended-warranty-tips.htm> 11 September 2012.
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Topics: extended car warranty companies, Warranty, Best Extended Car Warranties, Auto Warranties, auto extended warranty, auto car warranty, extended auto warranty, vehicle warranty, extended car warranty

Toyota recalls inspire regulations to standardize push-button ignition

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describe the imageLast year, Toyota had to recall 2.3 million vehicles for an issue that caused accelerator pedals to get stuck, leading to sudden unintended acceleration. Popular Mechanics reports that this problem caused a number of accidents, but while the issue has been handled, unintended acceleration can be caused by any number of things - such as defective throttle cables, cruise controls or even floor mats.

A new rule recently proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that all vehicles equipped with push-button ignitions should be standardized so drivers will be able to easily turn off their vehicles in the event that their vehicles are accelerating unintentionally or if they leave the engine on, according to Bloomberg.

"At issue are drivers' inability to stop a moving vehicle in a panic situation, and drivers who unintentionally leave the vehicle without the transmission being 'locked in park,' or with the engine still running, increasing the chances of vehicle rollaway or carbon monoxide poisoning in an enclosed area," the regulator said in the proposal, the news publication reported.

The rule sets out to standardize the amount of time a driver must hold down a push-button ignition to disengage the engine. Even if the proposal becomes law, drivers will still be at risk of accidents, which is why it can be wise to purchase an extended car warranty/VSC. This way, drivers won't have to worry about the cost of repairs should they get into a car wreck.

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Topics: Best Extended Car Warranties, auto extended warranty, extended car warranty, automobile warranty

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